For the worship and rituals of almost all the gods and goddesses, the Jaap or frequent Chanting of some mantras is compulsory with definite number according to the God and the Goddess each for the fulfillment of desires. In this case Mala is the best means to count beads for counting the mantra. It can be asked why there are only 108 beads in a Mala neither more nor less ?

At first it tells us how many times we have counted the mantra. Secondly a subtle electric current is created in the mind by rubbing of the thumb with finger. This electric current influences the heart through Vegas Veins and makes the mind concentrate deeply. According to astronomy there are 27 constellations (group of stars) in the universe and each constellation (group of stars) has four quadrants (charan) hence there are 24x4 = 108 quadrants in all. The constellation has again been divided into 12 equal parts corresponding 12 signs of zodiac and there are only 9 planets in the universe if we multiply them together the result will be 108 [12x9 = 108]. Thus 108 is the best number to join the Individual consciousness with the Absolute Consciousness.

There are many kinds of Mala used in spiritual and meditation purposes.

Lotus-seed Mala (Kamal Gatta Mala) - This mala is used for the worship of the Goddess Lakshmi for Jaap or to Chant her Mantra. There is special importance to chant her Mantra with Lotus and Seed mala.

Turmeric Mala - It is used to perform Anusthan (special prayers) and destroy enemies and succeed in law suits. If a man has fallen prey to Jaundice, he should wear garland of 8, 10 beads of turmeric, he would surely be cured .

Putra Jeeva mala - It is used in Sadhana for having an off spring in the family.

Silver Beads Mala - To fulfill any sacred and virtuous object (aim) silver beads mala is the most effective.

Kush's root (knot) Mala - The mala, made from the roots of kusha grass, is used for all sacred & Virtuous activities.

Sandal Wood Garland & Mala -

1. Mala made of white sandal wood is used for peace and empowering rituals and for worshipping other deities. Sandal wood garland is good for welcoming and for giving honour.
2. Red sandal wood (Rose wood) mala is used in worship of Lord Ganesh and Goddesses.

Tulsi Mala and Kanti (Neck Mala) - This mala is regarded as the best for worshipping Lord Vishnu, Ram and Krishna. According to Ayurveda, it is very useful in diseases related to throat . It is also used for the purification of the body.

Conch Mala - It is used for special tantrik purposes .

Baijanti Mala - It is used by the devotees of Lord Vishnu and for chanting Mantras for worship of goddess Lakshmi.

Amber Mala - It is very useful in diseases related to blood and disorder in menstruation.

Quartz (Sphatik or Crystal) Mala - It is the best mala for counting beads while chanting Devi Mantras. If it is worn, the mind becomes pacified and quiet. He who wears it, becomes pacified and quiet. He who wears it, becomes favorite of Lord Shiva.

.Rudraksha Mala - It is very effective and is used in all kinds of rituals while worshipping gods, goddesses and nine planets. If any particular mala is not available, Rudraksha Mala is could be used without any hesitation only with exception of mantras of killing others (maran) and yakshni Sidhi. Thus it is regarded as the best of all rosaries.

Kaharwa Mala - It is put around the neck of the patients of jaundice. It cures the disease very soon.

Navratna Mala - This is used to pacify nine planets. There are nine precious stones corresponding the nine planets in it. It gives mental peace, when it is worn.

Coral Mala - It is used during sadhana or worship of Lord Ganesh, Hanuman, Lakshmi and Mars planet. It is also useful for people who are prone to anemic condition.

Similarly there are many rosaries made of semi precious stones for different planets. For example there are garlands of Garnet, Pearl, Jade, Onex, Sunehla, Blue Sapphire, Topaz Onex, Topaz Zircon, Cat's eye Emethyst, Rosequartze, Tiger, Agate and Moonstone. These malas are very useful in pacifying the inimical planetary influences in one's life. Crystal mala in used regarding it as Shiva-Shakti incarnate, Rudraksha as Lord Shiva, Pearl the moon incarnate. Rudraksha-coral mala is worn regarding as incarnate of Lord Shiva and Hanuman. Thus they are used to count Mantras of different deities and are worn to attain peace of mind and happiness.

A Rudraksha rosary is most commonly prepared from five faced beads that are available most abundantly and also in various sizes . In Devi Bhagwat Puran one can read about method of preparation of Rudraksha mala for counting beads while chanting mantras. The main mouth (whole side) part of a Rudraksha is called Brahma, the middle part Rudra (Shiva) and the hind part Vishnu. Thus the Trinity form of Lord Rudra gives the worldly pleasures and salvation to man in this world.

Lord Shiva's mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" or any other mantra chanted with Rudraksha mala gives unlimited benefits as told in Shiva Purana.

The number of the beads of mala depends on the aim of chanting mantras. The mala of 108 + 1 = 109 beads is regarded the best to count mantras. There are three kinds of malas. One of them includes 108 beads + 1 bead called sumeru. The other one includes 54 beads + 1 sumeru. If it is counted twice, it completes one mala. The third kind of mala includes 1/4 beads of a full garland i.e. 27 beads + 1 sumeru.

This is called 'sumarni'. Four times of this mala completes one full Mala of 108 beads. This sumarni is good for the man who remains always busy with chanting mantras and meditation. It is easily portable. Garland of 132 beads is useful for performing rituals to get riches.

There is a mention of merits of rosary in chanting mantras (mystic syllables) by the combination of different fingers for different purposes in some other mystic literatures. It is said that in handling the rosary only forepart of the fingers should be used. There is a prominent bead, which is normally the central portion of the rosary and is called Meru. The Sadhaka while rotating the rosary should not overtake this Meru while counting and from there he should count the recitations in the reverse order.

RUDRAKSHA Mala/Rosary

A Rudraksha rosary is most commonly prepared from five faced beads that are available most abundantly and also in various sizes . In Devi Bhagwat Puran one can read about method of preparation of Rudraksha mala for counting beads while chanting mantras. The main mouth (whole side) part of a Rudraksha is called Brahma, the middle part Rudra (Shiva) and the hind part Vishnu. Thus the Trinity form of Lord Rudra gives the worldly pleasures and salvation to man in this world.

Lord Shiva's mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" or any other mantra chanted with Rudraksha mala gives unlimited benefits as told in Shiva Purana.

The number of the beads of mala depends on the aim of chanting mantras. The mala of 108 + 1 = 109 beads is regarded the best to count mantras. There are three kinds of malas. One of them includes 108 beads + 1 bead called sumeru. The other one includes 54 beads + 1 sumeru. If it is counted twice, it completes one mala. The third kind of mala includes 1/4 beads of a full garland i.e. 27 beads + 1 sumeru. This is called 'sumarni'. Four times of this mala completes one full Mala of 108 beads. This sumarni is good for the man who remains always busy with chanting mantras and meditation. It is easily portable. Garland of 132 beads is useful for performing rituals to get riches. A rosary of twenty five beads renders Moksa (liberation) ; that of thirty beads renders wealth, that of fifty beads renders prosperity and that of fifteen beads is helpful in spells for a malevolent purpose . While wearing a rosary of 27 beads if a man does rituals , he gets a crore times more benefit . Vopadeva states in Padarth-Darsa that one who wears thirty two Rudrakshas in neck , forty on forehead , six in each ears , twelve in each wrists , sixteen in each arm , four on each eye , one hundred and eight over the chest , himself becomes NeelaKantha (Shiva) .

There is a mention of merits of rosary in chanting mantras (mystic syllables) by the combination of different fingers for different purposes in some other mystic literatures. It is said that in handling the rosary only forepart of the fingers should be used. There is a prominent bead, which is normally the central portion of the rosary and is called Meru. The Sadhaka while rotating the rosary should not overtake this Meru while counting and from there he should count the recitations in the reverse order.

The Method of Counting Beads :- Japa, the counting of beads, should be done after covering the mala. Mala should be kept always in a cotton bag (Gomukhi) and during the counting of beads of mala , the hand should be inside the gomukhi . While counting mantras the mala should not touch the ground at any time . There is another method for Japa - Take a copper bowl filled with water and now half of the beads of the mala remain in hand and rest of the mala beads must remain sinking in the water. Now cover the hand with a cloth and start to do the japa. After complete the japa (reciting the mantra), this water should be sprinkled in the house, in the courtyard and it should be drunk. Doing so the person gets happiness and he marches towards salvation.

Besides the Pauranic versions for the uses of Rudraksa, there is mention of merits of their rosary in chanting mantras (mystic syllables) by combination of different fingers for different purposes in some other mystic literatures (Shubhankaran, 1991). It is held that in handling the rosary only fore part of the fingers should be used. There is a prominent bead, which is normally the central portion of the rosary and is called the Meru . The person should not overtake this Meru while counting and from there he should count the recitation in the reverse order. While counting the rosary should be revolved in a direction towards the person .

Mantra for the attainment of final salvation or religious perfection should be recited by revolving the rosary with thumbs and Index finger ( also called Tarjani i.e. first finger or the finger of Jupiter). The finger of Jupiter is also used for destroying enemies. Mantras for peace should be recited with the help of thumb and second finger ( also called Madhyama or finger of Saturn) and for the attainment of mantra siddhi with thumb and third finger or ring finger or finger of Sun). Thumb is used for final emancipation, finger of Jupiter for the prosperities through trading and business; finger of Saturn for wealth and happiness; finger of Sun for peace and finally anamika or finger of Mercury for all types of mantras, Siddhis, etc. Revolving rosary with thumb, middle and ring finger helps attaining peace and mental tranquility

Besides the Pauranic versions for the uses of Rudraksa, there is mention of merits of their rosary in chanting mantras (mystic syllables) by combination of different fingers for different purposes in some other mystic literatures (Shubhankaran, 1991). It is held that in handling the rosary only fore part of the fingers should be used. There is a prominent bead, which is normally the central portion of the rosary and is called the Meru . The person should not overtake this Meru while counting and from there he should count the recitation in the reverse order. While counting the rosary should be revolved in a direction towards the person .

Mantra for the attainment of final salvation or religious perfection should be recited by revolving the rosary with thumbs and Index finger ( also called Tarjani i.e. first finger or the finger of Jupiter). The finger of Jupiter is also used for destroying enemies. Mantras for peace should be recited with the help of thumb and second finger ( also called Madhyama or finger of Saturn) and for the attainment of mantra siddhi with thumb and third finger or ring finger or finger of Sun). Thumb is used for final emancipation, finger of Jupiter for the prosperities through trading and business; finger of Saturn for wealth and happiness; finger of Sun for peace and finally anamika or finger of Mercury for all types of mantras, Siddhis, etc. Revolving rosary with thumb, middle and ring finger helps attaining peace and mental tranquility.

On a mala, or set of mantra counting beads, there are generally 108 beads, or some fraction of that number.

The question often arises:
"Why are there 108 beads on a mala?"

Below are some of the many reasons that have been given, as well as a few other points of interest. None of these reasons are being promoted here as more or less true than the others. However, you may notice that 108 appears to be somewhat like a road map of reality in general, and the human in particular.

Regardless of the meaning of 108, it is important that if a mala is used to count mantras, the mantra be remembered with sincerity,
devotion, feeling, and full attention.

9 times 12: Both of these numbers have been said to have spiritual significance in many traditions. 9 times 12 is 108. Also, 1 plus 8
equals 9. That 9 times 12 equals 108.

Powers of 1, 2, and 3 in math: 1 to 1st power=1; 2 to 2nd power=4 (2x2); 3 to 3rd power=27 (3x3x3). 1x4x27=108

Desires: There are said to be 108 earthly desires in mortals.

Lies: There are said to be 108 lies that humans tell.

Delusions: There are said to be 108 human delusions or forms of ignorance.

Heart Chakra: The chakras are the intersections of energy lines, and there are said to be a total of 108 energy lines converging to form the heart chakra. One of them, sushumna leads to the crown chakra, and is said to be the path to Self-realization.

Sanskrit alphabet: There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet. Each has masculine and feminine, shiva and shakti. 54 times 2 is 108.

Pranayama: If one is able to be so calm in meditation as to have only 108 breaths in a day, enlightenment will come.

Upanishads: Some say there are 108 Upanishads, texts of the wisdom of the ancient sages.

Sri Yantra: On the Sri Yantra there are marmas where three lines intersect, and there are 54 such intersections. Each intersections has masculine and feminine, shiva and shakti qualities. 54 times 2 equals 108. Thus, there are 108 points that define the Sri Yantra as well as the human body.

Pentagon: The angle formed by two adjacent lines in a pentagon equals 108 degrees.

Marmas: Marmas or marmastanas are like energy intersections called chakras, except have fewer energy lines converging to form them. There are said to be 108 marmas in the subtle body.

Time: Some say there are 108 feelings, with 36 related to the past, 36 related to the present, and 36 related to the future.

8 extra beads: In doing a practice of counting the number of repetitions of the mala, 100 are counted as completed. The remaining are said to cover errors or omissions. The 8 are also said to be an offering to God and Guru.

Chemistry: Interestingly, there are about 115 elements known on the periodic table of the elements. Most of those, around or higher than the number 100 only exist in the laboratory, and some for only thousandths of a second. The number that naturally exist on Earth is around 100.

Astrology: There are 12 constellations, and 9 arc segments called namshas or chandrakalas. 9 times 12 equals 108. Chandra is moon, and kalas are the divisions within a whole.

Planets and Houses: In astrology, there are 12 houses and 9 planets. 12 times 9 equals 108.

Goddess names: There are said to be 108 Indian goddess names.

Gopis of Krishna: In the Krishna tradition, there were said to be 108 gopis or maid servants of Krishna.

1, 0, and 8: Some say that 1 stands for God or higher Truth, 0 stands for emptiness or completeness in spiritual practice, and 8 stands for infinity or eternity.

Sun and Earth: The diameter of the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth. The distance from the Sun to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Sun.

Moon and Earth: The average distance of the Moon from the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Moon.

Silver and the moon: In astrology, the metal silver is said to represent the moon. The atomic weight of silver is 108.

Numerical scale: The 1 of 108, and the 8 of 108, when added together equals 9, which is the number of the numerical scale, i.e. 1, 2, 3 ... 10, etc., where 0 is not a number.

Meditations: Some say there are 108 styles of meditation.

Breath: Tantra estimates the average number of breaths per day at 21,600, of which 10,800 are solar energy, and 10,800 are lunar energy. Multiplying 108 by 100 is 10,800. Multiplying 2 x 10,800 equals 21,600.

Paths to God: Some suggest that there are 108 paths to God.

Smaller divisions: The number 108 is divided, such as in half, third, quarter, or twelfth, so that some malas have 54, 36, 27, or 9 beads.

Hinduism: 108 is said to refer to the number of Hindu deities. Some say that each of the deities has 108 names.

Islam: The number 108 is used in Islam to refer to God.

Jain: In the Jain religion, 108 are the combined virtues of five categories of holy ones, including 12, 8, 36, 25, and 27 virtues respectively.

Sikh: The Sikh tradition has a mala of 108 knots tied in a string of wool, rather than beads.

Buddhism: Some Buddhists carve 108 small Buddhas on a walnut for good luck. Some ring a bell 108 times to celebrate a new year.

Chinese: The Chinese Buddhists and Taoists use a 108 bead mala, which is called su-chu, and has three dividing beads, so the mala is divided into three parts of 36 each.

Stages of the soul: Said that Atman, the human soul or center goes through 108 stages on the journey.

Meru: This is a larger bead, not part of the 108. It is not tied in the sequence of the other beads. It is the quiding bead, the one that marks the beginning and end of the mala.

Dance: There are 108 forms of dance in the Indian traditions.

Praiseworthy souls: There are 108 qualities of praiseworthy souls.