rudraksha
seed used as a prayer bead in Hinduism
A rudraksha (IAST: rudrākṣa) are the dried stones or seeds of the genus Elaeocarpus specifically, Elaeocarpus ganitrus. These seeds are used as prayer beads for Hindus (especially Shaivas) and Buddhists. When they are ripe, rudraksha stones are covered by a blue outer fruit so they are sometimes called "blueberry beads".
The stones are associated with the Hindu deity Shiva and are worn by believers for protection and for chanting mantras such as Om Namah Shivaya (Sanskrit: ॐ नमः शिवाय; Om Namaḥ Śivāya).
