Japa mala: what it is and how to use 108 beads
A japa mala is 108 beads plus a guru bead for counting mantras. How to hold it, which finger to avoid, materials like tulsi and rudraksha, and simple rules.
A japa mala is a string of 108 beads, plus one larger bead called the guru or meru bead, used to count repetitions of a mantra. You chant the mantra once for each bead, moving the beads with your thumb, and when you reach the guru bead you have completed one round of 108. The mala keeps count so that your mind can stay with the mantra.
What the words mean
Japa is the repeated chanting of a mantra or a name of God, aloud, in a whisper or silently. Mala means garland. So a japa mala is simply a garland for japa. Malas are used in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain practice, and the idea of counting prayers on beads is found in many religions.
A traditional japa mala has:
- 108 beads, usually of the same size, often with a small knot between each one so the beads do not rub.
- One guru bead (also called meru or sumeru), larger than the rest, where the two ends meet. It marks the start and end of a round and is not counted.
- Often a tassel below the guru bead.
Smaller malas of 54 or 27 beads also exist. Two rounds of 54, or four rounds of 27, make 108. To learn why the number matters, see why mantras are chanted 108 times.
How to hold and use a japa mala
- Sit comfortably with your back upright. Take a few slow breaths and bring your chosen mantra to mind.
- Hold the mala in your right hand, at the level of your heart or resting near your knee.
- Drape it over your middle finger. Some traditions use the ring finger instead. Keep your index finger away from the beads.
- Begin at the bead next to the guru bead. Chant the mantra once, then use your thumb to draw that bead towards you and move on to the next.
- Go bead by bead until you come back to the guru bead. That is one round of 108.
- Do not cross the guru bead. To begin another round, turn the mala around in your hand and go back the way you came.
- When you finish, sit quietly for a moment before you get up.
Many people cover the hand and mala with a small cloth bag, called a gomukhi, while chanting. It keeps the practice private and the mala clean.
Mantras often chanted on a mala
Any mantra can be chanted on a mala. Two of the most common:
Om Namah Shivaya
ॐ नमः शिवाय Om Namah Shivaya
"I bow to Shiva." The five-syllable mantra, often chanted on a rudraksha mala, for a calm, steady mind. Listen on Mahakatha.
Hare Krishna maha mantra
हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे। हरे राम हरे राम राम राम हरे हरे॥ Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
"Let me be absorbed in the joy that is Krishna, and the joy that is Rama." Vaishnava devotees chant it on tulsi beads, often many rounds a day, for devotion and joy. Listen on Mahakatha.
Common materials
No material makes a mantra work. Families and teachers often suggest a material that matches the deity, but the best mala is the one you will actually use. You do not need an expensive one.
- Tulsi. Wood of the holy basil plant, sacred to Vishnu and Krishna. Traditionally used by Vaishnava devotees for Krishna, Rama and Vishnu mantras.
- Rudraksha. Dried seeds of the rudraksha tree, associated with Shiva. Each seed has natural lines called mukhis; five-mukhi beads are the most common. Often used for Shiva mantras.
- Sandalwood. White sandalwood (chandan) is light and gently fragrant. Red sandalwood (rakta chandan) is often used for mantras of the Goddess.
- Sphatik. Clear quartz crystal, cool and heavy in the hand. Often used for mantras to Lakshmi, Saraswati or Shiva.
- Lotus seed (kamal gatta), associated with Lakshmi, and simple woods such as rosewood are also common. Buddhist malas are often made of bodhi seeds.
Simple rules many families keep
- Keep your japa mala for japa. Some traditions keep it separate from any mala worn as jewellery.
- Use one mala for one mantra, if your tradition asks it.
- Keep it off the floor, and store it in its bag or near your altar.
- Treat it as personal. Many people do not lend their japa mala.
If your family or teacher has its own custom, follow it.
Common mistakes
- Rushing to finish. Eleven mantras with attention are worth more than 108 in a hurry.
- Crossing the guru bead. Turn the mala around instead.
- Worrying about the "right" mala. Begin with what you have. The practice matters more than the beads.
- Paying for "activation". Nothing needs to be bought. If you wish, simply offer the new mala at your altar and chant your mantra on it once, 108 times. That first round is its blessing.
No mala at hand? Our free japa counter counts rounds of 108 on your phone. You can chant along with Mahakatha Radio, which plays mantras day and night, free and without ads.
Questions people ask
What is a japa mala used for?
A japa mala is used to count mantra repetitions during japa. Each bead marks one mantra, and the guru bead marks the end of a round of 108, so you can chant without counting in your head.
Which mala is good for japa?
Tulsi is traditional for Vishnu, Krishna and Rama mantras, rudraksha for Shiva, and sandalwood or sphatik for the Goddess, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Any clean mala of 108 beads that feels comfortable in your hand is good for japa.
What are the rules for japa mala?
Use your right hand, keep the index finger off the beads, move one bead per mantra with your thumb, and do not cross the guru bead. Keep the mala clean, off the floor and kept for japa.
Which finger should not touch the mala?
The index finger. Traditionally it stands for the ego, so the mala rests on the middle or ring finger and the thumb moves the beads.
Which mala is powerful to wear?
No mala is more powerful than another. Rudraksha and tulsi are the most commonly worn, by Shiva and Vishnu devotees respectively. What gives a mala meaning is the japa done on it.
How do I activate my mala beads?
Tradition does not require a special ritual. Many families offer the new mala to the deity at their altar and chant their mantra on it for one full round of 108. After that, regular use is what keeps it alive.