Here, take these beads and gain some health

BANGALORE: History seems to be repeating itself once again, as man turns to nature to find cure for medical illness and general well being. Nature’s elements that have been around for centuries, are now in the limelight once again.The seeds from the Rudraksha tree have fascinated mankind for its divinity and mystical powers.Tanay Seetha, proprietor of Rudralife, an organisation that is involved in discovering the scientific attributes of the bead, is in town for the exhibition that showcases the rare collection of 1 to 21 mukhi (vertical lines) rudraksha called the Indramala.According to Seetha, though the bead has been around for ages, people have now started realising its value.“Unfortunately due to the sudden acceptance, a number of dealers and suppliers seem to have mushroomed almost overnight. The problem with this is that the authenticity of the bead is lost.The tree produces the seed only once a year. Once the stalk is sold, they (suppliers) start selling fake rudraksha,” informed Seetha.Talking about the authenticity of the bead, he also mentioned that there are a number of process and tests with which the value and potency of the bead can be determined. “It’s hard to differentiate between the fake bead and the original at a glance. A lot of people sell fake beads and as a result the customer ends up getting fleeced. We are planning to set up a testing centre in Bangalore soon,” said Seetha.The identification involves many tests and processes.The number of mukhi (the vertical lines on the outer shell of the seed) determines the value of the bead.The higher the count, the higher the value. “A lot of people artificially carve the mukhi. What they do not realise is that if a seed has 10 mukhi on the outer shell, it will have 10 compartments within. Digital imagery is a great tool to check for such treachery. The real power of the seed is within the compartments.And the potency is determined by the material inside (rich in gold, silver, barium and copper).Insects are usually attracted to this substance. As the insect finds its way to the core of the seed, the potency of the seed reduces. The small hole created by the insect is usually filled up by the suppliers,” he informed.According to Seetha, the best rudraksha beads are procured from Nepal.The beads are then passed through a series of tests.Starting with digital imagery and x-ray. The electrical conductivity test helps in determining the age and potency of the bead. Apart from this the beads are also checked for their specific gravity.Rudraksha is known for it’s healing properties.On-going researches at the University Department of Chemical Technology (UDCT), Mumbai University have shown that rudrakshas offer medical benefits. Initial tests have been on hypertension, diabetes, cardiac disorders.Rudraksha have anti inflammatory properties and neotropic activities (memory enhancement).On display, there is Sidha Mala, a combination of rudrakshas from 1 to 14 mukhi, Gauri Shankar and Ganesh rudraksha in one single mala. The Exhibition is on till May 31 at Infantry Hotel, #66 Infantry Road.