Rudraksha Puja Vidhi and Mantras – How to Perform Rudraksha Puja

Traditional Method of Purifying and Energizing Rudraksha

Rudraksha Puja is a traditional devotional practice performed before wearing or using Rudraksha beads. The process generally involves purification, bathing the beads with sacred substances, chanting Shiva mantras and offering prayers with devotion.

Rudraksha is traditionally associated with Lord Shiva, and therefore many Rudraksha puja practices include Shiva mantras as an important part of the ritual.

The procedure described on this page follows the traditional method already presented in our Rudraksha puja guide. It includes preparation with oil, Panchamrit, pure water, Sandalwood, Ashtagandha and saffron, followed by the chanting of traditional Shiva mantras and the mantra associated with the particular Mukhi Rudraksha.

Important: Ritual procedures may vary according to family tradition, Sampradaya, Guru or regional practice. The method below preserves the traditional procedure followed in this guide.

What Is Rudraksha Puja?

Rudraksha Puja is a devotional ritual through which the bead is traditionally purified, worshipped and prepared for spiritual use. The practice combines physical purification with prayer and mantra chanting.

The purpose is not merely to clean the bead. In traditional practice, the ritual is also intended to establish a sacred and devotional connection between the wearer and the Rudraksha.

Because Rudraksha is associated with Lord Shiva, Shiva mantras form an important part of the traditional purification and worship process.

Items Used for Rudraksha Puja

Before beginning the puja, keep the required items clean and ready. The traditional procedure described in the existing guide uses the following:

Rudraksha Beads

The Rudraksha bead or Rudraksha Mala that is to be purified and worshipped.

Oil

The traditional procedure begins by immersing the Rudraksha in oil overnight.

Panchamrit

Panchamrit is used for the traditional bathing and purification stage.

Pure Water

Pure water is used after Panchamrit during the purification process.

Sandalwood and Ashtagandha

Sandalwood paste and Ashtagandha are traditionally applied during the mantra-based worship process.

Saffron and Incense

Saffron is used during one stage of the ritual and incense is offered while chanting the Aghora Mantra.

Rudraksha Puja Vidhi – Step-by-Step Procedure

The following sequence follows the traditional procedure already provided on this page.

Keep the Rudraksha in Oil

The Rudraksha beads are traditionally immersed in oil overnight before the main purification process begins.

Bathe the Rudraksha With Panchamrit

The beads are washed with Panchamrit while chanting the Shiva Mantra.

Shiva Mantra

Om Namah Shivaye

Wash With Pure Water

After the Panchamrit bath, the Rudraksha is washed with pure water while chanting the Sadyojaat Mantra.

Apply Sandalwood and Ashtagandha

Sandalwood paste, Ashtagandha and saffron are traditionally applied to the beads while chanting the Vamadeva Mantra.

Offer Incense

Incense is offered while chanting the Aghora Mantra as part of the traditional worship procedure.

Apply Saffron

The Rudraksha is traditionally smeared with saffron while chanting the Tatpurusha Mantra.

Chant the Ishana Mantra

The Ishana Mantra is traditionally chanted on each Rudraksha bead.

Chant the Mukhi Mantra

After the main Shiva mantras, the specified mantra for the particular Mukhi Rudraksha is traditionally chanted on that bead.

Shiva Mantra for Rudraksha Puja

The traditional procedure begins with the chanting of the Shiva Mantra while the Rudraksha is washed with Panchamrit.

Om Namah Shivaye

Sadyojaat Mantra for Rudraksha Purification

After the Panchamrit bath, the Rudraksha is washed with pure water while chanting the Sadyojaat Mantra.

Sadyojaat Mantra

Om Sadyojaatam Prapadyaami Sadyojataajava Namah.
Bhave Bhavenaati Bhave Bhavasvamaam Bhavodbhavay Namah.

Vamadeva Mantra for Rudraksha Puja

Sandalwood paste, Ashtagandha and saffron are traditionally applied to the Rudraksha while chanting the Vamadeva Mantra.

Vamadeva Mantra

Om Vamdevaya Namo Jyeshthaay Namah Shreshthay
Namo Rudraay Namah Kaalay Namah Kala
Vikarannaay Namo Bal Vikaranaay Namo Balaay
Namo Bala Pramathanaay Namo Sarva Bhoot
Damanaay Namo Manomanaay Namah.

Aghora Mantra for Rudraksha Puja

The traditional procedure includes offering incense while chanting the Aghora Mantra.

Aghora Mantra

Om Aghorebhyo Ghorebhyo
Ghor Ghor Tarebhaya
Sarvebhya Sarva Sharvvebhyo
Namaste Astu Rudra Roopebhyah.

Tatpurusha Mantra for Rudraksha

The Rudraksha is traditionally smeared with saffron while chanting the Tatpurusha Mantra.

Tatpurusha Mantra

Om Tatpurushaay Vidmahe Mahadevaay Dheemahi
Tanno Rudrah Prachodayaat.

Ishana Mantra for Rudraksha Puja

The traditional procedure then calls for the Ishana Mantra to be chanted on each bead.

Ishana Mantra

Om Eeshaanah Sarvavidyaanam Eeshwar
Sarvabhootaanaam Brahmaadipati Brahmanaadhipati
Brahma Shivome Astu Sadaa Shivom.

Mukhi Rudraksha Mantras – 1 to 14 Mukhi

After completing the main purification and Shiva mantra sequence, the traditional procedure specifies a mantra for the individual Mukhi Rudraksha. The existing page provides mantras for Rudraksha from One Mukhi through Fourteen Mukhi. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Rudraksha	Traditional Mantra Given in This Guide
One Mukhi Rudraksha	Om Namah Shivaya, Om Hreem Namah
Two Mukhi Rudraksha	Shree Gauri Shankaraya Namah, Om Namah
Three Mukhi Rudraksha	O Kleem Namah, Om Namah Shivaya
Four Mukhi Rudraksha	Om Hreem Namah
Five Mukhi Rudraksha	Om Namah Shivaya, Om Hreem Namah
Six Mukhi Rudraksha	Swami Kaartikeya Namah, Om Hreem Hum Namah
Seven Mukhi Rudraksha	Om MahaLaxmi Namah, Om Hum Namah
Eight Mukhi Rudraksha	Om Hum Namah, Om Ganeshaya Namah
Nine Mukhi Rudraksha	Nav Durgayi Namah, Om Hreem Hum Namah
Ten Mukhi Rudraksha	Shree Narayanaaye Namah, Shree Vishnavai Namah, Om Hreem Namah
Eleven Mukhi Rudraksha	Om Shree Rudraya Namah, Om Hreem Hum Namah
Twelve Mukhi Rudraksha	Shree Suryay Namah, Om Krown Kshown Rown Namah
Thirteen Mukhi Rudraksha	Om Hreem Namah
Fourteen Mukhi Rudraksha	Om Namah Shivaye

Explore the Different Mukhi Rudraksha

Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra for Rudraksha Puja

After the Mukhi-specific mantra, the existing Rudraksha Puja procedure includes chanting the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra nine times.

Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra

Om Trayambakam yajamahe Sugandim Pusitivardhanum,
Urvakamiv Bandhananmritormukhiya Ma amritat.

Final Prayer After Rudraksha Puja

After completing the steps described in the traditional procedure, join both palms in Namaskar Mudra and chant the following prayer.

Prayer for the Rudraksha Mala

Maale Maale Mahaa Maale Sarvashakti Samanvite
Chaturvargaa Tvayinyistah Tasmaan Me Siddhidaa Bhav.

Complete Rudraksha Puja Procedure at a Glance

Immerse the Rudraksha beads in oil overnight.
Wash the beads with Panchamrit while chanting Om Namah Shivaye.
Wash the Rudraksha with pure water while chanting the Sadyojaat Mantra.
Apply sandalwood paste, Ashtagandha and saffron while chanting the Vamadeva Mantra.
Offer incense while chanting the Aghora Mantra.
Apply saffron while chanting the Tatpurusha Mantra.
Chant the Ishana Mantra on each bead.
Chant the specified mantra for the particular Mukhi Rudraksha.
Chant the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra nine times.
Join both palms in Namaskar Mudra and complete the ritual with the Mala prayer.

When Should Rudraksha Puja Be Performed?

Rudraksha Puja may traditionally be performed before wearing a new Rudraksha or Rudraksha Mala. Many devotees prefer to perform the ritual during a spiritually significant time, particularly when beginning a regular practice of mantra, meditation or Shiva worship.

The appropriate day, Muhurat and ritual procedure may vary according to individual tradition and the purpose for which the Rudraksha is being worn.

What to Do After Rudraksha Puja

After completing the traditional puja, the Rudraksha may be worn or used according to the individual's spiritual practice and tradition.

It is advisable to handle the bead respectfully and maintain cleanliness while using it for prayer, meditation or daily wear.

For detailed guidance on wearing Rudraksha, read our Rules for Wearing Rudraksh Beads .

Rudraksha Puja for a Rudraksha Mala

The same devotional principles can be followed when worshipping a Rudraksha Mala. Because a Mala consists of multiple beads, the traditional procedure specifically includes chanting the Ishana Mantra on each bead followed by the Mukhi-specific mantra where applicable.

The final Mala prayer included in the traditional procedure is also intended to complete the ritual after the mantras have been chanted.

You can learn more about the traditional structure of a Rudraksha Mala in our guide: Why Rudraksh Malas Have 108+1 Beads .

Rudraksha Puja Is More Than Simple Cleaning

Cleaning a Rudraksha and performing Rudraksha Puja are not exactly the same thing. Cleaning is primarily concerned with the physical condition of the bead, while puja adds prayer, mantra and devotional worship.

In the traditional process described on this page, physical purification through oil, Panchamrit and water is combined with the chanting of Shiva mantras and Mukhi-specific mantras.

Traditional approach: Physical purification + Shiva Mantra + Mukhi Mantra + devotional prayer form the principal elements of the Rudraksha Puja procedure described here.

Important: Rudraksha Puja is a religious and spiritual practice. Different traditions may prescribe different mantras, materials, timings and procedures. If you follow a specific Guru, Sampradaya or family tradition, that guidance should take priority.

Explore More Rudraksha Resources

Frequently Asked Questions About Rudraksha Puja

What is Rudraksha Puja?

Rudraksha Puja is a traditional devotional ritual involving the purification, worship and mantra chanting of Rudraksha beads before they are worn or used for spiritual practice.

How do you perform Rudraksha Puja?

The traditional procedure described here begins with immersing the Rudraksha in oil overnight, followed by Panchamrit, pure water, sandalwood, Ashtagandha, saffron, incense and a sequence of Shiva mantras.

Which mantra is chanted during Rudraksha Puja?

The traditional procedure includes Om Namah Shivaye followed by Sadyojaat, Vamadeva, Aghora, Tatpurusha and Ishana mantras. The mantra associated with the particular Mukhi Rudraksha is then chanted.

Can Rudraksha be purified at home?

Rudraksha purification and worship can traditionally be performed at home. The exact procedure may vary according to one's spiritual tradition or Guru.

Why is Panchamrit used in Rudraksha Puja?

Panchamrit is traditionally used in Hindu purification and worship rituals. In the procedure described here, the Rudraksha is washed with Panchamrit while chanting the Shiva Mantra.

Which mantra is used for One Mukhi Rudraksha?

The mantra given in this guide for One Mukhi Rudraksha is Om Namah Shivaya, Om Hreem Namah.

Which mantra is used for Five Mukhi Rudraksha?

The mantra given in this guide for Five Mukhi Rudraksha is Om Namah Shivaya, Om Hreem Namah.

Which mantra is used for Eight Mukhi Rudraksha?

The mantra given in this guide for Eight Mukhi Rudraksha is Om Hum Namah, Om Ganeshaya Namah.

How many times is the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra chanted?

The existing Rudraksha Puja procedure specifies chanting the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra nine times.

Can Rudraksha Mala also be worshipped?

Yes. Rudraksha Malas can traditionally be included in devotional worship and mantra practice. The procedure on this page includes a concluding prayer for the Mala.

Should Rudraksha be purified before wearing?

Many traditional practitioners purify and worship Rudraksha before wearing it. The exact procedure depends upon the individual's tradition and spiritual practice.

Can Rudraksha Puja be performed without a priest?

A simple devotional Rudraksha Puja can traditionally be performed at home. However, those following a specific ritual tradition may choose to perform it under the guidance of a knowledgeable priest or Guru.

What should I chant after Rudraksha Puja?

The procedure described here concludes with the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra followed by the traditional Mala prayer while joining both palms in Namaskar Mudra.

Note on Traditional Practice: The mantras and procedure on this page are presented as part of a traditional Rudraksha Puja practice. Sanskrit mantras may have different transliterations across texts and traditions. Spiritual practices should be followed according to one's own tradition, Guru or qualified priest where appropriate.

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