How to reveal and cure a Rudraksha from the fruit

Every Rudraksha bead grows inside a fruit with a striking blue skin. Nobody can tell which mukhi is inside until the flesh is removed, which is what makes revealing your own bead so special.

What you need

A fresh Rudraksha fruit, a bowl of water, a soft brush and a stiffer brush, a clean cloth, and pure ghee for curing. Our fruit kit includes the fruit, brushes, ghee and a guide card.

1. Soak

Soak the fruit in clean water until the flesh softens. Follow the time on your guide card; it depends on how ripe the fruit is.

2. Remove the flesh

Peel away the soft outer flesh with your fingers, then brush the seed under running water to clear the pulp from its grooves. Be patient: the grooves hold a lot of fibre.

3. Count the mukhi

Once the bead is clean, hold it with its natural opening at the top and count the deep lines running from top to bottom. That is its mukhi. See what is a mukhi? for tips.

4. Dry

Let the bead dry completely in the shade, away from strong sun, for a few days.

5. Cure

Rub a little pure ghee into the bead and its grooves, leave it, and wipe off the excess. Repeat over the following weeks as your guide card explains, until the bead has darkened and feels supple.

The fruit is not for eating.