Tulsi Jap Mala

The Vaishnava mala

Where rudraksha belongs to Shiva worship, tulsi belongs to Vishnu and Krishna. Tulsi is the plant considered dearest to Vishnu, and no offering to him is complete without a tulsi leaf. A mala turned from tulsi wood is therefore the traditional mala for Vaishnava japa — the Hare Krishna mahamantra, Vishnu sahasranama, Rama nama.

Details

• 108 tulsi wood beads plus sumeru
• Light and comfortable for long japa sessions and all-day wear
• Natural tulsi wood, with the fine grain and pale colour of the material
• Hand-strung

How japa is done on a mala

1. Sit facing north or east, mala in the right hand.
2. Hold each bead between the thumb and middle finger — the index finger is traditionally not used.
3. Begin at the bead next to the sumeru (head bead) and recite the mantra once per bead.
4. On completing 108, do not cross the sumeru — turn the mala and go back the other way.
5. Keep the mala off the floor, and traditionally covered by a gaumukhi bag while chanting.

Tulsi mala and daily wear

Many Vaishnava households wear a tulsi kanthi mala at the neck at all times, alongside a separate mala kept for japa. If you intend to do both, it is common to keep two: one worn, one used for counting.

Caring for a mala

1. Keep it in a cloth bag or mala box, not loose in a drawer.
2. Do not let it get wet repeatedly — water weakens the thread and, on rudraksha, softens the surface over time.
3. Wipe with a dry cloth; some households apply a little sandalwood or mustard oil occasionally to rudraksha.
4. Restring it if the thread frays rather than continuing to use a weakened mala.

A note on tulsi wood

Tulsi is a soft wood. It darkens with handling and body oils, which is normal and generally considered desirable. Avoid soaking it, and do not clean it with soap or chemical cleaners — a dry cloth is enough.

Ideal for

Hare Krishna and Vishnu japa, Rama nama, Ekadashi and Kartik month observance, Janmashtami, ISKCON-style practice, Tulsi puja, and daily wear.

About Advik Rituals

We are based in Sigra, Varanasi (Kashi). We curate complete, pandit-verified puja kits and samagri so families can perform rituals correctly without hunting for individual items. Pure ingredients. Complete vidhi. Sacred blessings.