A rosary – a string of beads put together – to keep count of the number of times a person has repeated a mantra, is an important prayer item in most Hindu homes. Commonly referred to as a mala, it typically has 108 beads. The source of the beads could be rudraksh (seeds of the tree, Uttrasum Bead Tree), tulsi (the garden of Lord Vishnu), coloured glass, pearls or even precious or semi-precious gems. A rosary made of rudraksh is considered best. Rudraksh possesses germicide and magnetic qualities.
Some 108 beads are stringed together to make a rosary because it is related to the frequency of our breath. In 24 hours, one breathes 21,600 times. Twelve hours are spent in the daily routine. That leaves us 12 hours of devotion to God. This means that each day, 10,800 times breathing should be utilised for devotion to God. However, since this is not practical, the two zeroes have been removed. Therefore, breathing 108 times is appropriate during prayers.
Another explanation pertains to the sun. In relation to the Earth, in one year the movement between the sun and the Earth is 216,000 degrees. Since for six months the northern part of the Earth faces the sun, and for the next six months the southern part faces the sun, the number is reduced to half, that is, 108,000 degrees. When three zeroes are omitted, the remainder is 108. Each of the 108 beads in the rosary is symbolic of each degree of the change.
The third explanation is based upon astrology. The entire universe is divided into 12 segments. Each represents a sign of the zodiac. In Hindu religious texts, there are principally Navgrah (nine planets) that affect us. With 12 segments and nine planets, when the two are multiplied we get the figure 108. Therefore, the number 108 represents the universe and controls our success.
The use of a rosary enables one to keep count of the number of times a mantra or prayer has been repeated. Each rosary denotes 108 times. On the top of each rosary, there is a bigger bead called Someru – a name derived from a mountain of the same name that allegorically represents being composed of gold and gems. This mountain is accorded a coveted position in the universe. The same coveted position is accorded to the Someru in a rosary.
One begins using the rosary from the Someru, and when one reaches it again on completing one round of the rosary, one reverses the rosary and continues praying, moving one bead at a time. Irrespective of the number of times the rosary is rotated, one does not cross the Someru. Each time one reaches the Someru after completing one round of the rosary, one must think reverently of the God to whom prayers are being offered. At this point, the Someru is brought in contact with the forehead with the same reverence offered to God.
In the Shivpuran, Panchakshar Mantra, it is said that when using a rosary, if one uses the thumb, one achieves salvation. If one uses the forefinger, it enables the conquest of foes. When one uses the middle finger, prosperity is achieved. By using the ring finger, one finds peace.
A rosary with 108 beads is the best. One with 100 beads is good. One with 50 beads is moderate.
Besides being acknowledged as an important accessory in prayer, a rosary made of beads of rudraksh, tulsi and other divine gifts of nature is useful when worn around the neck or other parts of the body. During prayer, the use of the tongue, the vocal cords and the larynx are under greater stress than in normal use. Their continued use can cause problems pertaining to the throat and the adjoining glands. Use of a rosary around the neck helps aid in solving these problems.
Rudraksh beads come in many forms. They could be anything from one to 14-faced. Their effectiveness varies with quality. It is customary to use a 26-bead rosary around the head, one with 50 beads near the heart, and one with 16 beads around the arm. One with 12 beads can be used as a wristband. It is believed that wearing a 108-bead rosary around the neck ensures fulfilment and success.
One should wear a rudraksh rosary with devotion, as directed in religious texts. This helps one grow spiritually, become free of worldly obstacles and problems, benefits the mind and heart, keeps blood pressure within control, banishes imaginary fears, ensures mental peace, calms and balances the flow of bile, and protects the wearer from sudden death.