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How to Identify Original Rudraksha

How to Identify Original Rudraksha and Verify Their Authenticity

99Pandit Ji
Last Updated:May 21, 2025

How to Identify Original Rudraksha: In multiple spiritual and cultural practices, Rudraksha beads have a special place, mainly in Buddhism and Hinduism.

This is mainly known for their believed mystical and healing abilities; the beads are honored and sought after by a lot of people.

How to Identify Original Rudraksha

However, the high requirement has led to a wave of fake Rudraksha beads in the market.

To identify original Rudraksha and verify its authenticity, it’s important to be well-informed about the multiple methods of identification.

In this post, we will explain the steps or methods to understand the originality of Rudraksha and their significance.

What is Rudraksha?

The word Rudraksha is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘Rudra (name of lord shiva) and Aksha (meaning eyes)’ and refers to the seeds which are the fruit of the Elaeocarpus ganitrus tree.

These seeds are often discovered in different parts of India, Nepal, Myanmar, and Indonesia.

Each seed contains different lines from top to bottom, running which is known as ‘Mukhi’.

The count of mukhis can vary from one to twenty-one; each has multiple spiritual significances.

How to Identify Original Rudraksha

Rudraksha in Nepal is called Nepali Rudraksha, sourced in India and found in Java, Indonesia, and is called Java Rudraksha beads.

Due to being grown in Nepal, these Rudraksha have large and healthy black mukhis from top to bottom.

Rudraksha in Java is only a bit large, and its color is somewhat light as you go from top to bottom.

A specific sort of one-mukhi Rudraksha takes shape in the Himalayas in India as a half-moon shape.

Features of Authentic Rudraksha

Below are the aspects to identify authentic Rudraksha:

Physical Appearance and Texture – An actual Rudrakasha seed looks rough and solid, while a fake one is smooth and shiny.

The natural bead tracks and peaks are prominent and irregular. Each line is different and well-structured, designed from one end to the other.

Mukhi Lines – A real Rudraksha bead has naturally mukhi lines running from the continuous top to the end without any break. The count of faces from top to bottom ensures a uniform space and is well-informed.

Shape and Size – An original Rudraksha is basically not completely round. It tends to have an oval or slightly irregular shape.

Depending on their origin, Nepalese Rudrakshas tend to be bigger and rounder than the oval-shaped Indonesian ones.

Internal Structure – What matters most about an authentic bead is its internal construction.

When seen from the side, a genuine Rudraksha has compartments, each with the white bead of its mukhi line inside. Such a unique feature can not be seen in fake beads.

Why To Verify Rudraksha?

Since Rudraksha’s effectiveness is closely correlated with their sincerity, authenticity is essential.

Numerous advantages come with genuine Rudraksha, such as the ability to cure and emit positive vibrations that can help the wearer both physically and spiritually.

However, replica beads could contain subpar materials that could injure the wearer, and they lack these supernatural attributes.

How To Identify Original Rudraksha?

There is a big market where a lot of counterfeit and fake Rudraksha are sold. In Nepal and Java, the sellers defraud the customers by selling them fake beads at higher rates.

Considering it is a Rudraksha bead of higher mukhi or rare beads, generally known as a one Mukhi round Rudraksha.

Earlier, people were trading artificial Rudraksha beads, which were made using wood, nuts, or wild berry seeds.

However, the method is not as popular as most customers are now aware of fake beads.

Nowadays, a lot of sellers offer lesser Mukhi Rudraksha beads as higher Mukhi Rudraksha beads by adding more lines to the lower Mukhi Rudraksha beads.

Buying Rudraksha from reliable vendors and having them tested and validated on-site is the best way to find out if a Rudraksha is authentic, how to spot fake Rudraksha, or how to test Rudraksha at home. The Rudrakshas can be manipulated in a variety of ways.

1. Water Test (Floating Test)

Testing the Rudraksha in floating water is to identify its originality. This is a myth that the Rudraksha that sinks in water is real and that floats in water is fake.

Due to their moisture, each original Rudraksha can float in water or remain submerged. A true seed that is not greasy, super dry, and light may rise in water.

Water will cause a heavy and oiled Rudraksha to sink. Therefore, a dry bead, if placed in water for some time or days, will absorb the water and start sinking.

When a Rudraksha bead is kept in a glass of water, it will get its own buoyancy stage from bottom to top based on the moisture level.

How to Identify Original Rudraksha

Hence, any authentic bead can either float or sink only on the basis of the dryness and moisture it contains. It occurs when the beads find their buoyancy level in the glass of water.

Similarly, a Rudraksha bead carved out of wood and filled with lead or an unknown metal may sink. It does not mean this is an authentic Rudraksha bead.

Also, if a few seeds stand in the water test, one has to ask a simple question: could the Rudraksha be real, but how does the water test claim the authenticity of the mukhi?

The line can be created on a genuine heavy Rudraksha that sinks in water. So, we are giving the cost for an original Rudraksha bead with real lines.

Hence, in such cases, it cannot be claimed whether the Rudraksha seed is authentic or fake. It just shows whether it’s a dry or moist bead, nothing else.

2. Copper Coin Test

To check the authenticity of the original Rudraksha with a copper coin, rub the bead against the coin.

If it’s a real Rudraksha, it emits the electromagnetic spectrum and would usually build a little vibration or a tingling feeling.

Only a high-quality copper coin and a small fingerprint work for good verification; it’s too hard for amateurs to fake this type of signature.

To perform a test, place a bead between two copper coins. It is stated that if a Rudraksha is genuine, it can rotate. However, it’s not like that.

The test is not performed to check accurate results, and can not be completely dependent on the test. This might be fake as well.

3. Milk Test

The milk test is also a method to verify the Rudraksha’s authenticity. Float the bead in a glass of milk overnight.

If the color of milk slightly changes and if it remains in its original stage without any fade or color breach, it shows the originality. Be careful, as some fraudulent people dye the beads to clear the test.

Thus, it’s also a fake test that does not give any real results. Some manufacturers cheat their customers by applying mud to Rudrakshas to protect them from insects.

As a result, when you put the milk-detector bead into milk, the coating falls off and the milk changes color.

Furthermore, this test does not confirm the genuineness of the mukhis or facets that the Rudraksha has on it, even if some people think it makes some sense or makes some sense. Usually, this is done to encourage the sale of a phony Rudraksha.

4. Magnifying Glass Examination

Examine the Rudraksha bead closely using a magnifying glass. Check for irregularities and natural textures.

Fake beads usually show signs of creation or artificial processing, whereas real beads have a natural, uneven texture.

5. X-ray Examination

The X-ray test is the only way to know the authenticity of the Rudraksha. With this, you can see if the bead is not altered, reproduced, or original.

An original bead is made so that every mukhi is filled with a bead. The test helps to know whether the Rudraksha has equal compartments like the mukhi or not.

See, a Rudraksha bead should have equal compartments like the lines on its surface, and it should have a bead in each compartment.

Also, at times, the Rudraksha is not completely developed, and all the beads are visible in an X-ray because it is too thin.

Still, the compartments can be seen in the X-ray test. For instance, if you take a 15-line Rudraksha to text in x-ray, the real one will have 15 compartments and 15 seeds.

However, if Rudraksha is not built completely, it will display 15 compartments, but it may not completely show all the beads, as some of them may be too thin.

Though, consult with an expert to see the X-ray to know if the Rudraksha is original or not.

Buying Tips for Rudraksha

Consider the following purchasing tips before buying Rudraksha.

Buy from known Manufacturers: Shop for Rudraksha beads from a trusted and verified dealer. See the certification and customer feedback to ensure originality.
Ignore Unbelievably Cheap Offers: If the cost seems lower and seems too good to be true, it probably is. Real Rudraksha beads, mainly the ones with rare mukhi lines, could be quite costly.
Request Certification: Ask the dealer for authenticity certificates from known gemological and spiritual organizations.

Choose a Healthy Original Rudraksha

Rudraksha is often a natural product that is worn to show the presence of Lord Shiva.

It’s available in multiple qualities, from low, medium, and high. Below are a few things to consider while picking a Rudraksha bead.

Do’s

  • The Rudraksha bead must be of good quality and weight.
  • The Mukhi lines must be carved from the mouth to the tail of the Rudraksha.
  • Check wisely, whether the beads have damage or fungus; if yes, do not buy the Rudraksha.

Dont’s

  • A buyer should not buy low-quality beads, which are light and have damaged surfaces.
  • Ignore buying manipulated beads.
  • Do not find Rudrakshas with an extremely dry surface.
  • Skip buying if a Rudraksha bead has tiny holes.
  • Avoid buying any of the discussed beads, as these beads rarely offer any effects. One must go for Rudrakshas, heavy in weight, bright, lustrous, and emitting positive vibrations.

Conclusion

Hence, identifying the original Rudraksha involves a combination of physical monitoring and testing practices.

Some practices can be organized at home, while others may need professional guidance.

By knowing the key factors and verification techniques, you can examine the marketing and ensure you’re involved in knowing the real Rudraksha.

This provides the required spiritual and health benefits. Consider buying from reputable sources and being updated to avoid falling prey to fraudsters.

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