Shloka 46
रुद्राक्ष-माहात्म्य
Rudrākṣa Māhātmya — The Greatness of Rudraksha
आदावामलकात्स्वतो लघुतरा रुग्णास्ततः कंटकैः संदष्टाः कृमिभिस्तनूपकरणच्छिद्रे ण हीनास्तथा । धार्या नैव शुभेप्सुभिश्चणकवद्रुद्रा क्षमप्यंततो रुद्रा क्षोमम लिंगमंगलमुमे सूक्ष्मं प्रशस्तं सदा
ādāvāmalakātsvato laghutarā rugṇāstataḥ kaṃṭakaiḥ saṃdaṣṭāḥ kṛmibhistanūpakaraṇacchidre ṇa hīnāstathā | dhāryā naiva śubhepsubhiścaṇakavadrudrā kṣamapyaṃtato rudrā kṣomama liṃgamaṃgalamume sūkṣmaṃ praśastaṃ sadā
O Umā, Rudrākṣa beads that are at first naturally too light, then found diseased, pierced or bitten by thorns, eaten by worms, or diminished because of holes made by tools—such beads should not be worn by those who seek auspiciousness. But the Rudrākṣa that is sound and unimpaired, subtle and well-formed, is ever praised as a source of auspiciousness for the Liṅga-worship of Śiva.
Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva’s worship-instructions to the sages of Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Significance: Defines standards of purity/wholeness for sacred implements used in Liṅga-oriented devotion; reinforces that auspiciousness (maṅgala) depends on śuddha-upakaraṇa and right intent.
Shakti Form: Umā
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It teaches that outer ritual purity supports inner steadiness: defective Rudrākṣa is avoided so the devotee’s worship remains sattvic, orderly, and aligned with Śiva’s auspicious presence in Liṅga-arcana.
The verse frames Rudrākṣa as an accessory of Saguna Śiva devotion—supporting Liṅga worship—while insisting that only sound, well-formed beads are fit for sacred use in pūjā and daily practice.
Use only intact, clean, well-formed Rudrākṣa for wearing or japa during Śiva-pūjā; avoid beads that are worm-eaten, thorn-damaged, overly light/defective, or artificially weakened by improper drilling.