Lakshmi is also called Kamalvaasini - i.e. one who sits on a lotus. This is why for the Sadhana and mantra chanting of Lakshmi a special rosary made of seeds of lotus which is called Kamalgatta Mala is used. The Goddess is easily appeased if one uses this rosary for the chanting of Her mantra and She bestows upon him wealth and comforts.
The lotus flower represents the symbol of fortune. It grows in muddy water, and it is this environment that gives forth the flower first and most literal meaning: rising and blooming above the murk to achieve enlightenment. It also resembles the purifying of the spirit which is born into murkiness. It also signifies that those who are working to rise above the muddy waters will need to be faithful followers.
If one lotus seed mala is worn around the neck, and another is held in the hand during mantra Japa, Divine Mother in the form of the kundalini energy touches all the chakras, cleansing them and making them bloom like radiant lotus blossoms.
Design: Knotted in a thread in traditional style with a tassel.
No. of beads: 108+1
Bead size: 10 mm (W) x 14 mm (H)
Length: 36 inches
The word Japa means to rotate. One way the rotation of consciousness is achieved is by use of the tool of a mala, a garland or string of beads. A Japa mala (rosary) usually consists of 108 beads in addition to the merubead. The number 108 has several meanings. Some of them are:
27 constellations x 4 padas (parts) = 108
12 zodiac houses x 9 planets = 108
Upanishads Scriptures of the Vedas = 108
In other words, 108 beads represent the entire universe.
Benefits of chanting mantra on a Japa Mala?
The primary purposes of this practice is to purify the mind and release us from the samskaras (past impressions) and vasanas (future desires). Our real nature is not our normal state of anxiety, excitement and tension. Our nature is Samadhi, pure consciousness, calmness, tranquility, equanimity. We can use the comparison of a mirror that is obscured by layers of grime and dust. Clean the mirror and its natural quality will be revealed, which is to reflect all objects. It is the restlessness of the mind which causes all unhappiness and complexes, but these are only impositions. Calm and purify the mind through your sadhana (practice)and experience your true self.
How to use a Japa mala:.
1. Keep the index finger and thumb spread so that they are perpendicular to each other.
2. Make a group of rest of the three fingers and bring them together to make them perpendicular to the index finger.
3. Place the mala on the middle finger while keeping the index finger pointing away from you. Index finger symbolizes our ego. So, we need to ensure it does not touch any bead. In other words, we must park our ego separately during meditation.
4. Start chanting the mantra from bead next to the Guru bead, i.e. starting bead is above the Guru bead so that the Guru bead is not crossed.
5. Continue chanting the mantra for each bead till you reach the Guru bead.