Vintage Nepalese rudraksha mala with Vajravarahi pendant

Nepalese rudraksha mala, featuring a bronze pendant with the depiction of Vajravarahi. From vintage origin.

Rudraksha beads are categorized by the number of faces/facets that can be distinguished on the surface. These are called 'mukhi'. In this mala, 5 mukhi beads have been used. The 5 faced rudraksha bead is the most commonly used type, it represents the five forms of Lord Shiva himself. The 5 mukhi rudraksha helps in awakening one's higher self and from there the personal connection to the divine. Also, 5 mukhi rudraksha beads have a special affinity for the 5th chakra, the Visshudha or throat chakra.

The beads are all strung facing the same position, giving the divine energy the possibility to circulate through each bead, multiplying and increasing by each spiraling movement, and finally coming together as a strong force in the central, 'guru' bead of the necklace from where it enters the body of the one wearing it.

In total 54 beads have been used, with a diameter of approximately 1,5 centimeters, strung on white cotton cord. Some of the beads have become very dark over time, almost black, which is also said to have increased their power; most rudraksha beads turn naturally darker over time, so the longer they have ripened the darker they have become. And in this ripening process, over time they have gained a lot of natural energy.

The guru bead has been made from a synthetic white material. Underneath the guru bead, a very nice bronze pendant (approximately 5 x 4 centimeters in size) shows the depiction of Vajravarahi; a more wrathful form of the popular Tibetan Buddhist deity Vajrayogini. She is depicted with her most common iconography; dancing naked (on a human corpse, symbolizing ego and illusions, which is a bit difficult to see here on this pendant) in a circle of flames representing primordial wisdom, holding a kapala in her left hand and a curved knife in her right one. Vajravarahi is a dakini who symbolizes the supreme power that removes the so called "Five Negative Inflictions" on the path to enlightenment; greed, hatred, delusion, envy, pride.

Total length of this necklace is approximately 84 centimeters. Being from vintage origin, it of course shows some signs of its age and previous usage, but overall it is in very good condition.

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