Rudraksha With Cylindrical Silver Beads Mala

A general reference for malas. Loop length depends on bead size and stringing, and an exact measurement is not listed for every piece.

Traditional bead count

108 beads, plus one guru (sumeru) bead

Common bead sizes

6 mm, 8 mm and 10 mm

Approx. loop (8 mm beads)

≈ 80–90 cm / 32–35 in around

Worn as

a necklace, or wrapped a few times at the wrist

A full japa mala is counted for practice; a wrist mala is a shorter loop of the same beads. Natural beads differ slightly in size, so the finished length varies a little piece to piece.

The name joins Sanskrit 'Rudra' (a name of Shiva) and 'aksha' (eye), traditionally rendered as 'eye of Rudra/Shiva'. Puranic and Upanishadic accounts describe the beads as having arisen from Shiva's tears; Hindu and Buddhist practitioners, especially within Shaivism, string rudraksha seeds into 108-bead malas for japa (mantra repetition) and meditation. Described here as tradition, not as a guaranteed effect.

Seed of the Elaeocarpus ganitrus tree, worn as a prayer bead across Hindu and Buddhist tradition. Set in 925 sterling silver (92.5% silver). Where a piece carries a BIS hallmark it is stated on its listing. Natural beads vary in colour and grain and may deepen with wear — a mark of a real bead, not a fault.

A mala is traditionally strung with 108 beads plus one additional, often larger, bead — the guru or meru (sumeru) bead — set at the join. Each of the 108 beads is used to count one repetition of a mantra during japa (repetitive recitation), letting the practitioner keep count by touch rather than by watching or counting aloud. Used broadly by meditators and devotees across Hindu and Buddhist practice, worn around the neck or wrist, or held/wrapped around the hand during seated practice; no restriction by age or gender in tradition.

Keep away from water, perfume and harsh chemicals. Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth and store flat, away from direct sunlight. Rudraksha and other natural beads may deepen in tone with wear — this is expected, and part of how a piece becomes yours.