Which Japa Mala Should You Use? Tulsi, Sphatik, Kamal Gatta, Karungali and More
Quick answer: Use a Tulsi mala for Krishna and Vishnu mantras, Rudraksha for Shiva, Kamal Gatta or Sphatik for Lakshmi, Haldi for Baglamukhi and Brihaspati, Red Chandan or Red Hakeek for Devi and Hanuman, and Karungali or Black Hakeek for Shani and protection mantras. Every japa mala has 108 beads plus one Sumeru bead.
Shreerudra has supplied japa malas from its store in Roop Nagar, Delhi since 2000. Here is the traditional pairing of malas and deities that our customers ask about most.
Mala and deity chart
Mala | Traditionally used for | Shop |
Tulsi (brown or white) | Krishna, Vishnu, Radha, Hare Krishna mantra | |
Rudraksha | Shiva, Om Namah Shivaya, Mahamrityunjaya | |
Sphatik (crystal) | Lakshmi, Saraswati, Moon, peace of mind | |
Kamal Gatta (lotus seed) | Mahalakshmi, wealth mantras | |
Vaijanti | Krishna, Vishnu | |
Haldi (turmeric) | Baglamukhi, Guru (Jupiter), Ganesha | |
White Chandan (sandalwood) | Vishnu, Saraswati, calm meditation | |
Red Chandan | Durga, Hanuman, Surya | |
Karungali (ebony) | Shani, Murugan, protection | |
Hakeek (agate) | Green: Mercury; Black: Shani; Yellow: Guru | |
Gunja | Lakshmi and Tantric sadhana | |
Narmund | Maa Kali |
Associations follow common Hindu practice and may differ between sampradayas. If your guru has given you a specific mala, follow their instruction.
The most popular japa malas
Tulsi mala
Made from the wood of the holy basil plant, the Tulsi mala is sacred to Vaishnavas and devotees of ISKCON. It is also worn as a kanthi around the neck. The Tulsi mala with Radha Krishna locket and the Tulsi mala with a gomukhi bag are popular gifts.
Sphatik mala
Clear quartz (sphatik) is linked with the Moon and with goddess Lakshmi. It feels cool to the touch and is used for peace of mind and Lakshmi mantras.
Kamal Gatta mala
Made from dried lotus seeds, the Kamal Gatta mala is the traditional mala for Mahalakshmi mantras, especially during Diwali and on Fridays.
Karungali mala
Karungali (black ebony wood) has become very popular in South India for protection and Shani remedies. We also stock Karungali malas with gold-tone and silver-tone hakeek beads.
Putrajeevak mala
The Putrajeevak mala is traditionally associated with prayers for children.
Mala combos with gomukhi bag
If you are starting japa, a combo saves you buying separately: Red Chandan mala with gomukhi, Vaijanti mala with gomukhi, Haldi mala with gomukhi and Red Hakeek mala with gomukhi.
How to do japa with a mala
Sit facing east or north on a clean asana.
Hold the mala in your right hand over the middle finger; do not use the index finger.
Move one bead with the thumb for each mantra.
At the Sumeru bead, turn the mala around rather than crossing it.
Keep the mala inside a gomukhi bag while chanting and when storing it.
A digital tally counter is useful if you are counting lakhs of mantras across many days.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a japa mala have 108 beads?
108 is considered sacred in Hindu and Buddhist traditions; it relates to 12 zodiac signs multiplied by 9 planets, among other explanations.
Can I use one mala for every mantra?
Many people use a Rudraksha or Tulsi mala for all their chanting. Specific malas are used when a guru or a ritual calls for them.
Should someone else touch my japa mala?
Traditionally a personal japa mala is not shared, which is why it is kept in a gomukhi bag.
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