Rudra - The one who makes us cry.

 

Rudraksha tree is known as Elaeocarpus ganitrus. It is a large evergreen tree that usually grows in a subtropical climate. This tree is mainly found in the foothill of the Himalayas, in the Gangetic plains, and the regions of Southeast Asia including Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Rudraksha seeds are also known as blueberry seeds as the outer husk of the seed is blue when fully ripe. Lord Shiva is also often depicted in blue representing infinity. This seed is of great significance among the spiritual seekers because of its association with Lord Shiva. It is revered as a manifestation of the tears that the Lord once shed.

Why did Lord Shiva cry? These were not tears of sorrow. Look into the meaning of Rudra.

Rudra - The one who makes us cry.

Rudra is another name of Lord Shiva in his aspect as the dissolver. The name Rudra has multiple meanings. In his commentary on the Shri Vishnu Sahasranama, interpretation of the name Rudra is "the one who makes all beings cry at the time of cosmic dissolution”.

The Rig Veda states - Rukha Dravyati Iti Rudra.

Rukha means misery and Dravyati means to eradicate. Rudra is the one who eradicates misery. In other words, Rudra transforms tears of sorrow into tears of bliss which is represented by the Rudraksha.

In the Svetasvatara Upanishad, the supreme consciousness (Brahman) is identified with Rudra. He is not just the destroyer, but the Supreme Being himself. Rud means “to cry” and Ra is the light, the divine consciousness, pervading the whole cosmos. When any being experiences divinity, the floodgates of the eyes open, leading to tears of joy. Rudra is that consciousness that brings tears of love, bliss, and gratitude.

As per the legend, this was found to be true even in the case of the lord, himself. This leads us to the origin of Rudraksha, which means “the tears of Rudra”, aksha meaning tears.

Om Namo Bhagwate Rudraya Namah