During these challenging times, it is essential to remain vibrant and available to grace. As Mahashivratri approaches, Sadhguru’s wish is for everyone to be able to access the grace of Adiyogi wherever they may be. Rudraksha Diksha is a powerfully designed way to become more conscious and available to the grace of Adiyogi (the first Yogi, also known as Shiva). As the word ‘rudraksha’ means ‘tears of Shiva’, Rudraksha Diksha is a chance to soak your body, mind and energy in Shiva’s tears of ecstasy!

You can register online at https://mahashivarathri.org/en/rudraksha-diksha

As part of your Rudraksha Diksha, you need only one Rudraksha. However, you can register for a maximum of 3 Rudraksha per mobile number if you wish to distribute them to your friends or family.

If you have already registered and received Rudraksha Diksha in the past, it is not necessary to register for a new package.

On the auspicious night of Mahashivratri, Sadhguru will consecrate the Rudraksha that have been adorning the Adiyogi statue. It is only after this, that the Rudraksha Diksha package will be dispatched to your country.

Rudraksha Diksha is offered during Mahashivratri to millions of devotees. It may take a few months to ship the offering to your country, considering the high volume and restrictions that may apply due to COVID-19.

We seek your cooperation and understanding.

If you completed your registration process through our website, you would have received an email confirming your registration. If not, please check your spam or promotion folders.

For any issues regarding registration or delivery of the Rudraksha Diksha package, you may write to:

Africa: africa@ishafoundation.org

Middle East: middle.east@ishafoundation.org

Nepal: nepal@ishayoga.org

All the offerings will be thoroughly checked before being dispatched. However, if there is any damage to the Rudraksha bead due to improper handling in transit, please do not use it. Kindly get in touch with us

Africa: africa@ishafoundation.org

Middle East: middle.east@ishafoundation.org

Nepal: nepal@ishayoga.org

If your Rudraksha Diksha package is damaged, please contact us for support.

Rudraksha are dried seeds of a tree, botanically known as Elaeocarpus Ganitrus, which mostly grows in select locations of southeast Asia, predominantly in the upper Himalayan mountain range of the Indian subcontinent. The word Rudraksha literally means “tears of Shiva”.

Rudraksha are very supportive in maintaining physical and mental balance. Rudraksha can help reduce blood pressure, calm one’s nerves and improve the health of one’s skin. Some of the subtler benefits ascribed to Rudraksha include enhancement of intuition, assistance in meditation, cleansing of the aura, and providing protection against negative energies.

Anyone, irrespective of age, gender, physical condition, culture, ethnicity, geographical or religious background, at any stage in life, can wear the Rudraksha offered here. It can be especially beneficial when worn by children, students and the elderly.

Rudraksha should always be worn around your neck.

If you take cold water baths and are not using any chemical soap, it is especially good for the water to flow over it and upon your body. But if you are using chemical soaps and warm water, it becomes brittle and will crack after some time, so it is best to avoid wearing it at such times. Please keep the Rudraksha on a cloth while taking a bath.

Yes. Rudraksha can be worn by everyone at all times.

If for some reason, you cannot wear the Rudraksha, it should be kept safely, wrapped in a natural cloth like cotton or silk. Since Rudraksha are natural seeds with a unique composition, it is best to store them in vessels made of natural materials. Containers made of copper, gold or silver may also be used.

There is no need to condition the Rudraksha when you receive it, as it is already conditioned.

It is recommended to condition the Rudraksha every 6 months on the summer solstice (21 June), and winter solstice (21 December).

When conditioning the Rudraksha for the first time, immerse it in clarified butter or ghee for 24 hours, then soak it in full-fat milk for the following 24 hours. Rinse with water and wipe with a clean cloth.

After conditioning it the first time, when conditioning it during the solstice, immerse the Rudraksha in clarified butter or ghee for three days and smear it with Vibhuti or sacred ash. This will help to retain the vibrancy of Rudraksha.

Copper is a metal that can create a certain energy and assist in meditation. Bringing it in contact with the body can help to strengthen and stabilize one’s energy system.

If you are tying a knot on either side of the Rudraksha, care must be taken not to tie it too tight as this could make the inside of the Rudraksha crack. If the inside crumbles because of the pressure, the rudraksha should not be worn. Also, make sure not to cup the Rudraksha.

There is no need to wear more than one rudraksha or to attend the initiation again. If you have more than one rudraksha, it is best if you offer it to someone who may need it for their wellbeing.

Yes.

You can add the rudraksha just below the bindu.

Please follow the below guidelines for rudraksha received through Rudraksha Diksha or bought from Isha Life:

To condition new rudraksha beads, immerse them in ghee (clarified butter) for 24 hours and then, soak them in full-fat milk for an additional 24 hours. Rinse with water and wipe the beads with a clean cotton cloth. Do not wash with soap or other chemical cleaning agents.

If milk is not available, soak it in ghee for 3 days.

If ghee is not available, soak it in gingelly or sesame oil for 3 days.

After that, you will need to condition the rudraksha every six months (preferably every solstice, i.e., on 21 June and 21 December). Immerse the bead in ghee, or clarified butter, for three days and smear it with vibhuti. Do not wash it with soap or any cleaning material. If ghee is not available, you can use sesame or gingelly oil.

If ghee is not available, you can use sesame or gingelly oil.

You can find all the relevant details about rudraksha conditioning here:

https://www.ishalife.com/in/the-rudraksha-guide/#conditioning

Yes, follow the same process as mentioned above.

You can find all the relevant details about the storage and maintenance of rudraksha at https://www.ishalife.com/in/the-rudraksha-guide/#storage

The benefits of each type are mentioned below:

• Rudraksha Diksha offering: There is no age limit. Anyone can wear it.

• Panchmukhi: These are five-faced Rudraksha that can be worn by anyone above 14 years of age. It helps cultivate inner freedom and purity.

• Dwimukhi: These are two-faced Rudraksha intended for married persons. It is supportive for marital relationships and should be worn by both husband and wife.

• Shanmukhi: These are six-faced Rudraksha intended for children below 14 years of age. It aids in proper physical and mental development.

• Gauri Shankar: These are beads which look like two beads fused together and can be worn by anyone above 14 years of age. It aids in prosperity and balancing of Ida and Pingala nadis (energy channels) and activates the seven chakras.

There are no conditions as such. Rudraksha can be worn with other Rudraksha around your neck. There is no need to follow any ritual before wearing it as it is already consecrated through the process of prana pratishtha.

These are the ways through which you can take care of the Rudraksha:

• Every 6 months, to prevent the Rudraksha from cracking, you can condition it in ghee for 24 hours and in milk for the next 24 hours. After conditioning, you can rinse it with fresh water and wear it.

• Keeping it away from any type of chemical.

• During bath, if using any chemical soap or toiletries, please remove Rudraksha and keep it on a clean white cloth (preferably of natural fiber).

Rudraksha should be worn around the neck by stringing it with a thread made of pure undyed cotton or raw silk. It can also be worn with copper, silver, or gold chain, but make sure not to cut the Rudraksha or tie the wire tightly as it might damage or cause the Rudraksha to crack. A rudraskha thread is included in the package. Please refer to the next question.

For more information, please visit http://ishalife.com/rudraksha

Vibhuti, or sacred ash, is closely associated with Shiva, who is often depicted ash-smeared from head to toe, symbolizing the mortal nature of life. The basis of the spiritual process is a realization of one’s mortality; vibhuti is a constant reminder of this. In Indian culture, it is used as a powerful tool for a seeker, as it enhances one’s receptivity if properly prepared and applied on the body, and serves as a great medium to transmit energy.

Traditionally, Yogis used ash from cremation grounds, but vibhuti can also be made from cow dung or rice husk.

Isha Vibhuti has imbibed the energy of Dhyanalinga, where it has been kept for a certain period of time for consecration.

Traditionally, Vibhuti is taken between the ring finger and the thumb and applied at various points on one's body: between the eyebrows, known as agna chakra; at the pit of the throat, known as vishuddhi chakra; and in the center of the chest where the rib cage meets, known as the anahata chakra.

Vibhuti is applied at the agna to enhance one’s clarity; at the vishuddhi to establish a certain power in your way of being, and at the anahata to bring the dimension of love and devotion into your life.

“The significance of Adiyogi is he provided methods to evolve human consciousness that are relevant for all times.” – Sadhguru

Over 15,000 years ago, predating all religion, Adiyogi, the first Yogi, transmitted the science of Yoga to his seven disciples, the Saptarishis. He expounded on 112 ways through which human beings can transcend their limitations and reach their ultimate potential. Adiyogi’s offerings are tools for individual transformation, as individual transformation is the only way to transform the world. His fundamental message is that “in is the only way out” for human wellbeing and liberation.

The tools for transformation that Adiyogi offered to humanity thousands of years ago are not only relevant but essential today. The 112-ft face of Adiyogi at Isha Yoga Center is a powerful reminder and inspiration to all.

Abhaya Sutra is a specially consecrated thread that is tied around one’s wrist. “Abhaya” literally means “without fear” and the sutra is supportive in overcoming one's fears and in fulfilling one’s ambitions.

The Abhaya Sutra is made of cotton thread.

Women must wear it on their left wrist, and men on their right wrist. It must be worn for a minimum of 40 days. It can be removed by untying or burning it (please do not cut it) and dispose of it either by burying it in wet soil or by burning it and applying the ashes from your vishuddhi (pit of the throat) down to the anahata (just below the sternum).

In the package, there are 2 different threads.

The shorter thread should be used to string the Rudraksha so as to wear it around your neck.

The longer one is an Abhaya Sutra, a consecrated thread to remove doubt and fear. The Abhaya Sutra should be worn for at least one mandala (48 days) and will generally be effective for three to four months. You can wear this sutra along with your watch or other jewelry and keep it as long as it lasts.

To remove, you can either untie the Abhaya Sutra or burn it open. The Abhaya Sutra should never be cut.

You can dispose of the sutra in one of the following ways:

Tie it on the branch of a flowering or fruit-bearing tree.

Bury it under a tree or plant, where the soil is wet.

Burn it and smear the ashes from your vishuddhi chakra (pit of the throat) down to the anahata chakra (just below the sternum/solar plexus).

To know more visit https://isha.sadhguru.org/wisdom/article/sutra-more-than-a-thread

Anyone who registered for Rudraksha Diksha can participate.

Please be seated in a place where you would not be physically disturbed. It would be conducive to light a lamp and maintain a light stomach condition.

Yes. You can participate in the initiation session and follow the instructions as given by Sadhguru.

Please take part in the initiation session and follow the instructions as given by Sadhguru.

Yes, they can attend.

Yes. If you have already registered for Rudraksha Diksha, you can attend the Initiation without going through any Isha Program before. There is no such pre-requisite. Sadhguru’s vision is to offer one drop of spirituality to everyone. Rudraksha Diksha offering is available to anyone who is willing.

Due to the nature of the program, please do not teach it to others. It is a certain initiation process. Learning the practice from the right source is important.

It is highly recommended to attend the initiation session. It will be really supportive.

Yes. Please choose a place where you would not be physically disturbed, while in sadhana.

It would be best to maintain a light stomach for the program (2.5 hours gap after a full meal).

It is beneficial to wear Rudraksha always to get the maximum benefit. But if you wish to remove it on certain occasions, you may do so. If you use hot water or chemical soap/shampoo for bathing, please do not wear it while bathing since rudraksha is brittle in nature. Otherwise, there is no restriction.

You can continue to do the sadhana. However, we suggest you put the damaged rudraksha in a river/stream or bury it in wet soil as it is not conducive to wear or use a damaged rudraksha.

You can do the sadhana in any place where you would not be physically disturbed

It is highly beneficial to wear the rudraksha all the time as it has many benefits. If it’s not possible, you could keep it in the pooja room. It would be best to attend the initiation and follow the sadhana as guided by Sadhguru.

There will not be any adverse effect. However, doing the sadhana is beneficial and conducive to one’s well-being and is great support for one’s spiritual journey.

Sadhana is an internal process. It is not a ritual to be done by others. Sadhana is always done personally for one’s own benefit.

Yes. There are no dietary restrictions for attending the initiation and/or doing the sadhana. It would be conducive to maintain a light stomach condition though.

Yes.

Yes, it is beneficial to attend the initiation as it will also be helpful in intensifying one's sadhana.

Yes. There are no such restrictions.

No, it can be worn immediately. It has already been conditioned.

Yes, you can still wear this rudraksha alongside another rudraksha.

Yes, the rudraksha from the previous year(s) is allowed during initiation.

Below are the guidelines given by Sadhguru for the Rudraksha Diksha sadhana:

1. Chant 5 cycles of the Yoga Yoga Yogeshwaraya chant while holding the rudraksha which you received in the Rudraksha Diksha package in namaskar (joined hands).

Yoga Yoga Yogeshwaraya

Bhuta Bhuta Bhuteshwaraya

Kala Kala Kaleshwaraya

Shiva Shiva Sarveshwaraya

Shambho Shambho Mahadevaya

2. It is best to do the sadhana daily to receive maximum benefit.

3. If it is not possible to do it every day, then you should do it on Mondays, Amavasyas (new moon day) and Purnimas (full moon day).

4. It is best to do it during sandhya kalas. Three significant sandhya kalas begin 10 minutes before and end 10 minutes after sunrise, noon and sunset.

You can read about sandhya kalas at the link below.

https://isha.sadhguru.org/global/en/wisdom/article/best-time-to-practice-yoga

No, it is not necessary.

It is best to do the sadhana during sandhya kalas. You can do it once a day.

No. You can start straight away by holding the rudraksha while joining the palms of your hands in namaskar and chanting 5 cycles of the Yoga Yoga Yogeshwaraya chant.

The Rudraksha will yield maximum benefits if you practice the sadhana on a daily basis.

There are no restrictions on what you can eat. But it is ideal to be in a light-stomach condition when doing the sadhana, i.e., finish a meal 2.5 hours before the sadhana, snack 1.5 hours before and any beverage other than water at least 1 hour before the sadhana.

On the auspicious night of Mahashivratri, Sadhguru will consecrate the Rudraksha that have been adorning the Adiyogi statue. It is only after this, that the Rudraksha Diksha package will be dispatched to your country.

Rudraksha Diksha is offered during Mahashivratri to millions of devotees. It may take a few months to ship the offering to your country, considering the high volume and restrictions that may apply due to COVID-19.

We seek your cooperation and understanding.

Dispatch of Rudraksha Diksha packages will start after Mahashivratri.

Rudraksha Diksha is offered during Mahashivratri to millions of devotees. It may take a few months to ship your package, considering the large volumes and restrictions that may apply due to COVID-19. We seek your cooperation and understanding.

We apologize for the inconvenience. Please email us your registered information along with your consignment number and we will get back to you.

Africa: africa@ishafoundation.org

Middle East: middle.east@ishafoundation.org

Nepal: nepal@ishayoga.org