Jaap Mala Guide – Tulsi vs Rudraksha Mala for Jaap, and Why 108 Beads
Which jaap mala should you use? Tulsi mala for Krishna jaap, rudraksha mala for Shiva jaap, sphatik and more. How to use a mala, why 108 beads, and alternatives.
A jaap mala is a string of beads used to keep count while chanting. Moving one bead per repetition frees your mind from counting, so you can focus on the name itself.
Which mala for which mantra?
Mala | Traditionally used for |
|---|---|
Tulsi | Vishnu, Krishna, Ram, Radha — Hare Krishna mahamantra, Ram naam |
Rudraksha | Shiva — Om Namah Shivay, Mahamrityunjay; also Hanuman and navgrah jaap |
Sphatik (crystal) | Laxmi, Saraswati, Chandra; meditation |
Red chandan / coral | Devi, Durga, Mangal |
Haldi (turmeric) | Baglamukhi, Brihaspati |
If you're unsure, a rudraksha or tulsi mala is a safe, widely used choice — and your guru's instruction always comes first.
Why 108 beads?
108 is sacred across Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions. Two popular explanations: 12 zodiac signs × 9 planets = 108, and 27 nakshatras × 4 padas = 108. The extra, larger bead is the sumeru (guru bead), which marks the start and is never crossed.
How to use a mala
Hold it in the right hand, resting on the middle finger; move beads toward you with the thumb.
Don't use the index finger.
At the sumeru, turn the mala around and continue in the other direction.
Keep it clean and in a cloth pouch (gomukhi) when not in use.
No mala with you?
Use the online jaap counter — it shows a 108-bead mala on screen that fills as you tap, rings a bell at the sumeru and keeps your daily total.