How to Check If a Rudraksha Is Original or Fake

Rudraksha is a sacred bead that holds immense spiritual, religious, and medicinal significance in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Ayurveda. It is believed that wearing an original Rudraksha enhances inner peace, energy, concentration, and overall well-being.

Due to its high demand, the market is flooded with fake Rudraksha beads made of wood, plastic, or artificial materials. A fake Rudraksha does not provide spiritual benefits and can mislead devotees. Therefore, if you are planning to buy a genuine Rudraksha, it is important to verify its authenticity.

In this guide, we will discuss how to check if a Rudraksha is original or fake using simple and effective methods.

1. Check the Natural Lines (Mukhi) on the Rudraksha

A genuine Rudraksha has natural Mukhi (faces or grooves) running from top to bottom.

✅ How to Check:

• Hold the bead and observe its lines carefully.
• The lines should be well-defined, natural, and unbroken.
• Each Rudraksha has a different number of Mukhis (e.g., 1 Mukhi to 21 Mukhi).

❌ Fake Rudraksha may have:

• Carved, artificial, or extra Mukhi lines.
• Lines that are not deep or continuous.
• Painted or manually altered grooves.

2. Perform the Water Test (Milk Test)

✅ How to Test:

1. Take a glass of warm milk or water.
2. Drop the Rudraksha bead into the liquid.
3. Wait for 15-30 minutes and observe the changes.

✅ Original Rudraksha:

• Does not change color or release any dye.
• May cause the milk to turn slightly yellowish due to its natural energy.

❌ Fake Rudraksha:

• May release color, dye, or artificial polish into the water or milk.
• May sink or float unnaturally.

3. Check the Bead’s Surface and Texture

✅ Genuine Rudraksha should have:

• A rough and textured surface with natural pores.
• A well-defined central hole (without any artificial drilling).

❌ Fake Rudraksha may:

• Have a smooth or polished surface (indicating artificial treatment).
• No central hole or an artificially drilled hole.

4. Conduct the Copper Coin Test

✅ How to Test:

1. Take two copper coins and place the Rudraksha bead between them.
2. Rub the coins together while holding the Rudraksha.

✅ Original Rudraksha:

• Shows a slight movement or rotation due to its electromagnetic properties.

❌ Fake Rudraksha:

• Does not move or react when placed between copper coins.

5. Observe the Natural Hole Inside the Bead

A genuine Rudraksha naturally develops a hole in the center as it matures.

✅ Original Rudraksha should have:

• A well-formed, natural hole running through its center.

❌ Fake Rudraksha may have:

• No hole or an artificially drilled hole.
• An irregularly shaped hole with unnatural edges.

6. Check for Energy and Vibration

Many believe that an original Rudraksha emits spiritual energy.

✅ How to Test:

• Hold the Rudraksha in your palm and close your eyes.
• Meditate or focus on the bead for a few minutes.
• If the Rudraksha is original, you may feel subtle warmth, vibration, or a calming effect.

❌ Fake Rudraksha will not produce any spiritual energy.

7. Boiling Test (Heat Resistance Test)

✅ How to Test:

1. Boil a small pot of water.
2. Drop the Rudraksha in boiling water for 10 minutes.

✅ Original Rudraksha remains intact, without any damage.
❌ Fake Rudraksha may break, crack, or lose its outer layer.

8. Check Under a Microscope

✅ How to Test:

• Use a magnifying glass or a microscope to inspect the bead’s surface.
• Look for natural pores and wrinkles.

✅ Original Rudraksha has a unique, organic structure with visible pores.
❌ Fake Rudraksha may have an even, machine-made appearance.

9. Check the Rudraksha’s Weight and Density

✅ How to Test:

• Original Rudraksha is lightweight but dense, making it feel slightly heavy in hand.
• Fake Rudraksha made of wood, plastic, or metal may feel either too light or too heavy.

10. Verify with a Certified Seller

✅ Always buy from reputed sellers or organizations, such as:

• Trusted spiritual stores and temples.
• Certified Rudraksha dealers.
• Ayurvedic and Vedic centers.

❌ Avoid buying Rudraksha from unauthorized street vendors, online shops with no reviews, or extremely cheap sources.

11. Compare the Price – Beware of Cheap Rudraksha

✅ Original Rudraksha is rare and valuable, with prices varying based on:

• Mukhi type (1 Mukhi, 5 Mukhi, etc.).
• Size and origin (Nepalese Rudraksha is more expensive than Indian varieties).

❌ If a seller is offering Rudraksha at an extremely low price, it is likely fake.

Final Thoughts

Owning an original Rudraksha ensures spiritual benefits, protection, and well-being. A fake Rudraksha will not provide any positive effects and may mislead devotees.

Quick Checklist to Verify an Original Rudraksha:

✔ Check the natural Mukhi lines (deep, unbroken grooves)
✔ Perform the water test – It should not release color
✔ Use the copper coin test – It should move slightly
✔ Check the central hole – It should be naturally formed
✔ Examine the surface under a magnifying glass
✔ Perform the energy test – It should emit warmth or positive vibrations
✔ Buy from a certified seller and check for authenticity

By following these steps, you can identify and purchase a genuine Rudraksha that provides spiritual and health benefits for a lifetime!