Using a mala for jaap (mantra chanting) is one of the most powerful spiritual practices. It helps you focus your mind, connect with divine energy, and develop a daily sadhana routine.
If you are new to using a mala, don’t worry — this simple guide will teach you how to sit, which direction to face, how to hold the mala, and how to do jaap the right way, step by step.
🪷 1. Sit in a Peaceful & Comfortable Position
Your sitting posture affects your focus and energy flow.
✔ Best sitting positions:
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Sukhasana (simple cross-leg sitting)
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Padmasana (lotus pose – if comfortable)
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Or sit on a chair with your spine straight
✔ Keep your posture:
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Spine straight
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Shoulders relaxed
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Eyes gently closed
A steady posture helps your mind stay calm during jaap.
🧭 2. Face the Right Direction While Doing Jaap
According to scriptures and saints:
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Face East → for peace, wisdom & spiritual growth
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Face North → for devotion & mental clarity
Facing these directions increases the positive effect of mantra chanting.
📿 3. How to Hold a Mala Correctly
Holding the mala the right way keeps the energy pure.
✔ Use your right hand
Traditionally, jaap is done using the right hand.
✔ Use middle finger & thumb
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Rotate beads with thumb + middle finger
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Index finger should not touch the mala (it represents ego)
✔ Keep the mala slightly covered
You can cover your hand with a clean cloth or use a Gomukhi bag for purity.
🔄 4. How to Rotate Mala Beads the Right Way
Each bead = 1 mantra
✔ Rotate one bead at a time
Never skip beads or rotate multiple beads together.
✔ Move beads towards you
This attracts positive energy and divine blessings.
🔺 5. Never Cross the Guru Bead
The guru bead (the biggest bead) represents your Guru or divine energy.
✔ When you reach the guru bead:
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Stop
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Turn the mala around
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Continue your jaap from the opposite direction
You should never cross over the guru bead.
🤲 6. Ideal Hand Position During Jaap
Your mala hand should:
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Be held at heart level or slightly below
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Be stable, without shaking
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Stay relaxed, not stiff
If possible, keep your hand inside a gomukhi mala bag.
🌬 7. Focus on Your Breath & Mantra
While doing jaap:
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Take slow breaths
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Keep your awareness on the mantra sound
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Let thoughts come and go gently
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Repeat the mantra softly (mentally or verbally)
The true power of jaap comes from mantra + focus.
🕉 8. Best Time to Do Daily Mala Jaap
The most powerful time is:
⭐ Brahma Muhurat (4 AM – 6 AM)
This time is naturally peaceful and spiritually charged.
If not possible, you can do jaap:
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Early morning
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During evening prayers
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Before sleep
Consistency is more important than timing.
🔢 9. How Many Mala Rounds Should You Do Daily?
One full mala = 108 mantras
For beginners:
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Start with 1 mala per day
For regular sadhana:
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Do 3 malas per day (324 mantras)
For intense sadhana:
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Do 11 malas or 21 malas depending on your practice
Choose according to your time and devotion.
🧿 10. Tips to Improve Your Daily Sadhana
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Sit in the same place daily
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Keep your mala clean and energized
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Chant with love, not pressure
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Do jaap with a calm mind
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Avoid using your mala casually
Your mala becomes spiritually charged with your vibrations.
🌸 Conclusion
Using a mala for jaap is simple, powerful, and deeply peaceful. With the right posture, direction, hand position, and mantra focus — anyone can start a beautiful daily sadhana practice.
⭐ FAQs – How to Use a Mala for Jaap (Daily Sadhana Guide)
1. How do I start using a mala for jaap?
Start by sitting comfortably, facing east or north. Hold the mala in your right hand, use your thumb and middle finger to rotate one bead at a time, and chant your chosen mantra with full focus.
2. Which hand should I use while doing mala jaap?
Traditionally, you should use the right hand. The mala is rotated using the thumb and middle finger, while the index finger remains untouched.
3. Can I do jaap with my left hand?
Using the left hand is not recommended in traditional Hindu practice. If you cannot use your right hand due to a medical reason, you may use a gomukhi mala bag so the hand remains covered.
4. Which direction should I face during mala jaap?
The best directions are:
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East → for peace and spiritual growth
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North → for devotion and mental clarity
Avoid facing west while chanting.
5. What is the guru bead in a mala?
The largest bead in a mala is the guru bead. It represents the Guru or supreme consciousness. You should never cross the guru bead; instead, turn the mala around and begin again in the opposite direction.
6. How many mala rounds should I do daily?
Beginners can start with 1 mala (108 chants) daily. You can gradually increase to:
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3 malas
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7 malas
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11 malas
Choose according to your time and devotion.
7. Can I chant any mantra with the same mala?
Preferably no. A mala used for Shiva mantra should be dedicated to Shiva.
A mala used for Hanuman mantra should be kept for Hanuman.
This keeps the mala energized with one intention and pure vibration.
8. Can I wear the same mala that I use for jaap?
Yes, Tulsi and Rudraksha malas can be worn.
However, many people keep a separate mala only for jaap to maintain purity.
9. Can I use a digital jaap counter instead of a mala?
Yes, beginners can use a digital counter for accuracy.
But for traditional sadhana, using a mala creates deeper connection, rhythm, and spiritual energy.
10. When is the best time to do mala jaap?
The most powerful time is Brahma Muhurat (4 AM – 6 AM).
If not possible, you can do jaap during:
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Early morning
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Sunset
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Before sleeping
Consistency brings the real results.
11. Can I talk or get up while doing jaap?
Try not to.
Finish your mala calmly. If you must get up, keep the mala aside respectfully and continue later.
12. Should mala be washed or energized?
Your mala doesn’t need physical washing.
You can energize it by:
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Keeping it next to your deity
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Doing jaap regularly
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Smudging with incense or dhoop
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Keeping it clean and in a pure place
