NEW DELHI, INDIA, December 7, 2005: The sacred tears of Lord Siva that have been used to make sacred malas for japa and worn by devout Saivites for centuries are now entering the mainstream in a new way. Rudraksha beads are now being used by the fashion world to enhance outfits and to wear as jewelry. The news release explains, “Over the past two or three years, the beads have also become a fairly popular fashion statement. Women generally combine rudraksha and gold beads for the neck, while men wear them either as a small mala or bracelet. Interestingly, most people wear them as accessories, without realizing which type of bead ought to go with their astrological chart.” Samir Kumar, a jeweller from Delhi says, “Today, almost every fashion boutique and jeweller uses them.” A Mumbai-based rudraksha therapist, Tanay Seetha, adds, “More people are taking to them after research worldwide has proved they possess electromagnetic powers. Their therapeutic effects on ailments like blood pressure, heart disease and stress have also been proved. The beads are very popular in Mumbai too, and everyone from film stars like Shammi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan and Rajnikanth to college-goers can be seen sporting them. Even former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi used to wear them. They are also liked by new age spirituality seekers, who range from software experts to corporates and those working in the BPO sector.”
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