About this piece
This mala is made of red sandalwood beads, 4 mm across. The seller describes a deep reddish brown colour and a smooth, polished surface, and the beads are strung with a red tassel. Red sandalwood is a different wood from the pale chandan used in most sandalwood malas.
The photos show the mala on a bust, laid on gold cloth, coiled and in close view of the beads. Some darker beads sit along the strand near the tassel. It suits japa or wearing, and is a lightweight mala.
How it is used
Red sandalwood malas are used for japa, moving one bead at a time with the thumb, and are also worn. In tradition red sandalwood is linked with Mars and with Devi worship, so some people choose it for those prayers.
Looking after it
- Keep it dry and away from perfume.
- Store in a soft cloth pouch.
