Guru Purnima Gifts: Japa Malas in Chandan, Tulsi and Rudraksha

Guru Purnima gifts: four japa mala choices

Four pieces are listed in this edit. Compare the bead count, material and care note on each page.

• Chandan sandalwood jaap mala, 108 beads.
• Tulsi japa mala, 108+1 beads.
• Rudraksha jaap mala, 108 beads.
• Sadhana combo with a Chandan mala and jaap bag.

Choose the mala that matches the person's practice. Each page lists its own size, material and care.

How to choose a japa mala as a gift

Start with the material the person already uses. In many traditions, Tulsi malas are used by Vaishnava devotees and Rudraksha malas by Shaiva devotees, while Chandan is a sandalwood mala.

Then check the bead count, bead size and care note on the product page. If the person has a family tradition, follow it.

For more choices, see Rudraksha malas and beads and Karungali malai.

Guru Purnima in Hindu tradition

Guru Purnima is observed on the full moon of the Hindu month of Ashadha. It is a day to thank one's guru and teachers, and it is also remembered as Vyasa Purnima.

Many devotees present flowers and respect to their guru, and recite a verse such as Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu. Some families do a simple guru puja at home, before a picture of the guru.

Guru Purnima puja and rituals differ by lineage and family. Dates change every year, so check a panchang for the current date.

Using a japa mala

Devotees turn a mala bead by bead while chanting. The extra bead in a 108+1 mala is the guru bead, or meru, where counting begins and ends.

Keep wooden and Tulsi beads dry and wipe them gently with a soft cloth. Store the mala in a clean bag when you are not using it.

Do not cross the guru bead while counting. Turn the mala back and begin the next round instead.