What Is a Mala? The Surprising Meaning Behind Its 108 Beads

If you’ve ever been to a yoga retreat, a spiritual shop, or even just browsed Instagram, you’ve probably seen someone wearing a mala necklace. Many people think it’s just a trendy accessory. However a mala holds more profound significance. It is related to Sanatangyan, which is the timeless wisdom found in the shastras. So, what is a mala and what does it signify? Why does it always have 108 beads?

Mala beads are not just pieces of jewelry. They are powerful tools for transformation. People use them in meditation to help focus the mind. They also support inner awakening and personal growth.

The Sacred Origins of the Mala

Though it may seem like a recent trend, the mala has deep roots in the Vedic tradition. The word “mala” means “garland” in Sanskrit, and these garlands of beads have been used for thousands of years by sadhu, guru, and yogis as a meditative aid. Traditionally, malas are made from rudraksha seeds—believed to be the tears of Bhagwan Shiva—each one pulsing with divine energy.

The ancient practice of Japamala uses the mala to count how many times a mantra is repeated. You say one mantra for each bead, moving the beads gently between your fingers. This is done with slow, mindful breathing. This practice is called japa and is an important part of Bhakti, Jnana, and Raja Yoga traditions.

As the Bhagavad Gita (6.10) says:

“योगी युञ्जीत सततमात्मानं रहसि स्थितः।

एकाकी यतचित्तात्मा निराशीरपरिग्रहः॥”

"Let the yogi constantly engage the self in meditation, staying in seclusion.

Alone, with a disciplined mind and self, free from desire and possessiveness."

Why Are Mala Beads Used?

For the followers of Sanatangyan, mala beads transcend ancient cultural artifacts and serve as a link to the Divine. While chanting mantras like Om Namah Shivaya or Om Mani Padme Hum, the beads assist in embedding these sacred sounds deep into the mind. As you move from bead to bead, you remember the teachings of your guru. This helps the sadhak (spiritual seeker) to look inward and grow.

Prayer beads are used in many religions around the world. For example Christians use rosaries and Muslims use tasbih. These beads help people calm their minds and focus their hearts. The English word “bead” comes from the Old English word “bede,” which means “prayer.” Today many people like wearing malas because they look nice. But it’s very important to respect the sacred meaning behind them.

मन्त्रेण विना क्रियाज्ञानं न शुद्धिमधिगच्छति। – Manu Smriti 2.85

“Without mantra, the acts of worship do not bestow purity.”

Why Does a Mala Necklace Have 108 Beads?

 Sacred sounds anchor these sounds within the mind. The figure 108 is of great significance in many spiritual and scientific fields as it symbolizes a form of wholeness and the universal balance. The number 108 is present in the veda and the Upanishads which strongly proves that the whole universe is deeply interconnected. 

Here are some profound reasons why malas traditionally have 108 beads:

• Sanskrit Alphabet: There are 54 Sanskrit letters, each having a masculine (Shiva) and feminine (Shakti) energy. 54 x 2 = 108.

• Heart Chakra: In yogic anatomy, there are 108 energy lines (nadis) converging at the heart chakra—the spiritual center of compassion and love.

• Cosmic Distances: The distance between the Earth and Sun is approximately 108 times the diameter of the Sun. Similarly, the distance between the Earth and Moon is 108 times the diameter of the Moon — revealing a cosmic alignment revered by sages and scholars.

• Astrology: In Vedic astrology, 12 houses and nine planets multiply to 108, symbolizing the cosmic order and human destiny.

• Harshad Number: The term Harshad (Sanskrit: “harṣa” meaning joy) refers to numbers divisible by the sum of their digits. 108 is a Harshad number, signifying spiritual joy and fulfillment.

• Pranayama and Breath: It is believed that maintaining 108 breaths in a day signifies a meditative, calm state conducive to enlightenment.

Even the River Ganga, considered divine in the shastras, flows across 12° longitude and 9° latitude: 12 x 9 = 108.

यत्र यत्र मनो याति, तत्र तत्र जपस्मरणम्।- Yoga Shashtra

"Wherever the mind goes, there itself (is) the remembrance of japa (mantra repetition)."

In essence, a mala is far more than a string of beads—it is a sacred tool for meditation, spiritual focus, and inner transformation. Rooted in ancient wisdom, its 108 beads embody cosmic harmony, divine connection, and the timeless pursuit of self-realization.