Mala (Holy Rosary) always catches attention when someone holds it in hands. Do you want to know why people chant Holy Mantras while keeping that Mala in hand? We will tell you. A Mala is very important while chanting because it holds the power of the Mantras that you chant. Read further to know more…
Mala is the tool which holds the energy that you create while chanting Holy Mantras. It is one of the ways to connect with God and attain mental peace as well as contentment. Let’s first start with knowing the power of Mala, the holy beaded garland.
Mala: A Source To Attain Tranquility
Mala means, "Rosary" or "Garland." A more direct translation is "heavenly garland." A Mala is a garland made of beads or you can also describe it as strand of beads. Since long, malas are in use for meditation, offering prayers and chanting mantras. As per the Hindu customs, a Mala should be held in the right hand. It is wrapped in the middle finger and the thumb flicks the bead one by one. Calmness is felt when the beads pass over the ring finger while chanting Mantras.
Significance of 108 Beads
Generally, a Mala consists of 108 beads. This number ‘108’ has multiple meanings. Some of them are as follows:
- 12 zodiac houses x 9 planets = 108
- 27 constellations x 4 padas (parts) = 108
- Upanishads Scriptures of the Vedas = 108
Therefore, we can say that 108 beads represent the whole universe.
109th Bead of Mala, The Guru
The additional 109th bead knotted to the Mala is known as Sumeru, Guru bead or Meru bead, to name a few. This 109th bead is never crossed while chanting the Mantras, to show respect to the Guru. Instead, it is turned around to begin the next round.
Rudraksha Mala
Rudraksha beads are very powerful and differ from other beads in the manner that they are the only beads made from the tears of Lord Shiva. Rudraksha Mala is used by the devotees to please Lord Shiva. It is said that wearing this Mala helps in accomplishing any pending or incomplete task. Possessing Rudraksha acts as a safety shield against various diseases and health issues.
Tulsi mala
Tulsi Mala is made up of pure 108 Tulsi beads encircled in a string with a 109th bead known as ‘Sumeru’. This mala is mostly used by the devotees of Lord Krishna. It can also be used to please Lord Vishnu and Lord Rama. Tulsi Mala has enormous spiritual and medicinal properties. Possession of Tulsi mala brings fortune, happiness and purification of soul (Atma Shuddhi). AstroSage provides a variety of Tulsi Malas like brown, black and sandalwood color.
Kamal Gatte Ki Mala
Kamal Gatta Mala is made from 108 dried seeds of lotus. This Mala is closely associated with lotus and therefore, has the divine blessings of Goddess Lakshmi who is also known as Kamalvaasini. With the possession of Kamal Gatta Mala, one can restore the lost wealth and prosperity and get the blessing of Maa Laxmi for ever. The magic of this mala can take out one from the extreme pits of misery and poverty.
Malas take us close to our beliefs and help in connecting with the divine soul without any distractions. They are useful for everyone who has a desire to escape from the worldly worries and give a chance to relax and heal.
Event Of The Day!
Special treat for die hard cricket fans:
The monthly Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat will be observed today (November 21, 2013).
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