Introduction
The number 108 holds a deep spiritual and cosmic meaning in Hinduism.
You may have heard about:
- 108 beads in a japa mala
- 108 Shiva Lingams
- 108 names of Lord Krishna
- 108 chants during puja
But what makes the number 108 so important?
Let’s explore the mystery behind this sacred number in simple words.
108 – A Holy Number in Hinduism
In Hinduism, number 108 is considered as sacred as 786 in Islam.
It appears in many rituals, prayers, and scriptures.
During tantric pujas, expert priests often use 108 lotus flowers.
Many ancient Hindu texts, like the Vedas and Upanishads, also mention 108 as a number that represents the wholeness of life and the universe.
Spiritual Meaning of Number 108
In Vedic cosmology, the number 108 symbolizes creation and existence.
- 1 represents life or God — the beginning.
- 0 stands for Shunya (the void or the universe).
- 8 means infinity or death — the never-ending cycle.
So, together, 108 represents the cycle of time — birth, life, death, and rebirth.
When we add 1 + 0 + 8, we get 9, which is another sacred number.
In Hinduism, 9 represents Brahma, the creator of the universe.
It is said that:
- There are 9 planets in astrology.
- Mahabharata has 18 chapters (1+8=9).
- Bhagavad Gita also has 18 chapters.
- There are 108 Upanishads (1+0+8=9).
All these are connected through divine mathematics.
Why Do We Chant Mantras 108 Times?
In Hindu tradition, chanting a mantra 108 times is believed to bring spiritual awakening.
It helps the devotee connect with the higher energy.
Reasons for 108 Beads in a Mala
- A japa mala (rosary) has 108 beads plus one “guru bead”.
- Each bead represents a chant or prayer.
- The guru bead symbolizes gratitude to the divine teacher.
This practice helps focus the mind, control thoughts, and achieve peace.
Cosmic Significance of Number 108
Ancient Hindu astronomers found amazing patterns in the universe that align with this number.
- The distance between the Earth and the Sun is about 108 times the Sun’s diameter.
- The distance between the Earth and the Moon is roughly 108 times the Moon’s diameter.
- The Sun’s diameter is about 108 times that of the Earth.
This shows how the number 108 connects Earth, Moon, and Sun — the three main bodies that sustain life.
Hence, 108 becomes a cosmic bridge between heaven and earth.
108 in Indian Astronomy
According to ancient Indian astronomy:
- There are 27 Nakshatras (constellations).
- Each Nakshatra has 4 padas (directions) — Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha.
When multiplied:
27 × 4 = 108
This means number 108 covers all human purposes and universal energies — duty, wealth, desire, and liberation.
108 in Hindu Mythology
Many stories in Hindu mythology also refer to 108.
- There are 108 sacred names of Goddess Durga.
- During Durga Puja, 108 lotus flowers are used for her worship.
- Skanda Purana mentions 108 Gopis (friends of Lord Krishna).
- It is said that River Ganga flows across 12° longitude and 9° latitude.
- 12 × 9 = 108 — again showing divine geometry.
The number 108 connects gods, goddesses, and sacred geography across India.
108 in Yoga and Meditation
In yoga, the number 108 represents spiritual completion.
It connects the mind, body, and soul through disciplined practice.
Examples:
- Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar):
Yogis perform 12 postures in a cycle. Doing them 9 times equals 108 movements.
It honors the Sun — the source of life. - Breathing Exercises (Pranayama):
If you breathe consciously 108 times, it is believed to align your energy and bring calmness.
Yogis believe the body has 108 energy lines (nadis) that meet at the heart chakra — the center of love and consciousness.
108 in Ayurveda and Healing
In Ayurveda, our body has 108 marma points — vital spots that store life energy.
Healing practices like acupressure and massage focus on these marma points to restore balance.
Palmists and astrologers, including the best palmist in Kolkata, use these points to study personality, health, and destiny.
108 in Astrology
In Vedic astrology, 108 plays an important role.
- There are 12 zodiac houses and 9 planets.
- 12 × 9 = 108.
This forms the base of horoscope analysis.
- 12 × 9 = 108.
- The Sun’s diameter is 108 times that of the Earth.
- The distance between Earth and Moon also fits this sacred ratio.
This shows how cosmic balance reflects the divine pattern of 108.
108 and Human Emotions
Some ancient scholars said that a human being has 108 feelings:
- 36 from the past
- 36 from the present
- 36 from the future
Together they form the total of 108 emotions, linking time, mind, and soul.
108 in Daily Life
The respect for number 108 extends even into modern times.
- India’s emergency helpline number is 108.
- Many Indian states operate 108 ambulance services — free and available 24×7.
- This represents divine protection, healing, and service — the same values found in spiritual texts.
Even today, when someone calls 108 for help, it symbolizes life, rescue, and hope — just like chanting a mantra 108 times invites blessings.
Mathematical and Symbolic Meaning
Let’s see how mathematics and spirituality meet through this number:
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 | God, truth, or the beginning |
| 0 | Void or universe |
| 8 | Eternity or infinity |
| Sum (1+0+8) | 9 → Number of completion |
Thus, the number 108 becomes a perfect symbol of wholeness, balance, and cosmic order.
108 in Sanskrit and Divine Language
The Sanskrit language also reflects this sacred number.
- Sanskrit has 54 alphabets.
- Each letter has a masculine (Shiva) and a feminine (Shakti) form.
- 54 × 2 = 108
So, 108 represents the union of Shiva and Shakti, the cosmic balance between energy and consciousness.
108 Sacred Places and Temples
Hindu scriptures mention 108 sacred sites across India and Nepal.
Visiting or remembering these sites is believed to wash away negative karma and bring spiritual blessings.
Many ancient temples, like the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu, are part of this sacred geometry.
Summary – Why 108 Matters
The number 108 connects everything — from the smallest atom to the vast universe.
It links the body, soul, planets, and gods.
Whether you chant, meditate, or simply understand it, the vibration of 108 reminds you of the unity of creation.
Quick Recap
- 108 beads = spiritual focus
- 108 planets × houses = astrological order
- 108 nadis = energy flow
- 108 marma points = physical healing
- 108 Upanishads = divine wisdom
- 108 lotus flowers = devotion
- 108 names = divine remembrance
From prayer to science, from yoga to astronomy, number 108 symbolizes perfection, protection, and peace.
To Summarise
The sacred number 108 is not just a number — it is a spiritual code of the universe.
It reminds us that everything is connected: the stars above, the energy within, and the devotion in our hearts.
Whenever you chant a mantra 108 times or count beads on a mala, remember — you are aligning yourself with the rhythm of the cosmos.
The number 108 carries divine energy that unites the body, mind, and soul — guiding us toward enlightenment, balance, and eternal peace.
