How To Recognize The Real Rudraksha

Check original or fake rudraksha at home

How To Recognize The Real Rudraksha : Rudraksha beads are natural seeds that come from the Elaeocarpus Ganitrus tree. In Hinduism, they’re considered very sacred and are often used while praying or meditating. Each bead is believed to hold special energy, which is why it’s important to make sure you’re using a real one.

These days, many fake or modified rudraksha beads are being sold in the market. So how do you know if the one you have is original?

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Test that Identify Orignal Rudraksha
1. x-ray test
The X-Ray test is the only conclusive test to identify an original Rudraksha. It is the only test where you can know whether the Rudraksha is original, fake or manipulated. A real Rudraksha has the same amount of compartments as the Mukhis, and each compartment has a bead in it. An X-Ray thus helps to find out whether the Rudraksha contains equal compartments as the Mukhi or not . Understand, a Rudraksha bead must have an equal number of compartments as the Mukhis on its surface, and it must also have a bead in each compartment. Still, at times the Rudraksha is not fully developed, and all the seeds might not be visible in an X-Ray due to the seeds being too thin, but the compartments would still be there. For example, if you take an X-Ray of a 15 Mukhi Rudraksha, the real bead would have 15 compartments and 15 seeds, but if the Rudraksha seed is not developed completely, then it will show 15 compartments but might not clearly capture all the beads as some beads may be too thin. Hence it is advisable to take the X-ray to an “expert” who can guide you further.

2. copper coin test
In the Copper coin test, a Rudraksha bead is placed between two copper coins, and it is said that if the Rudraksha is original, it will rotate. However, this is not true. This test does not yield accurate results, and one cannot rely on this test. This test is thus a fake

3. milk test
In the Milk test, the Rudraksha is soaked in a glass full of milk, and a few fake suppliers claim that the milk in which the Rudraksha bead is soaked remains fresh and does not curdle or does not spoil for 2 to 3 days. This test is absolutely fake and does not give any authentic results.

4. water test
Take a glass of clean water. Put the Rudraksha in it.If it sinks slowly, it is likely real. But If it floats, it may be fake or hollow. Some real Rudraksha may float too if they have air inside, so do more than one test.

Boiling test
This method is less common. People boil the rudraksha in water for an hour or two to see if it’s made of glued pieces. If it’s a fake made by gluing parts together, the glue might melt and show signs of tampering. You might see colored glue lines or small gaps.
However: Boiling a rudraksha can damage it, especially if it’s genuine.
Smart fakes use strong glue that won’t melt easily.

Recognize a Real Rudraksha by Its Appearance
Lines or Mukhis:
Each rudraksha has vertical lines on its surface, called mukhis. These lines run from top to bottom and divide the bead into sections.

For example: A 5-mukhi rudraksha will have five straight, deep grooves.
These lines are not scratched or carved, they are naturally formed.
Inside the bead, there are seed chambers, and the number of chambers usually matches the number of lines on the surface.
Also, you’ll usually find a small natural hole going through the center of the bead. This is where it was attached to the tree. If the hole looks very smooth or perfectly drilled, it may not be real.

Weight and Feel:
A genuine rudraksha feels like dry wood, solid, but not too heavy. It shouldn’t feel too light or hollow. If you drop it in water, it usually sinks. (But this isn’t a foolproof test.)

Surface Texture:
Real rudraksha beads have a rough and uneven surface. They feel a little spiky or bumpy when you touch them. No two sections look exactly the same. Small natural holes or marks on the surface are common and nothing to worry about.

Natural Color:
Original rudraksha beads usually come in shades of:

Light brown
Reddish brown
Deep brown

If the bead looks too shiny or has a very bright red color, it could be dyed or polished to look better, and that’s a red flag.

Origin and Size:
Nepal rudrakshas are bigger in size, with darker and deeper grooves.
Java (Indonesia) rudrakshas are smaller, with finer lines.
Both are natural and authentic, they just grow in different regions. So don’t judge based only on size. Now let’s talk about other methods…