Japa Mala Guide · why 108 beads, how to hold it, the sumeru

A japa mala is a string of beads for counting naam or mantra. A full mala has 108 beads and one larger bead, the sumeru (or guru bead), where the counting starts and ends.

Why 108?

108 is held sacred across Hindu, Jain and Buddhist traditions, and many explanations are given for it: 12 rashis times 9 grahas, 27 nakshatras times the 4 padas of each, and others. Whatever the reason, the practical effect is simple: one round of 108 is one mala, and numbers like 1, 11 or 16 malas a day are easy to keep track of.

Smaller malas of 54 or 27 beads are also used; going round them twice or four times makes 108.

Kinds of mala

Rudraksha: seeds of the rudraksha tree, traditionally associated with Shiva.
Tulsi: holy basil wood, traditionally used for Vishnu, Krishna and Ram naam.
Chandan (sandalwood), sphatik (crystal) and others are also common.

Your tradition or guru may recommend a particular one.

How to hold it

Drape the mala over the middle finger of the right hand and move the beads toward you with the thumb, one bead per naam. Traditionally the index finger stays off the beads. Many people keep the mala in a small cloth bag (gomukhi) while chanting.

The sumeru

When you reach the sumeru, one mala is complete. Instead of crossing over it, turn the mala around and continue in the other direction. The sumeru itself is not counted.

Counting without a mala

When you don't have your mala with you, a 108-bead online counter does the same job.

Questions

Is the sumeru counted?

No. The 108 beads are counted; the sumeru marks the start and end.

Can I use any mala for any naam?

Usually yes. Some traditions prefer tulsi for Vishnu and Krishna, and rudraksha for Shiva.

Is there an app?

Japoji is the app version, with one difference: it puts the naam in front of Instagram and YouTube, so you take 11 naam before you scroll. Android first, iPhone soon. Join the waitlist.

The japa mala. Why 108 beads.