Understanding Gauri Shankar and Garbh Gauri Rudraksha: Meaning, Formation, and the Real Difference

To get through the details, search for 'Gauri Shankar Rudraksha' and you'll often find 'Garbh Gauri Rudraksha' listed right beside it.

Did you check it and get confused too, like others? Let us tell you that sometimes, even the Rudraksha sellers get confused with these two entities of Rudrakshas- Gauri Shankar and Garbh Gauri. Both of these varieties carry 'Gauri', the Goddess Parvati's name and are flagged as rare natural beads of Rudraksha. Steeped in the highest femininity and nurturing essence of Goddess Gauri, the two share the confusion yet are quite spiritually and structurally different.

However, there's a way to identify the difference between the Gauri Shankar and Garbh Gauri Rudraksha. Learn more about it; keep reading.

Let’s Understand What Garbh Gauri & Gauri Shankar Rudraksha Mean

Here we are gonna quote what both Rudrakshas mean.

Garbha Gauri Rudraksha

Garbha Gauri Rudraksha is a form of Gaurishankar where one bead is smaller than the other. It is recommended for women who have difficulty conceiving and are prone to abortion.

Some people believe that only one type of rudraksha should be worn and different mukhis should not be mixed. For example, you may wear 27+1 beads of six mukhi only and not a combination of different mukhis.

A person who is known for a lot of controversial and commercial actions from a well-known institution has even called the combination a "cocktail".

This is not correct. As our ancient texts say, various mukhis should be procured with effort and worn. The experience of thousands of people is a testimony to the fact that any combination which suits individual requirements can be worn.

There are several combinations possible with 23 types of rudraksha (one to 21 mukhis, Gaurishankar and Ganesha) by taking into consideration various factors such as personal and family problems.

Gaurishankar Rudraksha

Gaurishankar is one of the rudraksha varieties whose fakes are available largely. It is estimated that about 10% of the entire fake rudraksha market consists of this variety. Usually two beads (five or six mukhi) are taken and cut flat on the edges. These are then glued together using superior adhesives so that the joined pieces do not come off even when these are placed in boiling water. Even ordinary wood is used to carve the rudraksha. In some cases, the individual pieces are joined in sections to outsmart the experts. To make the joint strong, often a stick of wood is placed in between the beads.

The following steps may be taken to check if the bead is a fake Gaurishankar:

• The beads should not join close to each other in a flat way, and the joint should emanate from inside the bead and not merely peripherally.

• To test authenticity, boil the bead in water for 0.5 hour; a fake, glued bead will either come apart or show discolouration at the joint, while the genuine one will keep a uniform colour throughout.

(This same boiling test also works for spotting fake higher-mukhi beads, such as Trijuti.)

• When a Gaurishankar rudraksha is cut horizontally, it will give the impression of a defined single bead with a twin-space arrangement of the beads.

• Sometimes, makers of fake Gaurishankar rudrakshas do it so intricately that the lines are matched with sectional insertions so precisely, and only sharp, critical eyes can detect the joint.

Spiritual Significance of Gauri Shankar & Garbha Gauri Rudraksha

Two beads of two mukhi and one bead of Gaurishankar, when used in a three-bead combination, is called a unity combination (ekta bandh). This combination helps in removing differences of opinion among people and bringing them closer to each other emotionally and thought-wise.

It is good for family life and for improving relationships between the wearer and others (especially for married couples), as well as relationships with friends and colleagues. Although it is recommended that both parties wear it to improve relationships, even one person who wears this combination will benefit, as he or she can influence others.

On the other hand, Garbha means womb, and Gauri denotes the form of Goddess Parvati in her motherhood form. When combined, the name Garbha Gauri reflects the divinity of the ultimate feminine that supports creation- forming and growing within the garbha. 

The Garbha Gauri Rudraksha bead has this natural structure: a smaller seed attached to the inside of a larger bead. The visible concept embodies the natural miracle of childbirth and pregnancy. It is mostly preferred by expecting parents, couple trying to conceive, or female individuals looking to strengthen their maternal bonds with their children and for the family harmony.

How To Identify Garbha Gauri & Gaurishankar Rudraksha Beads?

Here are the images through which you can recognise which one is a Garbha Gauri and which another one is the Gauri Shankar Rudraksha bead:

Summary

Gauri Shankar and Garbh Gauri Rudraksha both carry the divine energy of Goddess Parvati or Gauri; yet each of these tells a different story in the form of a bead. One is born of two seeds fused as one, embodying the union of Shiva and Shakti, a symbol of balance, partnership, and harmony. The other one has a smaller bead within a larger one, echoing the essence of nurturing, motherhood and fertility.

Choose yours, based on what you need these special rudraksha beads for!