Sacred Garlands of 108 Beads
A mala is far more than a necklace. It is a spiritual tool with thousands of years of sacred tradition behind it.
The word mala comes from the Sanskrit for “garland” or “meditation garland.” Traditionally consisting of 108 beads, malas have been used for centuries across Hindu, Buddhist and yogic traditions as tools for meditation, mantra repetition (japa), protection and spiritual awakening.
Each bead is touched during the recitation of a mantra or prayer — one bead, one repetition — creating a rhythmic, meditative practice that stills the mind and draws awareness inward. The 109th bead, known as the guru bead or meru, marks the beginning and end of the cycle. It is never crossed but honoured as a moment of pause, gratitude and dedication.
The number 108 appears throughout the natural world and across spiritual traditions, giving it a profound and universal significance:
Sun & Earth
The distance between the Sun and Earth is 108 times the Sun's diameter
Moon & Earth
The distance between the Moon and Earth is 108 times the Moon's diameter
Sanskrit Alphabet
There are 54 letters, each with a masculine and feminine form: 54 × 2 = 108
Heart Chakra
There are said to be 108 energy lines (nadis) converging at the heart chakra
Upanishads
There are 108 principal Upanishads, the ancient texts of Vedic wisdom
Astrology
12 zodiac houses × 9 planets = 108 in Vedic astrology
When you hold a mala of 108 beads, you hold a thread that connects you to the cosmos, to ancient wisdom, and to the deepest part of yourself.
For Meditation (Japa): Hold the mala in your right hand, draped over the middle finger. Starting at the guru bead, use your thumb to pull each bead toward you as you repeat your mantra — one bead per repetition. When you reach the guru bead again, you have completed one cycle of 108.
For Protection & Energy: Many people wear their mala throughout the day as a source of spiritual protection, a reminder of intention, and a way to carry the energy of their crystals and Rudraksha close to the body. Over time, a mala absorbs the energy of your practice and becomes increasingly powerful.
Malas vs Bracelets: A traditional 108-bead mala works at a deeper level of transformation — it is designed as a shield of protection and a catalyst for inner change. Bracelets carry a beautiful supportive energy and are a wonderful complement, but a full mala is the primary spiritual tool.
Your mala is a living spiritual companion. Wear it always if you can — close to the skin, close to the heart. Remove it before swimming, showering or sleeping if you prefer, though many choose to keep it on at all times. Store it in a clean, sacred space when not wearing it. Over time, the silk thread may stretch or the knots may loosen — this is natural. If your mala needs repair, please contact us and we will guide you through the process.
If your mala breaks, know that this is not a loss — it is widely understood as a sign of deep energetic shift. Something has moved. Something has transformed. We offer full repair services to bring your mala back to you.
Explore the collection or book a personal consultation
with Shivjyoti to find the mala meant for you.
