Fake Rudraksha Beads

In the interest of consumer protection and public education we present these pictures of Counterfeit One Mukhi round Rudraksha Beads that have been purchased in the past and kept. These beads are sold in large quantities within and outside India by unscrupulous people taking advantage of the craze of the customers to procure them. The typical price at which they are sold ranges from US$ 100 to 50,000. Our suppliers do not trade in round One Mukhis as they are not available at all. Even if you buy them for several thousand dollars or from any ashram or any reliable person, it would not be genuine as it has never been produced till date by any tree in Nepal or Indonesia. Half Moon One Mukhi is genuine and available easily. Hence, it is sold on indiayogi at a reasonable price although there are people who sell this same bead for the price of as much as US$ 1,100.

Most commonly sold variety. This is actually a 3 faced Oval bead of Indian origin and not Nepalese. Other lines are skillfully obliterated leaving only one line. Purchased from Haridwar for Rs. 1,100- Rs. 3,000. Can be identified by sight.

This is a seed with a skillfully carved line sold as a Rudraksha species bead. Can be detected by sight due to the presence of smooth scales on the bead which is unlike the thorny protrusions on Rudraksha Beads. Usually sold capped in gold or silver to avoid seeing the drilled hole of the seed. Studies are going on to determine the species of this bead. Purchased from a reputed ashram for Rs. 11,500.

A commonly sold variety from Indonesia. In this, small pieces of Rudraksha are glued on four of the lines of a Five Mukhi Bead, thus leaving only one deep line. Can be detected by dipping in hot water for 2-3 hours. The other hidden lines would show up in a different color as the glue softens. Pieces chip off on regular wearing. Purchased from Indonesia for US $100.

Another very commonly sold variety. This is a giant ball-like piece usually given a strong odour. Small pieces of Rudraksha are glued on a seed and a line is carved externally. Can be detected by placing in warm water overnight - all the other lines will show up. Pieces chip off on regular wearing. Purchased from Indonesia for Indonesian Rupiah 1,000,000.

This is a synthetically manufactured bead sold as 1 Mukhi in religious places of India by roadside hawkers. Pictures show top view and side view. Purchased for Rs. 10 after bargaining. Can be detected by sight only.

This is a 5 Faced Rudraksha Bead in which all lines except one are hidden by sticking black glue. Pictures show two different views. Sold widely in India at roadside hawkers in religious places. Can be detected by boiling in water and also by sight.

This has Om, trishul and Snake head carved and glued on Two Mukhi Bhadraksha Beads. Sold commonly as 1 Mukhi all over India and abroad. Purchased from shop outside trayambekhwar Shrine in India for Rs. 20. Pictures show two different designs.

Giant Ball made from a cork- like substance that has a natural stem implanted on top to give the 'look'. Sold very widely in India and abroad by unscrupulous people. Pictures show the outside view and the inner section after opening it. Filled with edible gum. Purchased by a client from a seller in Singapore for $500.

Fake mala of 108 + 1, 2 Mukhi Beads. Purchased in 1999, Indonesia. Now widely sold all over India.

Seeds of Ber tree which are colored and sold as Rudraksha Beads Mala. Can be detected by sight as no mukhis are visible.

Fake mala of 108 + 1 mukhiless beads purchased in 1988, Nepal.

Fake beads carved out of betel nut. Method commonly used to make high mukhi beads upto 21 mukhi. Purchased in 1998, Varanasi, India.

Fake trijuti made from three Rudraksha Beads ground and glued together. Purchased from Mumbai, India, 1999.

Fake Gauri Shankars made from two Rudraksha Beads ground and glued together. Purchased from Mumbai, India, 1999, and Nasik, 2001.