Guidelines for Wearing Beads: 36 Beads vs. Traditional Hindu Practices

It has become increasingly common to see people wearing beads for a variety of reasons, be it fashion, personal preference, or spiritual practices. One popular question often arises among enthusiasts: can you wear 36 beads?

Can I Wear 36 Beads?

The short answer is yes, you can wear 36 beads! However, the number of beads you choose to wear can vary greatly based on personal preference, cultural significance, or the design of the jewelry. Different traditions may assign specific meanings to certain bead counts, while others may simply be a matter of style.

Shiva Mala and Traditional Hindu Practices

For those interested in wearing beads for spiritual purposes, particularly in the context of Hindu practices, especially those associated with the deity Shiva, the question of bead count becomes more specific.

Option A: 108 Beads (109)

The most common and traditionally recommended bead count is 108, often padded to 109 beads. This is based on Shastras and has a significant spiritual significance, corresponding to the number of Sanskrit mantras and breaths in a day.

Option B: 54 Beads (55)

Another option is 54 beads, also referred to as 55. This count is half of the traditional 108 and is associated with the 54 letters of the Sanskrit alphabet. It is less common but still valid.

Option C: 27 Beads (28)

The final option, and the one most applicable to your question, is 27 beads, also referred to as 28. This number is significant due to its relationship to the 27 nakshatras, or lunar mansions in Vedic astrology.

If you have an odd number of beads, like 36, you might opt for the best number among those mentioned. For instance, 28 beads can be a suitable choice given the option for 32 beads in the Shiva Mala for Gauri Shankar Rudrakshas.

Additional Considerations

After choosing your desired bead count, there are additional aspects to consider. For instance, the beads can be immersed in clean flowing water or left at an ancient Shiva temple for a prayer of forgiveness called "Kshama Yachana." This practice not only cleanses the beads but also imbues them with spiritual energy.

Conclusion

While 36 beads might be a novel choice, you have the flexibility to choose 108, 54, or 27 beads based on your preference and cultural significance. Whether for fashion, spirituality, or both, the choice is yours.

Made in India, Eshans Emporium also offers a variety of bead options, ensuring that each piece of jewelry is of the highest quality and spiritually significant.

Contact Information

If you need more personalized advice or are interested in learning more about the spiritual significance of beads, please feel free to reach out:

Shivam Kalyanam,
Prof. Dr. Manoj Kalantri, Ph.D

Note: The contact and email addresses provided in the content are for illustrative purposes and should not be relied upon.