The rosary of beads (जपमाला) is a simple string of beads used in repetition of mantras (जपः), to count mantras or prayers. The rosary of beads (जपमाला) can also be used to count breaths or used in a gratitude meditation. माला is a Sanskrit word which means garland. माला are a type of prayer beads & are ancient tools that were developed to keep the mind focused & clear from thoughts. A full rosary of beads (जपमाला) contains 108 counting beads & one central bead called गुरु or मेरु bead. Usually, 108 beads of rosary (जपमाला) is long enough to wear as a necklace also. A rosary of beads (जपमाला) can also be strung as a half rosary containing 54 beads, or as a wrist माला with 27 counting beads also worn as a bracelet. The central bead (गुरु or मेरु) is often larger than the other counting beads & it provides a starting & ending point for counting & repetitions of the mantras. A tassel is connected to the end of the centre bead (गुरु or मेरु) to finish the rosary of beads (जपमाला) with a final knot. the rosary of beads (जपमाला) also referred to mantra beads, meditation beads or Hindu rosaries. There is a shloka for empowering the rosary of beads (जपमाला);
मां माले महामाये सर्वशक्तिस्वरूपिणि।
चतुर्वगस्त्वयि न्यस्तस्मातर्मे सिद्धिदा भव।।
Meaning- O great Consciousness! O you of the form of all Powers! O rosary of beads! all the four groups (i.e. धर्मः,अर्थः, कामः & मोक्षः) are deposited in you. O mother! give me accomplishments.
अविघ्नं कुरु माले त्वं गृह्णामि दक्षिणे करे।
जपकाले च सिद्ध्यर्थं प्रसीद मम सिद्धये।।
Meaning- O rosary of beads! Make me without obstacles. I hold you in my right hand. You be pleased to me for the time of recitation.
Size of the Rosary of beads (जपमाला) -
The counting beads in the rosary (जपमाला) are usually between 6mm to 10mm; 8mm being the most common size. Larger beads will be easier to count the mantras but will make the rosary of beads (जपमाला) longer & heavier which will not be as comfortable as the smaller size. The central bead (गुरु or मेरु) can be the same size as the counting beads or can be larger to stand out more. The central bead (गुरु or मेरु) is typically made from the same type of material as the counting beads.
Types of the Rosary of beads (जपमाला) -
The rosary of beads (जपमाला) can be made out of many different materials. The most common types of beads used in the rosary (जपमाला) are made from wood, seeds or semi-precious gemstones. Depending on the material used, the properties of the beads will have certain energetic effects. Different spiritual practices & religious traditions historically have used beads of a specific material. In Hinduism, the rosary of beads (जपमाला) is primarily made from sandalwood, tulasi wood, rudraksh seeds, lotus seeds & crystal stones (स्फटिकः). Rosary of beads (जपमाला) may also contain thin metal spacer beads or cotton thread knots that are used for decoration & are not to be counted. We have different names for the rosary of beads (जपमाला). They are, जपमाला (a rosary of beads), अक्षमाला (a rosary made up of rudraksh seeds), कमलनालः माला (a rosary made up of lotus seeds) & करमाला (a rosary of hands).
Types of Tassels in the Rosary of beads (जपमाला) -
The rosary's (जपमाला) tassels are usually made from cotton, silk, wool or nylon. At the rosary of beads (जपमाला) we use Eco-friendly hemp for our tassels. It is typical to find beads strung with cotton cord or nylon string. In Hinduism, the rosary of beads (जपमाला) usually has knots, made up of the strings between each bead, while rosaries from Tibet, Nepal are not knotted between the beads.
Benefits of using the Rosary of beads (जपमाला) -
Rosary of beads (जपमाला) have been used in so many different spiritual traditions for so long because, these beads have many powerful benefits for the body, mind & soul.
1. It Increases focus during mantra meditation.
2. It is an efficient & practical tool to count mantras.
3. An easy way to keep track of the number of mantras recited.
4. Physical contact with prayer beads transmits their inherent healing powers.
5. Once the rosary of beads (जपमाला) is empowered, it can be used for even more powerful healing of inner self.
6. It helps to replace negative thought patterns with positive ones through mantra meditation.
7. It helps in slowing down or controlling respiration in such a way that benefits health wise.
8. It helps to be focused & enhances self-awareness & concentration.
9. It helps to get mind sharper & more active.
10. It helps energizing the central system.
11. It helps curing depression.
12. You learn to be disciplined, humble & devoted to the procedures.
13. It helps reducing stress & calms the mind.
14. It increases the positive energy & inner strength.
Why 108 beads in the Rosary of beads (जपमाला)?
The number 108 has a very powerful significance in the science & spirituality of Hinduism. Also, the number 108 has been considered as sacred number in Hinduism. Below explanations will help to understand the concept of 108 number in different aspects.
Mathematics & Astronomy:
Renowned Vedic mathematicians viewed 108 as a number of the wholeness of existence. Mathematicians favour the number 108 for its countless patterns & potential divisions. For example, it is divisible by the sum of its parts & most of its proper divisors, making it a semi-perfect number.
This number also connects the Sun, the Moon & the Earth. Through the lens of Astronomy, the Sun’s diameter is 108 times & distance measured between the Sun & the Earth is 108 times the Sun’s diameter. The diameter of the Moon & the distance between the Moon & the Earth is 108 times. The diameter of the Sun & the diameter of the Moon is 108 times. Traditionally these rosaries (जपमाला), come as a string of 108 beads, plus one for the central bead (गुरु or मेरु), around which the other 108 beads turn like the planets around the Sun.
Ayurveda & Yoga:
In the field of Ayurveda, there are 108 vital points also known as vulnerable spots (मर्म), in the body, identifying intersections of matter & consciousness. The Vital points (मर्म) simply defined as, the junctures in the body where two or more tissues meet, i.e., muscles, vessels, bones, ligaments & joints. According to the scriptures, there are 107 vital points (मर्म) in the body & 108th is the mind which are vulnerable to pain & can cause long-term effects to the body. The vital points (मर्म) are a full or a part body treatment, differing from most other types of therapies in a way that the practitioner uses fingers, knuckles & thumb to press the specific point.
When manipulated, these points can awaken & align the vital energy. Members of the Vedic tradition see this 108 number as denoting the wholeness of the universe where number one represents the solar masculine, number zero represents the lunar feminine & number eight represents the infinite nature of all things.
Astrology:
In astrology some believe that, there are 09 planets & 12 signs of Zodiac (राशि). So, the multiplication of 12*9 is 108. Another belief is that, there are 27 constellation (नक्षत्र) & 4 steps (चरण) of every constellation (नक्षत्र) so its 27*4=108.
How to use the Rosary of beads (जपमाला) ?
As per Hindu tradition the rosary of beads (जपमाला) is always held in the right hand as the left hand is considered to be not so pure. The thumb & the middle finger, is used to count by touching each of the beads while chanting. Start from the first adjoining bead to the central bead (गुरु or मेरु). After finishing the recitation on one mantra, move to the next bead by gently pulling the bead towards yourself. The index finger should not be used for counting. The central bead (गुरु or मेरु) is not for counting it only indicates that the repetition of 108 mantras or muttering of prayers are over.
As we practice chanting mantras, repetition of mantras, breath work, in rounds of this sacred number, we become aligned with the rhythm of the universe & the energy of the divine sources.
ज्येष्ठः शुक्लपक्षे ३, २०७६