108 is a very special number in Hinduism. It is often found in mandalas, prayer beads, yantras and in many other aspects of Hinduism. It is a number of immense spiritual significance and is associated with many stories, gods, and rituals within Hinduism.This number is so important that it is often seen as a sign of divinity and is used in a variety of ways, both in worship and in everyday life.
The number 108 has its origin in ancient Indian numerology. It is said to represent the 108 names of Vishnu, the Absolute God of Hindus, and is associated with The Vedic mantra of Om Namah Shivaya.
This number has deep philosophical and spiritual meanings. In Vedic mythology, it is believed that the total number of energy points in a human being is 108, including all chakras, nadis and marmas. The mala which is used to chant mantras has 108 beads in it. Many Hindu rituals involve offering 108 lamps as a gesture of respect and devotion. This is believed to help increase positive energy in the home and cleanse the atmosphere.
Other aspects of the symbolism of this number pertain to yogic practice. There are 108 important points on the body known as marmas, which are regarded as essential for health and to help attain enlightenment. In Bhakti Yoga, 108 names of God can be chanted for physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Also in traditional Yoga, 108 sun salutations are performed to increase awareness and deepen the connection between body and mind.
Another important aspect of the significance of this number is related to timekeeping. Hindus believe there are 108 bridges or paths between our world and the spiritual realms. It is also believed that life has four stages of 108 years each. This is in keeping with astrological calculations, according to which a human’s life is divided into three cycles, each cycle having 108 years.
The number 108 also has a mathematical aspect to it. In mathematics, 108 is an abundant number and a semi-perfect number. This means that it is divisible by the sum of its divisors, and it can be expressed as the sum of two abundant numbers.
Ultimately, the meaning of the number 108 and its significance in Hinduism is based on a combination of philosophical, spiritual and mathematical symbolism.
Spiritual Transformation
It is believed that chanting mantras using a mala with 108 beads can help bring about spiritual transformation. This process is believed to work on several levels. It is said to first open and purify the chakras and encourage the development of higher spiritual understanding. It is also believed to help remove the negative karmic imprints of the past and bring a greater sense of clarity and balance to an individual’s life.
One explanation for this is that chanting mantras helps to focus attention on a particular god or goddess and helps to develop a deep relationship with that deity. This, in turn, opens up the mind and spirit to awakening and transformation.
Another explanation is that the vibrational quality of the 108-bead mala helps the individual to access powerful energies and unlock the secrets of the Universe, which leads to spiritual transformation.
It is also believed that chanting mantras using a mala with 108 beads amplifies the power of the mantra and generates positive energy, which helps to make positive changes in one’s life.
Goddess Worship
Hinduism also links the number 108 with goddess worship. According to many scriptures, various forms of Goddesses can be worshipped using a mala with 108 beads. This includes Ganesha, Kali, Durga, Saraswati, and Parvati.
The different mantras related to the Goddesses can be chanted using the beads. This helps to focus one’s concentration on a particular Goddess and to develop a deeper relationship with them. It is believed that this will eventually lead to spiritual awakening, mental peace, and better physical health.
The Goddesses are believed to be powerful sources of energy, which helps to bring inner-strength and peace to the devotee. They represent the elements of nature and enable one to be connected to the Divine Intelligence.
The goddesses are also associated with specific symbols, such as Ganesha with the elephant and Durga with the lion. Chanting mantras of the goddesses using a mala with 108 beads will help to combine the powerful energy of the goddesses and the symbols associated with them.
Karma
According to Hindu beliefs, karma is the law of cause and effect. It dictates that all actions will have consequences and determines a person’s destiny. This belief is related to the significance of 108 in Hinduism.
It is believed that by chanting mantras with a mala of 108 beads, one can effectively reduce negative karma and increase positive karma. This process is believed to help release negative energy and help break bad habits, which can lead to a more positive and rewarding life.
It is also believed that chanting mantras with a mala of 108 can help to cleanse the atmosphere, both within an individual and in the surrounding environment. This helps to bring harmony and balance, which can have positive long-term effects.
The number 108 is also associated with the concept of karma in astrology. It is believed that each person’s life is divided into three cycles, each with 108 years, and that the experiences of each cycle reflect the effects of one’s karma.
Prayer Beads
Prayer beads are an important part of Hinduism and are used in both rituals and everyday worship. The beads are often strung on a mala with 108 beads, as this is believed to increase the power and effectiveness of the prayers.The mala is held in the right hand and prayer beads are recited one at a time, until all 108 beads have been completed.
It is believed that using a mala with 108 beads will help focus one’s attention on the divine and it will also help to restore balance and harmony in one’s life. It is said to increase the power of the prayers and help to manifest divine will on earth. It is also said to help one to overcome obstacles and bring about positive changes in one’s life.
In Hinduism, prayer beads are used to help focus one’s attention on the divine and to create a connection between the individual and the divine. This connection is said to be strengthened by chanting mantras with a mala with 108 beads.
Mandalas
A mandala, or divine circle, is a spiritual symbol used in Hinduism to represent the cosmos in a visual form. The symbolism of the mandala is based on the number 108, which is often divided into several pieces or segments that represent the energies of each of the elements in the universe. This is part of the symbolism of the mandala and it is believed that using this symbol helps to bring about harmony and balance in one’s life.
It is said that the shapes used in a mandala are based on the number 108 and it is believed that its use is beneficial for spiritual growth and development. The mandala is used as a focus for meditation and to help the individual bring about harmony and balance in their life.
It is also said that mandalas can be used to help create a deeper connection with the divine and to help the individual break through their limiting beliefs and become fully alive. Mandalas are also said to be helpful to focus the mind and allow one to experience inner peace.
Conclusion
The significance of the number 108 in Hinduism is due to its spiritual, mathematical, and philosophical symbolism. It is used in a variety of ways, from worship and ritual to everyday use. It is associated with many aspects of Hinduism, from goddess worship to karma and mandalas.
The number is believed to bring about spiritual transformation, manifest divine will on earth, and bring about balance and harmony in one’s life. It is a number of immense spiritual significance and is an integral part of Hinduism.
