- Scripture: the Shiva Purana (ch. 25, v.74) describes the 9 Mukhi Rudraksha as Bhairava, with Durga of nine forms as presiding goddess (wisdomlib translation).
- Upanishad: the Rudraksha Jabala Upanishad links it with the nine Shaktis (shaivam.org).
- Planet: Ketu, a later astrological association not found in either text.
- Farm-gate price: NPR 5,000–10,000 (9–11 Mukhi band) in 2015 and NPR 1,500–5,000 (8–12 Mukhi band) in 2025 at the Bhojpur farm gate (Kathmandu Post, 2015; Singhadarbar, 2025).
- Retail price: a certified 9 Mukhi Rudraksha costs ₹3,499 at Nama Veda as of 30 September 2026.
Table of Contents
The 9 Mukhi Rudraksha is linked with Goddess Durga and her nine forms, the Navadurga. It is traditionally associated with courage, inner strength and Shakti, and many devotees begin wearing it during Navratri.
What is a 9 Mukhi Rudraksha?
A 9 Mukhi (Nau Mukhi) Rudraksha has nine natural lines on its surface. In tradition, the nine lines represent the nine forms of Goddess Durga, from Shailaputri to Siddhidatri. It is often worn on the left side of the body in some traditions, since Shakti is associated with the left.
Deity, planet and mantra
| Detail | 9 Mukhi Rudraksha |
|---|---|
| Ruling deity | Goddess Durga (Navadurga) |
| Ruling planet | Ketu |
| Beej mantra | Om Hreem Hum Namah |
| Best day to start wearing | Monday, or the first day of Navratri |
Traditional benefits of 9 Mukhi Rudraksha
- Courage and fearlessness: Durga symbolises strength against negativity, so the bead is linked with facing challenges.
- Energy and dynamism: Many people wear it when they feel drained or hesitant.
- Shakti sadhana: Devotees of the Goddess wear it during Navratri and other Shakti practices.
- Ketu-related remedies: Commonly suggested during Ketu Mahadasha or when Ketu brings confusion.
Who usually wears a 9 Mukhi Rudraksha?
- Devotees of Goddess Durga
- People who want to build courage and confidence
- Women and men in demanding or high-pressure roles
- Those advised to balance Ketu in their chart
How to wear a 9 Mukhi Rudraksha
- Energise it on a Monday or on the first day of Navratri after bathing.
- Wash it with Gangajal, place it before a Durga image and offer a red flower and kumkum.
- Chant “Om Hreem Hum Namah” or “Om Dum Durgayai Namah” 108 times.
- Wear it as a pendant or on the left wrist, in a red thread or in silver or gold.
For a Navratri practice, you may also like Durga mantras with meaning.
How to check if a 9 Mukhi is original
- Nine Mukhi beads are relatively rare. Carefully count the lines and check that none are carved or joined.
- Ask for a lab certificate that confirms nine internal chambers.
- Buy from a seller who shares clear photos of the actual bead.
What do the scriptures say about the 9 Mukhi Rudraksha?
The Shiva Purana (Vidyeshvara Samhita, chapter 25, verse 74) describes the 9 Mukhi Rudraksha as Bhairava, with Durga of nine forms as presiding goddess. The Rudraksha Jabala Upanishad links it with the nine Shaktis. Neither text names a ruling planet; the link with Ketu comes from later astrology.
You can read both passages in English in the Shiva Purana translation on wisdomlib and the Rudraksha Jabala Upanishad on shaivam.org. Botanically, every mukhi is the stone of the same tree, Elaeocarpus angustifolius (often sold as E. ganitrus), as listed in the eFlora of India. On price, traders quoted NPR 5,000–10,000 (9–11 Mukhi band) in 2015 and NPR 1,500–5,000 (8–12 Mukhi band) in 2025 at the Bhojpur farm gate (Kathmandu Post, 2015; Singhadarbar, 2025), before sorting, lab testing and retail. To see how this bead compares with its neighbours, read the 8 Mukhi Rudraksha and 10 Mukhi Rudraksha guides, or compare all fourteen side by side in our mukhi rudraksha guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can men wear 9 Mukhi Rudraksha?
Yes. Although it is linked with the Goddess, both men and women wear it.
Can I wear 9 Mukhi with 8 Mukhi?
Yes. 8 Mukhi (Rahu) and 9 Mukhi (Ketu) are often worn together to balance both shadow planets.
Why is 9 Mukhi more expensive than 5 Mukhi?
It is much rarer. Read why some Rudraksha beads are so expensive.
Buy a certified 9 Mukhi Rudraksha
Explore our 9 Mukhi Nepali Rudraksha (Govt Lab Certified). Compare all beads in our 1 to 14 Mukhi Rudraksha guide.
Disclaimer: This article shares traditional and spiritual beliefs for general information. Rudraksha is not a substitute for medical, financial or professional advice.
Sources and references
- Shiva Purana, Vidyeshvara Samhita, ch. 25 (wisdomlib)
- Rudraksha Jabala Upanishad, tr. R.A. Sastri (shaivam.org)
- eFlora of India: Elaeocarpus angustifolius
- The Kathmandu Post, 22 July 2015
- Singhadarbar, 17 February 2025
- Nama Veda: 1 to 14 Mukhi Rudraksha guide and data, 2026
Last updated: · Nama Veda Editorial Team
