About this piece
A japa mala for counting mantras. It has 108 five mukhi Java rudraksha beads of 9 mm, plus one Meru bead, strung on thread with a knot between each bead, in the traditional style, and finished with a tassel. Our research note puts its length at about 25 inches.
The seller says the thread and tassel colour can be changed on request when you check out. The photos show the mala on bright cloth with flowers, in red and orange tassel colours. It suits a beginner who wants a plain, simple japa mala.
How it is used
The seller says the mala is traditionally used for japa of all mantras. In japa the beads are counted one by one as the mantra is repeated. The Shiva Purana (Vidyeshvara Samhita 25, verses 69 to 70) calls the five-faced bead Rudra himself, named Kalagni. Astrologers today pair this bead with Jupiter (Guru); the pairing is a later convention, not a statement of the Purana, and it is the one this site uses in its rudraksha guide and free kundali.
Looking after it
- Keep it dry and wipe with a soft dry cloth.
- Store it away from perfume and strong chemicals.
