There are so many things that we just keep on doing without understanding the reason behind them. Let’s discuss such a thing today. The importance of the 108 Number in Hinduism is something we all might have noticed growing up. But rarely would we have stopped and thought about the real reason behind it. 

The number 108 keeps appearing everywhere in spiritual traditions. 108 beads in a mala, chanting a mantra 108 times, or even hearing about 108 names of Hindu gods, this number has something deeper behind it. But what is that? Let’s find out. 

The 108 number feels sacred. Why? 

In Hinduism, numbers are not just part of mathematics. They are much more than that. Numbers have deeper meaning, energy and symbolism. Among all these numbers, 108 has a special spiritual vibration. 

You can understand the 108 number like this:

So, when the numbers one, zero and eight come together, they reflect the journey of life from the self to spiritual awakening. That’s one of the reasons why it has stayed important for thousands of years. 

Why is 108 important in Hinduism?

Prayers and meditation have always been an important part of Hinduism. 108 is important in Hinduism as a number because it is connected closely to both of them. 

Have you ever held a mala while chanting? You may have noticed that it contains exactly 108 beads. When you chant a mantra 108 times, it is believed to help you become calm, focused and even spiritually connected. 

There is a very simple logic behind it, too. When you repeat a sacred mantra many times, all the thoughts and distractions go away. You start breathing calmly, your thoughts become clear, and you start feeling more present.  For many people, chanting 108 times is more about finding peace within themselves than ritual. 

108 Number X Universe

108 is not just linked to Hinduism; there’s more to it. The most fascinating thing is its link to astronomy. In ancient times, the scholar observed patterns in nature and the cosmos. According to their calculations, here are some interesting things they found out:

• Distance between Earth & Sun = Approx 108 X Sun’s Diameter 

• Distance between Earth and Moon = Approx 108 X Moon’s Diameter 

Even today, people are amazed that ancient civilisations recognised such relationships without any of the technology we have. 

The spiritual thinkers don't even think this was just a coincidence. They believed that 108 symbolised the harmony between human life and the universe. 

108 Number X Hindu Mythology 

The significance of 108 in Hindu mythology is evident in many sacred stories and traditions. Let’s understand this with a few examples: 

• Gods & their 108 names 

In our Hindu culture, we have many deities and many of them are worshipped through their 108 sacred names. Every name has a story, a quality or a divine form behind it. For example, Lord Shiv Ji’s 108 names describe his power, compassion and wisdom. Then there is goddess Durga, whose names represent strength and protector. Devotees chant these names and feel spiritually connected to the gods.

• 108 Upanishads

108 Upanishads in Hinduism are very important. The ancient writings are a treasure of instruction about life, meaning, soul, and consciousness.

• 108 Sacred Places

In many traditions, there are also 108 holy pilgrimage sites. It is believed that by visiting these sites, you will get spiritual growth and blessings.

108 Number X Meditation 

Not just traditions and ancient history, 108 has significance in meditation as well. There are 108 styles of meditation. You may have heard people doing 108 Suryanamaskars, 108 deep breaths or meditating with 108 mantra repetitions. 

According to yogic beliefs, various channels in our body contain energy known as ‘nadis’. It is said that 108 important energy lines in our body meet at the heart chakra, which is the centre of love and compassion. This is the reason why 108 is believed to awaken inner balance. 

Beyond Religion

One of the most beautiful things about the number 108 is that its meaning goes beyond religion.  Even if someone is not deeply connected to spirituality but is still comfortable in participative practices like breathing exercises or meditation, the number 108 still becomes an important part of their life. 

If you want to start as well, then just sit in front of a Soulful Paintings of a god you have faith in and chant a mantra. Or just start counting, inhale and exhale. You will see the difference yourself. 

The number 108 simply acts as a rhythm on which people can slow down and relax in this fast-moving world. That’s why in today’s lifestyle, the ancient practices related to the number 108 still feel relevant. 

FAQs

1. Why chant mantras 108 times? Why not some other number?

Well, chanting 108 times is not random. There is a reason behind it. The number 108 is considered to be spiritually calming and powerful. So when a person is chanting a mantra many times, their focus shifts away from distractions. They start focusing on important things, their mind gets clear, and this also creates a deeper sense during prayers and meditation. 

2. Is the number 108 only important in Hinduism? 

Nope, it’s beyond Hinduism. It is respected in Buddhism, Jainism, and several Eastern spiritual traditions. There are many cultures that associate it with peace, balance and spiritual awakening. 

3. Any specific reason why malas have 108 beads? 

Yes! The mala always has 108 beads. Not more, not less, because 108 numbers are a symbol of completeness and harmony. Each bead will help the person keep the count while chanting the mantra, which makes the practice/prayer more mindful rather than a distraction.