Rudraksha Jabala Upanishad

The Rudraksha Jabala Upanishad also known as Rudraksha Upanishad, Rudrakshajabala Upanishad amongst other names is one of the 14 Shaiva Upanishads which are highly revered by Shaivites or devotees of Lord Shiva. Written in Sanskrit language, the Upanishad details a conversation between Kalagni Rudra, a form of Bhagwan Shiva and Sage Sanatkumara (Sage Bhusunda) about Rudraksha beads.
The Rudraksha Jabala Upanishad details the significance of the Rudraksha beads. In the beginning of this Upanishad, Sage Bhusunda asks Shri Kalagni Rudra about the origin of the Rudraksha beads. Shri Kalagni Rudra states that it is He, from whom the Divine Rudraksha beads originated for the welfare and wellbeing of all. Further on queries of Sage Bhusunda, Shri Kalagni Rudra details properties and benefits of Rudraksha beads, Rudraksha types and forms and their significance, associated Deities, how to select Rudraksha beads, rules for wearing Rudraksha beads and much more.

Benefits Of Rudraksha as Per Rudraksha Jabala Upanishad

The Rudraksha Jabala Upanishad begins with salutations to Brahman. Then it goes on to explain everything about a Rudraksha bead. It explains the significance and importance of the associated Divinity, origin, types, benefits, procedure of usage and much more. In the Rudraksha Jabala Upanishad it is stated that a mere site or uttering the word 'Rudraksha' is meritorious. Wearing a Rudraksha is equivalent to smearing the body with Bhasma (sacred ash), donating cows and chanting Gayatri mantra 6 lakh times. Other than the bead itself, the Rudraksha Jabala Upanishad text itself is also glorified. It is stated that whoever reads the Rudraksha Jabala Upanishad will be freed from all sins and will be blessed with wisdom, knowledge and good intellect.
Rudrakshajabala Upanishad claims that 4 different castes or Varnas should wear different coloured Rudraksha beads. Brahmins should wear White Rudraksha, Kshatriyas should wear Red Rudraksha, Vaishyas should wear Yellow Rudraksha & Shudras should wear Black Rudraksha. It also mentions the properties of 1-14 mukhi Rudraksha.
One mukhi represents the Supreme Truth
2 mukhi is ruled by Ardhanareshwara and the wearer is blessed by Shiva – Shakti
Wearer of 3 mukhi is blessed by Agni Dev/God of Fire
Wearer of 4 mukhi is blessed by Brahma
5 mukhi is governed by Panchmukhi Shiva, it removes the sin of homicide
6 mukhi is ruled by Ganesh & Kartikeya and wearer is blessed with health, wealth, wisdom & purification
7 mukhi is ruled by 7 Matras (7 Goddesses) and the wearer is blessed with health, wealth and peace
8 mukhi is ruled by 8 Vasus & 8 fold Nature
9 mukhi is ruled by Navdurga
10 mukhi is ruled by 10 Yamas used by Yoginis. Wearer is blessed with peace of mind
11 mukhi is ruled by 11 Rudras and wearer is blessed with overall wellbeing & wealth
12 mukhi is ruled by 12 Adityas & Mahavishnu
13 mukhi is ruled by Kamdev and wearer’s desires are always satisfied
14 mukhi is a form of Rudra and it removes all diseases

Significance and Importance of Rudraksha as per Rudraksha Jabala Upanishad

The Rudraksha Jabala Upanishad has a significant place in the spiritual literature of Hinduism, specifically due to its emphasis on the Rudraksha bead. The book begins with salutations to Brahman, so emphasizing its profound respect and the sacredness of the subsequent teachings. This text offers a thorough examination of the Rudraksha bead, including its origins, connected divine qualities, many kinds, and the spiritual advantages it brings. The Upanishad highlights that the act of seeing or speaking the term 'Rudraksha' alone has significant spiritual value. This literature provides both practical instructions on how to utilize Rudraksha beads and profound spiritual guidance, illuminating the ways in which Rudraksha beads may cleanse and purify the mind and soul. The Upanishad promotes the act of reading and studying its verses, asserting that people who engage in this practice would be purified of all sins and granted wisdom, intellect, and insight. Consequently, it is a vital book for anyone seeking spiritual enlightenment.

Importance of Rudraksha as per Rudraksha Jabala Upanishad

This Upanishad is crucial since it not only establishes the holy genesis of Rudraksha—thought to have formed from the tears of Lord Shiva—but also clarifies the deep spiritual advantages linked to adorning these beads. The literature contains clear guidance on the proper way to wear Rudraksha, highlighting its spiritual benefits and the safeguard it provides to the person wearing it. This statement highlights that the Rudraksha is not only a material item, but rather a channel for divine energy that has the power to purify transgressions, provide enlightenment, and augment one's spiritual development. The Upanishad emphasizes that wearing Rudraksha has the same spiritual importance as other significant religious activities, therefore enhancing its relevance in one's everyday spiritual life. In addition, the Rudraksha Jabala Upanishad extols the act of reciting or studying its lines, guaranteeing absolution from transgressions and the acquisition of profound wisdom. This Upanishad emphasizes the significance of the Rudraksha as a potent spiritual instrument that may be incorporated into every part of life, providing uninterrupted divine communion and safeguarding.

Rudraksha Jabala Upanishad Criticism

Rudraksha Jabala Upanishad is a minor Upanishad, which was compiled many years after the primary Upanishads (Mukhya Upanishads) were written. Many scholars claim that Rudraksha Jabala Upanishad is not a true Upanishad and that here the title of Upanishad was misappropriated to push sectarian and casteist beliefs and agendas. Also, some of the information provided in the Rudraksha Jabala Upanishad is not in accordance with other Vedic texts and Mukhya Upanishads. There are also multiple interpretations of the translation text from Sanskrit available. For instance, some people quote Rudraksha Jabala Upanishad and state that it states that non-veg food, onion, garlic and alcohol have to be strictly avoided whereas in reality the text states that ‘wearer should avoid’ which is more of a suggestion rather than a compulsion. Sanskrit is a very nuanced language which makes this distinction. Being on a sattvic diet is recommended for everyone regardless of whether you are wearing Rudraksha or no, if one is not on a sattvic diet the energy of the Rudraksha will not be affected rather the person’s capacity to absorb those energies will be affected however it doesn’t mean that you will accumulate bad karma or negative energy if you are not on sattvic diet and wear Rudraksha.
Some scholars argue that the Rudraksha Jabala Upanishad is an example of a sectarian and Tantric Upanishad. In the Mukhya Upanishads there have been instances which depict women devotees who used to drink Madera (Alcohol) and wear Rudraksha, it has shown animals wearing these beads who do not follow sattvic diet. Here one needs to understand that Hinduism is a fluid philosophy that encourages and respects difference of opinions and ideas and sometimes these opinions are of opposing nature.
Others argue that there are many logical inconsistencies in this “Upanishad”. It suggests that Brahmins should wear White Rudraksha, Kshatriyas should wear Red Rudraksha, Vaishyas should wear Yellow Rudraksha & Shudras should wear Black Rudraksha however we know that Rudraksha becomes darker overtime with usage.
The Upanishad states that a light brown whitish Rudraksha will turn Yellowish Brown and then Reddish Brown & then Dark Brown and blackish overtime and hence the color of the Rudraksha can never be fixed leaning to an interpretation by some others that it also indicates the Brahmanical and casteist undertone in this text. It also comments on the size of the Rudraksha by suggesting that bigger sized beads are worth wearing whereas small beads are not suitable to wear however the recent tests indicate that both small as well as big Rudraksha show similar results overtime It also gives rules for wearing different number of beads on the shoulder, waist and head which if even doesn’t seem possible for the average person in today’s world, but maybe they were worn like that by Saints through History. The Encyclopedia of Hinduism states that late Upanishads are not considered 'true Upanishads' by some scholars, who bestow that status only upon the Mukhya Upanishads. The Symbols of Art, Religion and Philosophy echo this sentiment, calling the text 'hardly entitled to be called' an Upanishad.
Conclusion: We suggest referring to only Sakhashree Neeta Ji’s research on Rudraksha. She has extensively studied the TRUE Upanishads and compiled this knowledge in her articles and videos.