Faqs Rosary or Mala is an article explaining the frequent queries regarding the use of mala. The Rosary or Mala is the string of knots or beads used to count the component prayers or Mantras.
Malas are used for keeping count while reciting, chanting, or mentally repeating a mantra or the name or names of God. Mantras are typically repeated hundreds or even thousands of times.
The mala is used so that one can focus on the meaning or sound of the mantra rather than counting its repetitions. One repetition is usually said for each bead while turning the thumb clockwise around each bead, though some traditions or practices may call for counterclockwise motion or specific finger usage.
When arriving at the head bead, one turns the mala around and then goes back in the opposing direction. There are typically knots between each bead. This makes using the mala easier as the beads will not be as tight on the string when used.
During mantra chanting, beads are a must. These are classified for different purposes and the beads in each rosary are different as indicated below. Padam, Rudraksha, Shankh, Pearl, gem, gold, silver, the root of Kush, and Tulsi are used in different Rosaries.
All beads in a rosary should be of equal size, free from decay, and unbroken. One additional bead of a bigger size than others is put at the top of the rosary.
ROSARY FOR DIFFERENT PURPOSES
- For Shiva-Shakti and mantras thereof as well as that of Shakti Mantra, Rudraksha rosary is best.
- Tulsi beads are to be used in the meditation of Vishnu and Lord Krishna.
- Padam Beej bead and Kali Hakik mala are to be used in death inflicting mantras. Sometimes the bones of snake mala’ are used for Maran Mantras.
- Mantras for wealth can be recited with beads of gems, jewels, gold, and silver.
- Coral mala is used for Mahalakshmi mantras.
- Sphatik mala can also be used for various sadhanas.
- Vidyut Mala is used for energy-related sadhanas.
For wealth, there should be 30 beads. For Moksh 50 beads, death Mantra 15 beads, for general desires 27, for Sex Sidhi 54 beads, and all other purposes 108 beads should be there in a rosary. The 31st, 51th, or 16th, or 28th or 55th or 109th bead on a mala is called the sumeru, Bindu, stupa, or guru bead.
Counting should always begin with a bead next to the sumeru. In the Hindu, Vedic tradition, if more than one mala of repetitions is to be done, one changes directions when reaching the sumeru rather than crossing it.
There are numerous explanations why there are 108 beads, with the number 108 bearing special religious significance in several Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
27 Constellations x 4 Padas (parts) = 108
12 Zodiac Houses x 9 Planets = 108
Upanishads or the Scriptures of the Vedas = 108
Thus, when we recite or recount number 108, we are actually remembering the entire universe. This reminds us of the fact that the universal self is omnipresent, that is the innate nature of the self.
Faqs Rosary or Mala
Rosary should first be cleaned with Ganges water, and be treated with incense, dhoop, deep (Jyoti) and then used as in Sadhana. The use of the rosary needs special attention.
Many people do not know how to use the rosary. Check the procedure carefully. The rosary should be kept hidden while meditating and should not touch the ground. If it does so, it becomes powerless and ineffective.
The Rosary is to be used with the third finger and thumb. The first finger should be kept separate. When one round of the rosary is completed, it should be rotated. Counting of Mantras can be done in any way suitable to the Sadhaka.
How to Purify the Rosary or Mala
Before one starts meditation or Sadhana. the rosary must be purified. On the day, you have selected to start sadhana, get up early in the morning before sunrise, take a bath and wash the rosary in Holy Ganges water.
Then the rosary should be kept near the incense or dhoop while reciting Beej Mantra 11 or 21 or 31 times over the rosary. It should then be used for Sadhana.
