We chant Mantras and other slokas god mundu to ensure we finish praying for our prosperity. Meditation chese sandarbamlo ee Japamala nu kachintanga vadutharu. These malas usually contain 108 beads and 1 main head. Ee main bead mukhyam ga beginning and end kosam use chestharu.
Sometimes there are special or different shaped beads placed after every 27th bead to make it easier to keep track of the mantra. You’ll often also find bracelets and decorative necklaces with 54 or 27 beads, half and a quarter of the 108 respectively.
Why 108 beads?
Generally, a Hindu japa mala consists of 108+1 beads with a knot between the beads. The number 108 has several meanings. Some of them are:
· 27 constellations x 4 padas(parts) = 108
· 12 zodiac houses x 9 planets = 108
· Upanishats Scriptures of the Vedas = 108
· In other words, 108 beads represent the entire universe.
Ee japamalas vaaduthu japam chesthe mana respiration ni kuduta parustundi and daani valla mana aarogyam sukhanga nilustundi. Chaala mandi ee mala nu chetiki leda meda ki daristharu.
In a japamala, 108 beads ni gundranga undela tayaru chestharu. It represents the cyclic nature of the universe, without an end or a beginning. The Universal Self is the only unchanging principle, just like a string in the mala. Mana jananam and maranam cycle ni kuda denote chestundi. Actually, individual Self also changes the bodies in an endless cycle. So, the highest goal of our lives is to permanently escape from this cycle by merging with the Universal Self.
The material of beads depends on the deity. For Lord Vishnu, Thulasi(Holy basil) beads are used. To chant Shri Durga mantras red sandalwood beads are recommended. To please Shri Lakshmi Devi, lotus seed mala is suggested. To meditate on Lord Shiva, Rudraksha seeds are the best.
