Rudraksha is a plant found in the central hilly region. It is found from about 500 meters to 1500 meters above sea level. Its fruit is called Rudraksha. Rudraksha grows round and spherical in shape. In the Nepali Shabdsagar dictionary, the word Rudraksha is defined as a large variety of apple tree with white flowers on the lamella, green saffron branches, and thorny fruit that eats small walnuts or seeds. Its seeds are made into garlands and worn in the belief that they are medicine, good luck and wish fulfillment. Rudraksha is also known as Dana in our village.

According to Rudraksha books, Rudraksha has up to 27 faces. However, 29 and 32 faces have also been found in Sankhuwasabha and Bhojpur. According to recent discoveries, researchers have said that up to 38 mouthfuls of Rudraksha have been found around the world. Usually only 1 to 14 mouths are available. In the northern areas of Sankhuwasabha and Bhojpur, grains larger than 14 mouths are growing every year.

Rudraksh is mostly produced in Kaski Syangja, Palpa, Gulmi in western Nepal and Bhojpur, Sankhuwasabha and Dhankuta in eastern Nepal. It is found abundantly in the forests of Nepal, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia. A total of 123 species are found worldwide

Photo: Bipin Shrestha