Japamala facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Japamala
Japa mala, made from tulasi wood, with head bead in foreground.
Sanskrit name
Sanskrit	mālā (माला)

A Japamala or mala is a special string of beads. People use them for prayer and meditation in several religions. These include Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. You might hear them called "prayer beads" or even a "rosary" sometimes.

What is a Japamala?

A mala helps people focus during a spiritual practice called japa. This means repeating a mantra (a sacred sound or phrase) or the name of a deity (a god or goddess). It's a way to keep count of how many times a person repeats their prayers or mantras.

How Many Beads Are There?

Most malas have 108 beads. This number is considered very important in many traditions. Besides the 108 main beads, there is often one extra bead. This 109th bead is usually bigger or a different color. It's called the "guru bead" or "sumeru." It helps you know when you have completed one full round of 108 repetitions. Sometimes, there are also tassels or other small beads for decoration or to help count multiple rounds.

What Are Malas Made Of?

Malas can be made from many different materials. Some common materials include wood, seeds, stones, or even pearls. The type of material can sometimes have a special meaning in different spiritual practices. For example, some malas are made from tulasi wood or rudraksha seeds.

Images for kids

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  Portrait of Sawai Madho Singh counting beads on a pearl and ruby mala; Jaipur, c. 1750

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  Statue of Shiva at Murudeshwara; Shiva is frequently depicted wearing a pair of rudraksha malas in Shaiva Hindu iconography

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  Chinese Buddhist 18-bead wooden mala

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  Sculpture of a Jain sadhvi hold a japamala

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  Japamala made with Brazilian açaí seeds

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  Buddhist prayer beads at a Jodo Shin shop

See also

In Spanish: Yapa mala para niños