NEW DELHI, INDIA, January 10, 2004: NRIs (non-resident Indians) and PIOs (persons of Indian origin) who have come to India to attend the second Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations are thronging the Rudra Centre gallery at Vigyan Bhavan, to buy rudrakshas, the seed of the Elaeocarpus Ganitrus Roxb tree and sacred to Lord Siva. Rudraksha specialist Kamal Narayan Seltha says that the ek-mukhi (single-faceted or faced) to 15-mukhi beads have powerful electromagnetic, paramagnetic and inductive properties that will improve the health and wealth of the buyer as well as improve his concentration, creativity and wisdom. “It will also remove obstacles, help you foresee future happenings and get you limitless administrative qualities,” he promises.
A rudraksha could cost anything between US$4.34 and $43,000 each, depending upon its strength. A 14-mukhi rudraksha is selling for $700 while a special siddhamala has been priced at $1,500. Mr Seltha told The Asian Age: “The rudraksha is our national treasure, which the Siva Purana describes as Lord Siva’s tears. There is a tremendous interest in rudrakshas among NRIs. I have done tremendous business in the first two days of the meet. We are guaranteeing that the rudrakshas here are genuine. Artisans have also been posted at the spot to make the malas (garlands).”
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