Whoever has purchased a Rudraksha Mala must have wondered at least once, why there are only 108 beads in a Rudraksha Mala. Every single Rudraksha Mala in this world encloses 108 beads and there are numerous reasons behind composing Rudraksha Mala that way. Rudraksha Mala, bracelet, or any other jewelry type that encapsulates Rudraksha beads are considered quite sacred and must be worn with utmost caution and by following all rituals.
We can give our valued readers almost 1000 reasons that can be related well with the inclusion of exactly 108 Rudraksha beads in a Rudraksha Mala. However, after digging deep into numerous religions like Hinduism and Jainism and putting our research skills to the ultimate test, we have curated the best possible logical reasons that justify the significance of 108 Beads in a Rudraksha Mala and also answer the forever lingering question “ why there are 108 Beads on a Rudraksha Mala?”.
Table of Contents
Vedic Reasons
In the realm of ancient wisdom, the Upanishads, revered texts embodying the insights of sages, are often said to number 108. The Sanskrit alphabet, consisting of 54 letters, each with masculine (Shiva) and feminine (Shakti) forms, aligns perfectly with the 108 beads, symbolizing the harmonious union of these divine energies.
Pranayama, the practice of breath control and regulation, is traditionally associated with achieving tranquility in meditation. The concept suggests that reaching a state of such profound calmness that one experiences only 108 breaths in a day can lead to enlightenment.
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The divine feminine finds expression in 108 Indian goddess names, adding a sacred dimension to the symbolism of rudraksha beads. In the Krishna tradition, the 108 gopis, the devoted female companions of Lord Krishna, symbolize divine love and devotion.
The numerals themselves hold spiritual connotations, where 1 represents the divine or higher Truth, 0 signifies emptiness or completeness in spiritual practice, and 8 embodies infinity or eternity. The synthesis of these digits in 108 underscores a holistic approach to spiritual understanding.
Within the vast array of spiritual paths, it is believed that there are 108 ways to connect with the divine, emphasizing the diversity and inclusivity of spiritual practices. Moreover, the journey of the soul, represented by the Atman, is thought to undergo 108 stages, reflecting the intricate and transformative nature of the spiritual quest.
In the sacred realm of rudraksha beads, each of the 108 beads in a Rudraksha Mala is not merely a physical entity but a profound symbol interwoven with the rich tapestry of Hindu spirituality, embodying the wisdom of the ancients and serving as a tangible reminder of the interconnectedness between the earthly and the divine.
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Astrological Reasons
The Rudraksha is a seed traditionally used for prayer beads in Hinduism. A full mala typically consists of 108 beads plus one extra bead. The 108 beads represent the wholeness and cyclical nature of existence, as this number holds deep spiritual meaning in several Eastern traditions.
In Vedic astrology, there are 12 zodiac signs or constellations that the moon passes through in its orbit around Earth. Within each constellation are 9 divisions called namshas or chandrakalas. 9 multiplied by 12 totals 108, reflecting the moon’s cyclic journey. As the moon governs the mind and emotions, 108 signifies the entirety of the inner realm.
The Sri Yantra is a sacred Hindu diagram composed of nine interlocking triangles centered around a Bindu point. It has 54 intersecting lines surrounding the triangles, each with a masculine (Shiva) and feminine (Shakti) aspect. 54 multiplied by the dual energies equals 108. Thus the Sri Yantra maps the 108 nodes in the subtle body through which prana flows.
When counting mantras or names of deities on a mala, 108 repetitions are usually completed. The remaining 8 beads represent an offering to God, as well as any errors or omissions to ensure the full count is spiritually covered. The 108 beads plus the extra bead for the Guru bead total 109 on a rudraksha mala, encompassing a complete cycle of spiritual practice.
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Religious Reasons
In Hinduism, the significance of the number 108 is often associated with the presence of 108 deities, with some belief systems suggesting that each deity possesses 108 names. This numerical connection is particularly notable in the context of Hindu practices and rituals.
Within the Jain tradition, the number 108 holds symbolic importance, representing the combined virtues of five categories of holy ones. These categories encompass 12, 8, 36, 25, and 27 virtues respectively, emphasizing the spiritual significance attributed to this numerical value in Jainism.
In Sikhism, practitioners utilize a mala made of 108 knots, crafted from a string of wool as opposed to beads. This distinctive form of the Sikh mala underlines the diverse expressions of spiritual symbolism associated with the number 108 in various religious traditions.
Buddhists incorporate the number 108 into their practices as well. Some Buddhists carve 108 small Buddhas on a walnut, considering it a gesture for good luck. Additionally, ringing a bell 108 times is a Buddhist ritual observed during New Year celebrations, symbolizing auspicious beginnings.
In the Chinese Buddhist and Taoist traditions, a mala consisting of 108 beads, known as su-chu, is utilized. This mala is divided into three parts by three special beads, creating segments of 36 beads each. The number 108 thus holds spiritual and ritualistic significance in these East Asian traditions.
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Spiritual Reasons
The journey of the Atman, the human soul or center, is believed to encompass 108 stages as encapsulated by the 108 beads of the Rudraksha. Tantra’s teachings propose that an individual takes an average of 21,600 breaths each day, with 10,800 representing solar energy and the remaining 10,800 representing lunar energy. Remarkably, the multiplication of 108 by 100 results in 10,800, and doubling this yields a total breath count of 21,600.
The Rudraksha mala consists of 108 beads, with each bead symbolizing a stage in the soul’s evolution. Amidst these beads is a larger one known as the Meru, distinct from the sequence of the other beads. Functioning as a guiding bead, the Meru marks both the beginning and end of the mala, emphasizing the cyclical nature of spiritual progression.
Drawing parallels with the field of chemistry, where approximately 115 elements are known on the periodic table, it is intriguing to note that elements around or beyond the number 100 are primarily laboratory-created, mirroring the natural occurrence of around 100 elements on Earth.
The concept of Marmas, akin to energy intersections or chakras, is associated with the Rudraksha, with 108 marmas believed to exist within the subtle body. These energy points play a pivotal role in the spiritual journey symbolized by the Rudraksha beads.
Delving into the symbolism of the Sri Yantra, a sacred geometric pattern, it is revealed that 108 points define both the Sri Yantra and the human body. The intersections on the Sri Yantra, where three lines meet, amount to 54, each possessing masculine and feminine qualities, summing up to a total of 108. Thus, the Rudraksha, with its 108 beads, encapsulates a profound representation of the intricate connections between breath, spiritual evolution, energy intersections, and cosmic geometry.
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