Rudraksha & Malas
How to Wear Rudraksha: Rules, Do's and Don'ts
5 min read · Updated 2026-07-11
Rudraksha is simple to wear, but a few traditional practices help you treat the bead with the respect it is given in Shaiva tradition — and keep it lasting for years. Here is how to wear rudraksha properly.
First wearing: energising the bead
- Choose a Monday (Shiva's day) or a Shivaratri if possible.
- Dip the bead in clean water, then optionally raw milk, and rinse.
- Hold it, recite 'Om Namah Shivaya' 108 times, and set the intention for which you wear it.
- Wear it for the first time that day, ideally in the morning.
Thread, metal and how to wear it
- Thread: red or black cotton or silk is traditional; a single bead can be capped in silver or gold.
- Neck or wrist: worn as a mala around the neck, or a bracelet on the wrist — both are acceptable.
- A 108+1 bead mala is used for japa (mantra repetition) as well as for wearing.
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From the Treasury
5 Mukhi Rudraksha Mala — 108 Beads
₹4,200
Care and cleaning
- Remove it while bathing or swimming to protect the thread; some wearers keep it on always, which is also fine.
- Clean it occasionally with a soft brush and lukewarm water; dry it well.
- Oil the beads now and then (sandalwood or mustard oil) to prevent cracking and keep the lustre.
- Re-string a worn thread promptly and re-energise the bead afterward.
🤍
From the Treasury
Sphatik Japa Mala — 108 Beads
₹2,800
Traditional do's and don'ts
- Do treat it with respect — remove it, if you wish, during activities you consider impure.
- Do keep it your own; traditionally rudraksha is not shared once worn and energised.
- Many wearers adopt a Satvik diet and calm conduct, though this is a personal choice, not a strict requirement for the common 5 Mukhi.
- Don't let it sit dirty or cracked — care is part of the practice.
Frequently Asked
- How do I wear a rudraksha for the first time?
- Energise it on a Monday by dipping it in water, reciting 'Om Namah Shivaya' 108 times, and setting your intention, then wear it that morning on a thread or capped in silver or gold.
- Can I wear rudraksha all the time?
- Yes. Many wear it continuously and remove it only for bathing to protect the thread. Keep it clean and oiled and re-string it when the thread wears out.
- Are there dietary rules for wearing rudraksha?
- For the common 5 Mukhi there are no strict requirements. Many wearers choose a Satvik diet and respectful conduct, but this is a personal practice rather than a rule.
- Should rudraksha be shared with others?
- Traditionally, once a rudraksha is worn and energised it is kept personal and not shared.