📿 Mala Materials Comparison
8 types of Japa Mala beads — choosing the right material for your practice
⚠️ Guidance: The best mala is the one your Guru recommends, or the one that resonates with your deity and practice. When in doubt, Rudraksha (for Shiva devotees) and Tulsi (for Vaishnava devotees) are the most traditional choices.
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Rudraksha
रुद्राक्षCommon–RareDeity: Shiva
Planet: Sun
Liberation, protection, all-round spiritual growth
Full Rudraksha Guide →🪴
Tulsi
तुलसीCommonDeity: Vishnu / Krishna
Planet: Moon
Devotion, Vaishnava Japa, purification
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Sphatika (Crystal Quartz)
स्फटिकCommonDeity: All deities
Planet: Venus / Moon
Universal — especially Devi, Saraswati, Shiva
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Sandalwood (Chandan)
चंदनCommonDeity: Vishnu, Devi
Planet: Moon / Venus
Cooling, soothing; Vishnu Japa, meditation
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Coral (Moonga)
मूंगाModerateDeity: Hanuman, Mars-related
Planet: Mars
Courage, vitality, protection from enemies
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Lotus Seeds (Kamal Gatta)
कमल गट्टाCommonDeity: Lakshmi, Saraswati
Planet: Jupiter
Prosperity, knowledge, Lakshmi Japa
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Amber (Kerba)
कर्बाModerateDeity: Surya (Sun)
Planet: Sun
Energy, healing, solar Japa
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Precious Metals (Gold/Silver)
सुवर्ण / रजतRare/ExpensiveDeity: All deities
Planet: Sun (Gold), Moon (Silver)
Rare formal practice; tantric contexts
Quick Comparison Table
| Material | Best For | Planet | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔴 Rudraksha | Shiva | Sun | Common–Rare |
| 🪴 Tulsi | Vishnu / Krishna | Moon | Common |
| 💎 Sphatika (Crystal Quartz) | All deities | Venus / Moon | Common |
| 🪵 Sandalwood (Chandan) | Vishnu, Devi | Moon / Venus | Common |
| 🪸 Coral (Moonga) | Hanuman, Mars-related | Mars | Moderate |
| 🌸 Lotus Seeds (Kamal Gatta) | Lakshmi, Saraswati | Jupiter | Common |
| 🟡 Amber (Kerba) | Surya (Sun) | Sun | Moderate |
| ✨ Precious Metals (Gold/Silver) | All deities | Sun (Gold), Moon (Silver) | Rare/Expensive |