The origin of Rudraksha beads
The Rudraksha tree, scientifically known as Elaeocarpus ganitrus, is native to Southeast Asia, primarily found from the foothills of the Himalayas to Nepal, South and Southeast Asia, and also parts of Australiia, Guam and Hawaii.
The term "Rudraksha" is a Sanskrit compound, where "Rudra" refers to Lord Shiva, and "Aksha" means eye. Legend has it that these beads originated from the tears shed by Lord Shiva upon witnessing the suffering of humanity.