BEADS OF TRADITION: A collection of Rudrakshas — Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

Bangalore: They are not only good for health and spiritual well being but are also fashionable.

The "Rudraksha" beads come from the trees of the same name, which are said to have formed when Lord Shiva's tears fell on the earth.

They grow in some parts of north India, Nepal and Indonesia.

Rudralife, an organisation based in Mumbai, dedicated to popularising "Rudraksha" beads, is holding an exhibition of their bio-jewellery range of Rudrakshas at Hotel Infantry Court here.

The exhibition will be on till June 20. Rudraksha jewellery on display includes necklaces, earrings and bracelets and are combined with gemstones.

According to Kamal N. Seetha of Rudralife, the organisation had collaborated with the Institute of Chemical Technology, University of Bombay, to study whether the beads have medical benefits. "Initial tests have been positive and they have confirmed that Rudraksha has cardio-protective,anti- inflammatory and memory enhancing properties," Mr. Seetha said. One of the highlights of the exhibition is a "Trijuti" Rudraksha, where three beads had fused naturally to form one bead.

This type of Rudraksha occurred rarely in nature and was worth a few lakh of rupees.

The life of an authentic Rudraksha is 450 to 500 years but the medicinal and spiritual properties of these beads are not known to many people. It was because it is not found in abundance in nature.

The "panchmukhi" or five-faceted Rudraksha was the most common while the Rudraksha that had 21 facets, was rare, Mr. Seetha said.

He said that artificial Rudrakshas were sold in the market, and one should examine closely while buying them. The facets of the beads should be examined closely to recognise the real Rudraksha, he said.

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