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How To Keep Japa Mala At Home In Hinduism?

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In Hinduism, a Japa Mala is a sacred tool used for mantra chanting and meditation. Proper care, handling, and usage of a Japa Mala are essential to maintain its sanctity and effectiveness. Below is a detailed guide on how to keep and use a Japa Mala at home, including practical suggestions, discipline, and mantras for various deities.

General Guidelines for Keeping a Japa Mala at Home

  1. Clean and Sanctified Space:

    • Keep your Japa Mala in a clean and sacred space, such as a prayer room or altar.
    • Avoid placing it directly on the ground; store it in a clean cloth bag (often silk or cotton) or a dedicated box.

  2. Direction of Placement:

    • Ideally, the head of the mala (marked by the Guru Bead or Sumeru) should face the East or North when kept in storage. These directions are auspicious and conducive to spiritual vibrations.

  3. Respect and Handling:

    • Always handle the Japa Mala with clean hands.
    • Do not allow others to touch or use your personal Japa Mala to maintain its energy and sanctity.
    • Avoid using the Japa Mala for purposes other than chanting or meditation.

  4. Dedicated Use:

    • Assign specific malas for specific mantras or deities. For example, use a Rudraksha mala for Lord Shiva, Tulsi mala for Lord Vishnu, and Sphatik mala for Devi Lakshmi.

Methods and Daily Routine for Japa Mala Usage

  1. Morning Ritual:

    • Begin your day with mantra chanting after a bath. Sit in a clean and calm place.
    • Place the mala in your right hand, letting it rest on your middle finger, and use your thumb to count the beads.

  2. Mantra Chanting:

    • Avoid crossing over the Guru Bead (Sumeru). Upon completing one round (108 beads), reverse the mala and continue.
    • Chant with full concentration, devotion, and correct pronunciation.

  3. Evening Practices:

    • If possible, perform a small meditation session or chant at dusk to balance the energies.

  4. Placement After Use:

    • After chanting, return the mala to its bag or box. Avoid casually leaving it on surfaces.

Specific Japa Malas for Hindu Deities and Suggested Mantras

Lord Shiva

  • Mala: Rudraksha Mala (108 beads)
  • Mantra:
    • Om Namah Shivaya
    • Mahamrityunjaya Mantra:
      Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam |
      Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat ||
  • Special Notes: Chant during Pradosh (twilight) or on Mondays. Offer bel leaves and water to a Shiva Lingam before starting.

Lord Vishnu

  • Mala: Tulsi Mala
  • Mantra:
    • Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
    • Vishnu Sahasranama (1000 names of Lord Vishnu)
  • Special Notes: Chant early in the morning facing the East. Light a ghee lamp near a Tulsi plant.

Goddess Lakshmi

  • Mala: Sphatik (Quartz) Mala
  • Mantra:
    • Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah
  • Special Notes: Perform Japa on Fridays or during full moon (Purnima) nights. Place a lotus flower or a Shree Yantra nearby.

Hanuman

  • Mala: Red Sandalwood Mala
  • Mantra:
    • Om Hanumate Namah
    • Hanuman Chalisa (recitation)
  • Special Notes: Chant on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Light a diya and offer sindoor to Lord Hanuman before starting.

Lord Ganesha

  • Mala: Red Coral or Rudraksha Mala
  • Mantra:
    • Om Gam Ganapataye Namah
  • Special Notes: Begin chanting after a Ganapati Puja. Wednesdays are especially auspicious for Ganapati Japa.

Practical Suggestions and Discipline

  1. Fixed Time:
    • Set aside a consistent time each day for Japa meditation.
  2. Focus and Mindset:
    • Sit in a quiet place with a steady, comfortable posture. Avoid distractions.
  3. Count and Target:
    • Start with one mala (108 beads) daily and gradually increase your repetitions.

Lesser-Known Facts about Japa Mala

  • The Sumeru Bead represents the Guru or the Supreme Consciousness. Crossing it is considered disrespectful.
  • Each type of mala bead (Rudraksha, Tulsi, Sandalwood, Sphatik) carries unique spiritual and physical benefits.
  • Chanting while keeping the mala below your navel is discouraged as it lowers the vibrational energy.

Mantras and Prayers

  • General Prayer Before Chanting: Om Asato Maa Sadgamaya, Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamaya, Mrityor Maa Amritam Gamaya ||

  • Closing Prayer: Om Poornamadah Poornamidam Poornaat Poornamudachyate |
    Poornasya Poornamaadaya Poornamevavashishyate ||

By following these practices and honoring your Japa Mala, you can enhance your spiritual discipline and deepen your connection with the divine energies in Hinduism.