Presence in Rigveda and Vedas
108 is an important number in Hinduism, as it is a sacred number with great significance in spiritual practice and religious observance. According to ancient Vedic literature, the number 108 has been known since the beginning of the universe. It is found in the Rigveda and is the natural number of sun beads in a mala, prayer beads used to count mantras. The mala is said to represent the entire universe and this number is used to represent the total number of galaxies in the universe. In fact, astronomers have confirmed that there are about 108 galaxies in our own galaxy, the Milky Way. Furthermore, there are also 108 major energy lines converging to and from the heart chakra, and from a spiritual perspective this suggests that our consciousness is linked to the entire cosmos.
Numerological and Symbolical Significance
The numbers 1, 0 and 8 are also said to have a special significance in Hinduism. In numerology, the number 1 is believed to symbolize unity and the oneness of all Creation and Spirit, while the number 0 stands for emptiness and the potential for infinite possibilities. The number 8 represents abundance, prosperity, and positive energy. For these reasons, the number 108 has come to symbolize the interconnectedness of all things and the wholeness of the cosmos. Additionally, the number 108 is said to represent the highest state of spiritual enlightenment, as well as rebirth.
Common Rituals
108 is a significant number in Hinduism, and several common daily rituals involve the number 108. Hindus recite prayers 108 times each day in order to invoke positive energy and to honor the gods. Praying with mala beads is also a popular practice. In keeping with the significance of the number 108, Japa mala is usually composed of 108 sub-beads, which represent the total number of names of a particular form of a deity. Additionally, the mala is used as a tool to count a mantra while praying.
Astronomical Significance
The number 108 also has an astronomical significance. The average distance of the Sun and the Moon to the Earth is 108 times their respective diameters. Additionally, the diameter of the sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth, and the average distance of the Earth to the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Sun. These 3 particular numbers form a strong, protective force.
Expressed in Other Forms
The significance of the number 108 can even be found in other religious and spiritual practices. For example, in Buddhism, a mala is composed of 108 beads and it is used as part of meditation. In Jewish mysticism and Kabbalah, the number 108 is expressed as the grand sum of the numerical value of all the letters of a Hebrew name for God, YHWH. In Christianity, many people follow the Divine Mercy Prayer, which is 108 lines long.
The Sacred Sri Yantra
One of the most important objects in Hinduism is the Sri Yantra, an ancient and sacred geometric diagram. It is thought to contain the essence of the entire universe and is symbolic of the union of all of creation. According to Hindu scriptures, it is composed of a total of 108 intersecting points, and this number is said to represent totality and the interconnectivity of all realities.
Idols and Other Murtis
108 is also a significant number when it comes to idols and other murtis. In Hindu temples, there is usually a central deity, as well as 108 other deities located around it. These 108 deities are said to represent the total number of gods and goddesses in the Hindu pantheon. Additionally, murtis of various gods are often adorned with 108 names of the particular deity, engraved on it.
The Annual Aarti Ceremony
The most important event of the year in Hinduism is the Maha Aarti, which is celebrated in almost every Hindu temple across the world. During this ceremony, lamps or diyas are lit and offered to the gods. It is believed that 108 lamps should be lit in order to honor the gods, and this ritual is thought to invoke the presence of the gods and to connect the individual with the divine.
The Maha Navaaraatri festival is a 9-day celebration honoring the gods of Hinduism. This is one of the most important Hindu festivals, and it is celebrated throughout India. As part of the ritual of this festival, a mala is made with 108 beads and is used to recite mantras and prayers 108 times. During this festival, Hindus also worship the goddesses who represent the nine forms of Shakti, the female energy of the Universe.
Significance in the Bhagavad Gita
The importance of 108 is also found in the Bhagavad Gita. Sri Krishna, who is seen as the ultimate deity of Hinduism, is said to have spoken 108 main teachings in the Bhagavad Gita. These teachings are deemed to be the basis of all Hindu thought and practice, and so 108 is seen as an important number in regards to Hindu philosophy and spirituality.
Religious Festivals and Special Occasions
108 is seen as a special number for religious festivals and special occasions. On Dussehra, a festival celebrating the victory of good over evil, devotees make 108 prostrations to the gods. Similarly, during Shivaratri, a festival dedicated to the god Shiva, devotees perform a special puja 108 times in honour of Shiva. Additionally, 108 flowers are offered to the goddess Lakshmi on the day of Diwali, as well as special prayers offered 108 times.
Tilak on the Forehead
In Hinduism, tilak is often placed on the forehead of devotees in order to seek blessings from the gods. Tilak is made up of the ash of cow dung mixed with vermilion. This mark holds a special significance, as it is said to represent the 108 main energy points of the body. Placing the tilak on these points is believed to create a connection between the individual and divine energy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the number 108 has long been held to have great spiritual and religious significance in Hinduism. The number is said to represent the embrace of the entire cosmos and to symbolize unity, wholeness, and the interconnectedness of all things. It appears in many common rituals, festivals, and occasions, and its presence is meant to invoke spiritual meaning and to honor the gods. Thus, this number is of immense importance in Hinduism.
