📿 Mala Guide

How to use a Japa Mala — 8 types of beads explained

How to Use a Japa Mala

🖐 Hold the mala in your right hand, draped over the ring finger
👍 Use your thumb to draw each bead toward you after each mantra
🚫 Do not use the index finger (considered inauspicious)
🔄 At the Sumeru (guru bead): turn the mala and count in reverse — never cross it
📿 Standard Mala: 108 + 1 Sumeru bead
🎯 Count: 1 bead = 1 mantra repetition

Mala Bead Count Options

TypeBeads + SumeruUse Case
Standard Mala108 + 1Full practice — daily Japa
Half Mala54 + 1Shorter sessions
Quarter Mala27 + 1Travel / pocket mala

8 Types of Japa Mala

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⚠️ Commercial Neutrality: This guide is educational. No specific mala brands or vendors are recommended by this platform. Consult your sampradaya for guidance.