Rudraksha malas have been used by Hindus (as well as Sikhs and Buddhists) as rosaries at least from the 10th century) for meditation purposes and to sanctify the mind, body and soul. The word rudraksha is derived from Rudra (Shiva—the Hindu god of all living creatures) and aksha (eyes). One Hindu legend says that once Lord Shiva opened His eyes after a long period yogic meditation, and because of extreme fulfillment, He shed a tear. This single tear from Shiva’s eye grew into the rudraksha tree. Rudraksha seeds are thought to destroy the five main sins and bring riches and abundance in Hindu folklore.