The power of 108 rudraksha
The Rudraksh Mala is a necklace woven with the seeds of an evergreen tree of the same name that is used as prayer beads by a section of Hindu households. Most of such people are staunch devotees of Lord Shiva and chant various mantras during the day and night holding and counting these 108 beads by hand. These beads are said to have special spiritual and cosmic significance that can heal and cure mortal beings. It is felt that for a variety of reasons the number of beads that a Rudraksh mala holds is limited to 108. Twelve times eight makes 108. These two numbers have great significance for the Hindu religion as they are considered auspicious. Also, 108 adds up to 9 if the numbers are added individually (giving rise to the lucky 9). The great epic for Hindus, the Mahabharata, has mentioned 108 names for Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Similarly, there are 108 names of Hindu Goddesses. There are Upanishads available which are 108 in number. This aspect of Indian mythology seems...