Some more research on mala and the number of beads used [Vyaghramukha]

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Dear List

 

Some more research on mala and the number of beads used:

 

Hindus, Jainists and Buddhists use a mala with 108 beads.

 

Astrologically, the number 108 is the product of 9 and 12

representing 9 grahas (planets) in the twelve houses.

Also the number 108 is also the 27 nakshatra (asterisms - star clusters)

multiplied by three (three worlds ?)

 

There are 108 Upanishads, 108 dance forms, 108 lingas etc.

 

In Jainism the 1O8 beads in a mala represent

 

12 gunas (virtues) of the Arihantas

8 virtues of the Siddhas

36 virtues of the Aachaaryas

25 virtues of the Upaadhyaayas

27 virtues of the Saadhus

108 (Total)

 

Therefore, the number 108 collectively represents the five

parameshis mentioned in the Namokar Mantra.

 

Pranaams

Vyaghramukha