For the worship and rituals of almost all the gods and goddesses, the Jaap or frequent chanting of some mantras is compulsory with definite number according to each God and the Goddess, for the fulfillment of desires. In this case a mala is the best means to count beads for counting the mantra. It can be asked why there are only 108 beads in a mala, neither more nor less?

At first it tells us how many times we have counted the mantra. Secondly, a subtle electric current is created in the mind by rubbing of the thumb with finger. This electric current influences the heart through Vegas Veins and makes the mind concentrate deeply. According to astronomy there are 27 constellations (group of stars) in the universe and each constellation (group of stars) has four quadrants (charan) hence there are 27x4 = 108 quadrants in all. The constellation has again been divided into 12 equal parts corresponding to 12 signs of the zodiac, and there are only 9 planets in the universe. If we multiply them together the result will be 108 [12x9 = 108]. Thus 108 is the best number to join the Individual Consciousness with the Absolute Consciousness.

There are many kinds of malas used in spiritual and meditation purposes.

1. Lotus-seed Mala (Kamal Gatta Mala) - This mala is used for the worship of the Goddess Lakshmi, for Jaap or to chant her mantra. There is special importance to chant her mantra with Lotus and Seed mala.

2. Turmeric Mala - It is used to perform Anusthan (special prayers) and destroy enemies and succeed in law suits. If a man has fallen prey to Jaundice, he should wear garland of 8, 10 beads of turmeric; he would surely be cured.

3. Putra Jeeva Mala - It is used in Sadhana for having an offspring in the family.

4. Silver Beads Mala - To fulfill any sacred and virtuous object (aim), Silver Beads Mala is the most effective.

5. Kush's root (knot) Mala - The mala, made from the roots of kusha grass, is used for all sacred and virtuous activities.

6. Sandal Wood Garland and Mala -

(I) Mala made of white sandal wood is used for peace, and empowering rituals and for worshipping other deities. Sandal Wood garland is good for welcoming and for giving honour.

(II) Red Sandal Wood (Rosewood) Mala is used in the worship of Lord Ganesh and Goddesses.

7. Tulsi Mala and Kanti (Neck Mala) - This mala is regarded as the best for worshipping Lord Vishnu, Ram and Krishna. According to Ayurveda, it is very useful in diseases related to the throat. It is also used for the purification of the body.

8. Conch Mala - It is used for special tantrik purposes.

9. Baijanti Mala - It is used by the devotees of Lord Vishnu and for chanting Mantras for worship of Goddess Lakshmi.

10. Amber Mala - It is very useful in diseases related to blood and disorder in menstruation.

11. Quartz (Sphatik or Crystal) Mala - It is the best mala for counting beads while chanting Devi Mantras. If it is worn, the mind becomes pacified and quiet. He who wears it, becomes pacified and quiet. He who wears it, becomes the favorite of Lord Shiva.

12. Rudraksha Mala - It is very effective and is used in all kinds of rituals while worshipping gods, goddesses and the nine planets. If any particular mala is not available, Rudraksha Mala is could be used without any hesitation only with exception of mantras of killing others (maran) and Yakshni Sidhi. Thus it is regarded as the best of all rosaries.

13. Kaharwa Mala - It is put around the neck of the patients of jaundice. It cures the disease very soon.

14. Navratna Mala - This is used to pacify the nine planets. There are nine precious stones corresponding to the nine planets in it. It gives mental peace when it is worn.

15. Coral Mala - It is used during sadhana or worship of Lord Ganesh, Hanuman, Lakshmi and Mars planet. It is also useful for people who are prone to anemic condition.

Similarly there are many rosaries made of semi-precious stones for different planets. For example there are garlands of Garnet, Pearl, Jade, Onex, Sunehla, Blue Sapphire, Topaz Onex, Topaz Zircon, Cat's eye, Amethyst, Rosequartz, Tiger, Agate and Moonstone. These malas are very useful in pacifying the inimical planetary influences in one's life. Crystal Mala is regarded as Shiva-Shakti incarnate, Rudraksha as Lord Shiva, Pearl the moon incarnate. Rudraksha-Coral Mala is worn regarding it as incarnate of Lord Shiva and Hanuman. Thus, they are used to count Mantras of different deities and are worn to attain peace of mind and happiness.