The Prayer Beads Malas in this section come in a variety of styles, lengths, and colors. Each of our prayer beads malas have been made by hand in Nepal. Prayer Beads Malas are often made from 108 beads, although other combinations, such as in our wrist malas, are also available. The number 108 is significant for two different reasons. 9 x 12 equals 108 and both 9 and 12 are special numbers. Another reason is that 108 is a Harshad number (Harshad= great joy). A Harshad number is an integer divisible by the sum of its digits. There are said to be 108 energy lines to the heart chakra. In Vajrayana Buddhism (Tantric Buddhism) it is said that there are 8 beads in case of mistakes while saying the mantra 100 times. In Hinduism it is because there are 108 Hindu deities. Our prayer beads malas come in sandalwood, jade, tridacna shell, wood, and Bodhi seed. Bodhi seed malas are our most popular malas. It is said that Siddhartha found enlightenment while sitting under a Bodhi tree. Bodhi seeds come in many different styles. If there is a material of bodhi seeds you are interesting in but don't see here, please contact us. We can have almost any type of mala made.