What Is The Significance Of 108 In Hinduism
The number 108 is of immense spiritual significance in Hinduism and has a special symbolic meaning that is deeply rooted in traditions. It is related to diverse Hindu scriptures and deities, and is a powerful tool to strengthen devotion and practice rituals.
In Hinduism, 108 stands for the number of names of Lord Vishnu found in the Vishnu Sahasranamam, a sacred text. It is also the number of beads in a standard mala or rosary, which is used for counting mantras or during meditation. It is believed that with each full turn, a devotee is laden with blessings from the gods. The spiritual energy radiated from chanting mantras is said to be multiplied with each bead, thus completing 108 repetitions is believed to be supercharged.
The number 108 can be found in other part of Hinduism such as the 108 declarations of God from the Tirumantiram, a scripture from Tamil Shaivism, as well as 108 Upanishads, Hindu sacred texts. It may also have cosmic significance, symbolizing the distance between the Sun and Earth, which is 108 times their respective diameters.
A few scholar use mathematical calculations to explain the significance of 108 in Hinduism. According to Dr.Lalitha Ram, a Physics Professor at Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, the number may be linked to the speed of light, which is 108 times that of the Sun’s diameter. This may indicate the power of Vedic knowledge and the speed at which it can reach us.
Rebucheli Rajeev, a Computer Science Professor and Vedic Scholar at Kumbhakonam College in Tamil Nadu has a different opinion. He argues that 108 is a symbolic number meant to remind us of our spiritual nature, by connecting us to divine principles. He believes that the number 108 is an integer representation of the spiritual qualities of the universe, as described in Vedic literature.
Many Hindus wear malas made from rudraksha, a type of seed called ‘tears of Shiva’, which is divided into 108 beads. Rudraksha malas are considered purifying and are said to bring peace and happiness to the wearer. Alternatively, entire malas are made from 108 white lotus petals.
In addition to its spiritual meaning, the number 108 is sometimes used to mark special occasions. For example, some Hindu temples have 108 steps leading to the entrance. Hindus may also get together to recite 108 names of gods and goddesses, or to sing 108 praises of their deities. Similarly, during Hindu marriage ceremonies the bride and groom may take 108 rounds of the sacred fire in a ritual called Saptapadi, or the “Seven Steps.”
108 Pros and Cons
Singling out the ‘108’ specifically has its pros and cons in Hinduism. On the one hand, it strengthens our connection to the divine, and can open the gates of knowledge, creativity and spiritual development. However, the focus on this specific number may also be a distraction, preventing us from recognizing other higher spiritual paths.
Despite this, 108 continues to be revered in Hinduism. It is a reminder of our oneness with the divine. Hindus believe that by invoking its spiritual power in our lives, it can help us stay connected to the divine and grow spiritually.
108 in Astrology
Astronomically, the number 108 is associated with the diameter of the Sun being 108 times the diameter of the Earth. This is believed to be symbolic of the soul, which is 108 times larger than the ego. It is commonly used in astrology, as the planets and zodiac signs are together divided into 108 components. Each component is said to represent certain spiritual qualities that we can cultivate.
For example, in Jyotish astrology, each house of the birth chart (also called Kundli) represents an aspect of life and is divided into 12 parts called nakshatras. These nakshatras are divided into 4 parts, making it an astrological unit of 108. Similarly, the 12 zodiac signs are divided into 4 parts, each containing 27 Nakshatras. The total of these Nakshatras is said to be 108.
108 is also associated with Bhakti yoga, the yoga of devotion. According to Sanskrit teachings, Bhakti consists of 1 love aspect, 0 attachment, and 8 surrender. This corresponds to 108, which is reflected in the popular Sikh prayer often chanted by devotees: “Ek Ong Kar, Sat Nam, Siri Wahe Guru.”
108 in Upanishads
The Upanishads, a part of the Hindu holy texts, hold special spiritual significance. These sacred texts are said to contain the secrets of life and are said to be the source of eternal wisdom. It has been speculated that 108 of these books survive to this day.
The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is considered to be one of the most important Upanishads. It includes a section called the “Hiranyagarbha Upanishad”, which contains 108 verses dedicated to the sage Yagnavalkya, who is described as a great teacher of the Upanishads.
Another Upanishad which recognizes the significance of 108 is the Chandogya Upanishad which contains a special theorem known as “Chidananda rupa”. It states that the highest form of knowledge is attained when one’s life is in harmony with the “One-Eighth” or Anguli of the universe, which is said to be equivalent to 108.
108 and Religious Rituals
108 is also an important number in various religious rituals. In Hindu culture, 108 is used for performing ‘homa’ or fire sacrifices. During this ritual, 108 sacred materials such as herbs, flowers and other items are offered to the gods. Similarly, in Jainism, the Swastik symbol is said to represent 108 types of divine energy.
In Buddhism, Buddhist prayer wheels are often made up of 108 recitations of sacred chant. In the Sikh tradition, followers of the Guru Granth Sahib use a rosary to count recitations of sacred verses. This rosary is composed of 108 beads, representing the 108 heavenly abodes.
In Hindu philosophy, the number 108 is said to represent the entire cosmic manifestation, consisting of the Sun, Earth, and the planets, as well as outer space. In other words, it symbolizes the entire universe and everything in it.
Symbolism of 108
In Hinduism, the number 108 is considered to be a symbolic representation of the cosmos and our relationship with the divine. Hindus believe that with its spiritual energy, 108 can enhance our lives in many ways and bring us closer to our spiritual essence. It is a reminder of the power of the universe and our connection with the divine.
The spiritual power of 108 has been recognized and respected in Hinduism since ancient times. While its physical significance is open to debate, its spiritual significance is universally recognized and revered, making 108 an important part of Hinduism.
