Though Rudraksha Beads are God's gift to mankind there are certain precautions wearing a Rudraksha Bead that one must observe while wearing the beads. Observing the tenets listed below lead to all round prosperity, blessings and ensure that you get the most out of your precious Rudraksha Bead.

Precautions in Wearing Rudraksha Beads

1. Rudraksha should not be worn during sexual intimacy. During intimate moments the Rudraksha beads should be taken out.
   
   

2. Rudraksha should not be worn when visiting cremation grounds or a cemetery or a funeral.
   
   

3. Rudraksha should not be worn during menstrual cycle period.
   
   

4. Rudraksha should not be worn as a ring in the fingers.
   
   

5. Rudraksha should not be worn while going to bed. It should be kept in a clean place free from dirt.
   
   

6. Rudraksha rosaries should not be swapped.
   
   

7. Rudraksha should not be worn when visiting a new born baby
   
   

8. Rudraksha should not be worn when visiting the toilet for long calls.
   
   

1. Keep the Rudraksha beads in a clean place free from dirt.
   
   

2. Clean the beads occasionally with a brush with soft bristles.
   
   

3. Oil the beads occasionally. Bitter oils like mustard oil (sarson) or Sesame oil/Gingelly Oil (til) are best for this purpose.
   
   

4. Do not wear the beads while sleeping. The beads may break due to pressure. The beads may be kept under the pillow.
   
   

5. If you keep a rosary for mantra chanting then do not wear it on the body.
   
   

Tests for a Genuine Rudraksha

To meet the ever increasing demand of different faceted beads, traders have started manufacturing rarely faceted beads such as the one faced Rudraksha body (The Ek Mukhi Rudraksha). Read more about such practices and artificial price rise in the Faq section here..

Beads of Arecanut, Nutmeg or Tulsi are used to fashion Rudraksha Beads. In such circumstances the individual who wants to buy a genuine Rudraksha is in a quandry. There are two full proof methods of testing a genuine Rudraksha:

1. Break the bead, see if the Rudraksha seeds are present therein and send the bead for a chemical analysis. The Chemical properties of the beads have been given in the Chemical composition of the Rudraksha beads. Click here to read more
   
   

2. The other is to find out whether the beads exhibit properties like inductance, capacitance, conduction of electric current etc.
   
   

The test wherein the Rudraksha Bead dips in water (commonly known as water test) is not scientifically dependable because:

1. Some traders dehydrate the beads so that they sink in water.
   
   

2. Secondly all beads and seeds denser than water sink.

Still it is one of the most popular methods to test the beads and many times gives accurate results.

The copper coin test

It is generally held that if Rudraksha beads are placed between two copper coins it should rotate slightly. This is due to the physical and magnetic properties of the Rudraksha beads. This test requires a high level of expertise. If you are not sure in buying a one faced round Rudraksha bead then it is better to go for a cashew nut shaped bead.

At least they are original and have the same physical, chemical and magnetic properties of the round bead. The rest of the beads are comparatively easily available.