Thursday, August 11 2005 16:47 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chennai: Mumbai University's Institute of Chemical Technology will carry out research on the effects of 'Rudraksha' beads on patients suffering from cardio-vascular problems under an agreement signed with Rudralife, a firm dealing in sale of the beads.

The research, which would receive Rs 85,000 as financial assistance from Rudralife, would also try to establish the effects of Rudraksha on stress and enhancement of memory power, Rudralife partner Tanay Seetha told reporters on the inaugural day of an eight-day Rudraksha exhibition here (Chennai) today (Aug 11, 2005).

The research findings would be submitted to Rudralife, a dealer in Rudraksha beads, within the next three months. "We have also located an institution for setting up a laboratory to do scientific testing of Rudraksha," he said but did not elaborate.

Since its inception in 2001, Rudralife had held 100 exhibitions across the country.

On the exhibition, he said a special item on view was a collection of very rare hybrid Nepalese beads and the Rudraksha 'mala' comprised one to 21 "Mukhis".

The cost of this 'mala' was Rs 36 lakh, he said, adding it was not for sale.

The cost of Rudrakshas available for purchase at the exhibition ranged from Rs 80 to Rs 36,000.