Abstract

CRITICAL REVIEW ARTICLE ON RUDRAKSHA (ELAEOCARPUS GANITRUS ROXB.)

Neha Rai*, Suresh Chaubey and Shailendra Pradhan

Abstract

Rudraksha (Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb.) bead is one sacred aspect of Indian lifestyle due to its religious, ethno botanical and medicinal values. It is historically used as prayer beads in many religions especially Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Rudraksha beads are usually used in the form of rosary or individually kept in homes and in temples for good fortune and health. Rudraksha bead is one of the most sacred insignia of Hinduism and Indian subculture. The beads are the dried seeds of Rudraksha tree (Elaeocarpus spp.) and are considered as highly priced seeds around the world. People around the world are using Rudraksha as a hebal drug traditionally. Present review is an attempt to describe botanical, traditional and therapeutic usage of Rudraksha.

Keywords: Elaeocarpus ganitrus, Rudraksha.