Huge demand for sacred Rudraksha seeds grown in Kerala by tourists

The rare tree which is generally found in the foothills of Himalayas is turning out to be a lucrative source of revenue for the Kerala Forest Development Corporation. Yes, these are the dried seeds of Elaeocarpus ganitrus trees or the Rudraksha which are sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.

Grown in Gavi village in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district there is a huge demand for these Rudraksha seeds as they are used to make prayer beads which are strung worn around the neck or wrist. These are considered sacred and believed to be made from the Lord Shiva’s tears. Visitors also buy them as souvenirs.

It is rare to see this plant in the south and it mainly grows in Uttar Pradesh and Nepal. As per a botanist somebody may have brought its seeds or saplings and planted them in Gavi, whose environment suited the plant well. What is interesting is that the tree grows rapidly and begins to bear fruits very quickly.

In the month of November and December the tree starts flowering. The colour of the flowers is white and by January-end they become fruits which are collected by KFDC’s staff. They are sold through the eco-shops of KFDC in Gavi and other places.

The outer husk of the fruit is soft blue in colour and it is removed after immersing in water. The inner seed is the rudraksha which is washed thoroughly with water. Oil is applied to it to make it smooth and fine. A packet containing five rudrakshas is sold for Rs.50.