Juzu

Juzu

A japamala, jaap maala, or simply mala (Sanskrit: माला; mālā, meaning 'garland') is a loop of prayer beads commonly used in Indian religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, for counting recitations (japa) of mantras, prayers or other sacred phrases. It is also worn for warding off evil, for counting some other sadhana (spiritual practice) such as prostrating before a holy icon and as a symbol of religious identification.The main body of a mala is usually 108 beads of roughly the same size and material as each other though smaller versions, often factors of 108 such as 54 or 27, exist. A distinctive 109th "guru bead" or mother bead, which is not counted, is very common.Mala beads have traditionally been made of a variety of materials such as wood, stone, gemstones, seeds, bone and precious metals—with various religions often favouring certain materials—and strung with natural fibres such as cotton, silk, or animal hair. Mala can nowadays be found which are made from synthetic materials (such as plastic or glass beads, and nylon cords whether braided string or monofilament). Malas are similar to other forms of prayer beads used in various world religions (such as misbahahs in Islam and the rosary in Christianity).

Update this biography »
Complete biography of Juzu »