Approximate length of open mala (length may vary depending on the size of each bead) - 13 to 15 inches or approximately 37cm.

What is a Rudraksha?
Rudraksha (also called Rudraksh) are dried seeds from a tree, which grows in select locations in Southeast Asia, botanically known as Elaeocarpus ganitrus. It is also called "Shiva's Tears," and there are many legends related to Lord Shiva that describe its origin. The word Rudraksha comes from "Rudra" (Shiva's name) and "Aksha," which means tears.

What are the benefits of wearing a Rudraksha?
Rudrakshas (also called Rudraksh) are a great support for maintaining physical and mental balance. For spiritual seekers, they help enhance spiritual growth. Their healing properties have been used worldwide for a range of physical, mental, and psychosomatic ailments.

Rudraksha: a shield against negative energies
It's also a kind of shield against negative energies. Some people may use negative energies to harm another person. This is a science in itself. One Veda, the Atharvana Veda, is about how to use energies to one's advantage and to the detriment of another person. If someone who has mastered this wants to use it, it can cause many things: extreme suffering and even death.

A rudraksha is a kind of shield against this. You may think no one will do negative things to you, but it doesn't have to be directed at you. Let's say someone did it to the person sitting next to you, but they aren't receptive to it. Now you can get it because you're sitting next to them. It's like when two people shoot each other on the street; they don't intend to shoot you, but they can shoot you. Similarly, these things can also happen. It's not meant for you, but it can happen if you're in the wrong place at the wrong time. There doesn't have to be a great fear of such things, but a mala is a kind of protection against it.

What are the guidelines for Rudraksha Mala?
Beads are usually strung together as a mala. Traditionally, the number of beads is believed to be 108 plus one. The extra bead is the bindu. A mala should always have a bindu, otherwise the energy becomes cyclical and sensitive individuals may become dizzy. An adult should not use a mala with fewer than 84 beads plus the bindu. Any number above that is fine.
The mala can be worn all the time. You can even wear it when you shower. If you take cold baths and aren't using any chemical soap, it's especially good to have the water flowing over it and your body. But if you use chemical soaps and warm water, it becomes brittle and will crack after a while, so it's best to avoid wearing it at those times.