The Origin of Rudraksha

According to Chanda Puran, in ancient time there was a demon king named May in Pataal who was very brave and mighty. Once he thought to conquer the other regions and then with a fine planning he began attacks on man-regions, Gandharva-region and god-region also. He made three cities on three different peaks of Himalayas. These three cities were prepared by gold, silver and iron.

These three cities were three forts actually and impenetrable. The demons were safe in these cities. They captured man, Gandharys and Gods. Thus Gods began live in pits, caves and in deep forests. All they departed from their families, friends and supporters. In such a difficult time of sorrow and grief all the gods discussed themselves and went to Brahmaji, the creator of all. He told the Gods the may is not only mighty but the time and fate was with him. Brahmaji advised to go then to Lord Vishnu but Lord Vishnu also refused to help gods. After all, all of them with Brahmaji and Vishnuji went to Lord Shiva shanker and requested him to save themselves from this great disaster. Lord Shiv Shanker listens to them and assured them.

Now all the gods and Shiv Shanker prepared for war. The earth was chariot, Brahmaji was charioter, the great Mountain Sumeru was bow and Lord Vishnu was divine arrow. The war was terrible and at last Shiv Shanker burnt the three cities of demons. On that time Shiv was trampling.

After the destruction of demons all gods with Brahma, Vishnu and trampling Shiv Shanker reached on a peak to rest. Taking the rest Shiv Shanker became very happy and he began to laugh. By laughing with joy four drops of tear dropped on earth and after a time passed four sprouts grown. These sprouts formed as Rudraksha-trees. The Rudraksha is the fruit of these holy-trees.