Where did the Rudrakshas come from... 

The word Rudra is the name of Lord Shiva and aksha means tears. There are several versions about the origin of the Rudrakshas.

Some epics say that there was a demon called Tripura Sur who was gaining more and power and becoming invincible. Lord Brahma, Vishnu and other Gods and Goddess went to Lord Shiva for help. They asked him to control the devil and conquer him.

Lord Shiva used his most fierce fire weapon called ‘Aaghor’ to destroy the demon. But Lord Shiva knew about the devastating effet of this weapon and this brought tears to his eyes. When he opened his eyes, a few teardrops fell on the earth. Wherever his tears fell, trees grew and were named the Rudraksha trees meaning ‘Tears of Lord Shiva’, though the English name for  the Rudraksha tree is ‘UTRASUM BEAD TREE’ .