Significance of 108 in Hinduism: Meaning of the Sacred Number

June 18, 2025

The significance of 108 in Hinduism runs deep in our tradition. We have always seen and heard from our ancestors that they chant the mala 108 times by counting the beads. In Sanatan Dharma, this number holds a specific meaning and relation. Why does 108 have such significance in Hinduism? What was the idea behind 108 in spirituality? What people believe now, our ancient Vedas and mathematicians had already figured out! Let's explore the symbolism of the number 108 and its significance in Hindu culture.

Why Is 108 Considered Spiritual?

108 is associated with the wholeness of the universe. It is said that this number represents and is seen in the universe almost everywhere. It appears in many aspects of spirituality:
108 names of deities.
Shiva's dance "Tandava" is said to have 108 postures.
It is said that Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu have 108 names each.

In yoga, our body is made of 7 chakras from head to spine, with the heart chakra being the centre of our energy. The heart chakra, associated with transformation and love, has 108 energy lines. It is believed that opening this chakra will lead to love and compassion. Meditating 108 times harmonises the energy lines and brings a sense of calm and peace to devotees.

Spiritually, it is also said that 108 represents the distance between us and God. 1 represents God, 0 represents emptiness, while 8 represents infinity. Alternatively, 1 can represent God, 0 represents pure awareness, and 8 is the union of both.

Overall, 108 is more than just a number in the Hindu religion; it is a connection to the Divine himself.

Why Is 108 Crucial in Mathematics and Cosmology?

The number 108 not only holds prominence in religion but is backed by ancient mathematicians and cosmologists too.

It is said that the distance between the Earth and the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Sun. Also, if we measure the distance between the Earth and the Moon, it comes to approximately 108 times the diameter of the Moon.

The interesting facts don't end here. The number is reflected in astrology, as there are 12 houses and nine planets, and when multiplied they come to 108.

The number is not just a random association with these figures; it tells us that it holds a special relation with things in the cosmos that we humans can't fully explain.

Significance of 108 in Yoga and Pranayama

In yoga and dhyana, this number holds an even deeper meaning. We are advised to chant a mantra 108 times. This may denote repetitiveness, leading to better focus and concentration of the mind. It is said that if one takes only 108 breaths in a day, they will attain enlightenment.
An average person is said to take 21,600 breaths per day, of which half, that is 10,800, are solar breaths (during the day), while the other half, 10,800, are taken during the night-time. 108 multiplied by 100 is 10,800, which again symbolises how 108 is linked with our life and breathing.

If nothing else, saying the mantra this many times can bring you even closer to your god, one bead at a time.

Role of 108 in Scriptures and Nature

We can trace its meaning to ancient scriptures. We have 108 Upanishads in total, which can be related to the significance. Fibonacci, who explained the existence of maths in daily life, explained how this number was present in nature as a whole.

The sacred river Ganga, which is very significant in Sanatan Dharma, spans a longitude of 12 degrees and a latitude of 9 degrees. As 12 multiplied by 9 is 108, this number is often linked to Ganga.

According to Ayurveda, we have 108 vital points (marma) in our body. Chanting a mantra 108 times energises a different sense each time. Additionally, Sanskrit has 54 letters in its script with both male and female forms. Fifty-four multiplied by two comes out to be 108.

These reasons can explain why 108 is so mystical and essential in Hinduism and spirituality.

Other Reasons Why 108 Is a Mystical Number

When the digits of the number 108 are added, they come out to be 9 (1 + 0 + 8). In Hinduism, nine is considered to be quite auspicious, complete, and spiritual. Hence the significance. Not just in Hinduism, this number holds a special place in other cultures like Buddhism. Buddha is known by 108 names, and there are 108 lamps devoted to him.

Additionally, most Buddhist temples have 108 steps. In Buddhist culture, there are 108 lies, 108 earthly desires, and 108 delusions of the mind. The number is a bridge between humanity and the divine.

During pooja rituals, we use a japa mala, which contains 108 beads, to symbolise these reasons.

A pure and authentic japa mala is the perfect bridge between faith and God. We must ensure that we are using 100% pure and authentic malas for spiritual purposes to gain the maximum benefit of this sacred number.

Frequently Asked Questions About 108 in Hinduism

Why does a japa mala have 108 beads?
A japa mala has 108 beads so a devotee can count 108 repetitions of a mantra in one complete round, matching the sacred number that represents the wholeness of the universe in Hinduism.

What does the number 108 represent spiritually?
Spiritually, 108 represents the connection between the self and the Divine: 1 stands for God or oneness, 0 for emptiness or pure awareness, and 8 for infinity, together symbolising the complete spiritual journey.

Is 108 significant only in Hinduism?
No. While 108 is central to Hinduism, it is also revered in Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, and appears repeatedly in cosmology, Ayurveda, and nature, which is why it is called nature's universal code.

Conclusion

The number 108 has been called 'nature's secret code' and 'nature's universal rule'. When we think about the existence of this number and its mystical value, we realise how recurring it is, be it anywhere. In baseball, too, there are 108 stitches in the ball. It is said that 108 represents everything, something, and nothing, all together. Known as 'Harshad' or joy-giver, this number is more divine than what can be explained by humanity. Ready to bring this sacred number into your daily sadhana? Explore our collection of 100% authentic 108-bead japa malas at Divine Hindu.

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