How to use a jap mala — step by step
- Sit comfortablySit on a mat (asana) facing east or north if possible, with your spine straight.
- Hold the mala in your right handLet the mala hang over the middle finger (or ring finger). Keep it at the level of your heart.
- Use the thumb to move the beadsStart at the bead next to the sumeru. With each chant, pull one bead toward you with the thumb.
- Do not use the index fingerTraditionally the index (pointing) finger represents the ego and is kept away from the mala.
- Chant one mantra per beadSay the mantra fully on each bead, then move to the next.
- Turn back at the sumeruAfter 108 beads you reach the sumeru again. Do not cross it — turn the mala around and continue in the other direction.
Which mala for which mantra?
| Mala | Traditionally used for |
|---|---|
| Tulsi (holy basil) | Radha, Krishna, Vishnu, Ram — Vaishnava mantras |
| Rudraksha | Shiva, Om, Mahamrityunjaya, Hanuman; considered suitable for most mantras |
| Sphatik (crystal) | Gayatri, Devi (Lakshmi, Saraswati), meditation and peace |
| Red chandan (rakta chandan) | Ganesha, Hanuman, Devi (Durga) |
| Kamal gatta (lotus seed) | Lakshmi mantras |
Traditional rules of mala jap
- Keep your jap mala personal — do not share it.
- Keep it in a clean cloth bag (gomukhi) while chanting or storing; many devotees keep the hand inside the gomukhi during jap.
- Do not let the mala touch the floor or unclean places.
- Chant with a clean body and mind — ideally after bathing for formal jap.
- Avoid talking in the middle of a round; finish the mala first.
These rules support concentration and respect. If you cannot follow all of them — for example while travelling — do not stop chanting. The Name is always more important than the method.
Caring for your mala
Store the mala in its bag in your puja place. Keep Tulsi and Rudraksha dry; Rudraksha can be lightly oiled (sandalwood or mustard oil) once in a while so it does not crack. If the thread breaks, restring it with the same beads — many devotees see this as a sign to renew their practice.
Using a digital jap counter
A physical mala is beautiful, but you cannot always carry it — at work, on a train or in a hospital. That is where an online counter helps. Our counter shows a real 108-bead mala with a sumeru and tassel: each tap moves one bead, the bell rings at 108, and your daily and lifetime totals are saved automatically. Many devotees use both — the mala at home and the phone outside.
Try the digital jap mala
Choose Tulsi, Rudraksha, Sphatik or Chandan beads and start counting.
Open the jap counterFrequently asked questions
Which finger should be used for chanting on a mala?
Hold the mala over the middle (or ring) finger of the right hand and move the beads with the thumb. The index finger is traditionally not used.
Why should the sumeru bead not be crossed?
The sumeru represents the guru and the peak of the mala. Out of respect it is not crossed; at the end of each round the mala is turned around.
Can I use one mala for different mantras?
Many devotees keep one mala for their main mantra. Rudraksha and Tulsi malas are commonly used for many mantras; follow your guru’s or family tradition.