Rudraksha are the dried stones or seeds of the Elaeocarpus ganitrus tree, which are used as prayer beads by Hindus (especially Shaivas), Buddhists and Sikhs. They are associated with the Hindu deity Shiva and are believed to have various benefits and powers depending on the number of faces or segments they have12 Rudraksha are also called “blueberry beads” because they are covered by a blue outer fruit when ripe.