The Study of Rudraksha Bead showing a Symbol of OM

Abstract

A considerable interest has been generated since ages for knowledge about the bead with the universe symbol- Om. The word Om is known and considered as the beginning, middle and the end of present, past and the future. The chanting of Om brings awareness about the physical reality of the world and the human body, the subtle impressions of the mind, emotions, thoughts and beliefs of our life. According to the Indian philosophy, Om is a spiritual symbol referred to as Atman (soul) and Brahman (reality, entirety of the universe, truth, divine, supreme spirit, cosmic principles & knowledge). This syllable is one of the most important symbols in universal religion, and often found in Vedas, Upanishads & other ancient texts. It is the sacred spiritual chanting made during the recitation of spiritual texts, puja and prayers, ceremonies, weddings, meditations & Yoga. In the present work, morphological studies have been carried out to see the surface of rudraksha (Elaeocarpus ganitrus) which indicates the presence of the universal symbol as a common sight in the divine beads of rudraksha. During microscopical studies it was observed that the Om symbol was present on the surface of various cells of rudraksha bead indicating the existence of Om at cellular level. The present study further strengthens the belief that the presence of symbol Om in Universal.