The term mala is derived from the Sanskrit word “Japamala,” which is a string of beads used for prayer and meditation by Hindus and Buddhists. The number 108 has spiritual significance and is considered sacred in the Hindu religion.
A mala is a string of 108 beads with one bead as the summit or head bead called a ‘sumeru.’ Malas are used as a tool to help the mind focus on meditation, or count mantras in sets of 108 repetitions.
Vaijayanti (Job's Tears) is known as the “mala of victory” and is used to call upon Ram and Krishna to dispell untruth and injustice. Vaijanti seeds come from a tall grass and it’s seeds have a polished finish and a natural hole through the center.
These malas can be used as is, or as material in your own art.
Sizes (all measurements are approximate):
8~10mm beads, 1,020mm strand, 108 beads per strand