Sandalwood and Purple Lapedolite

A Japamala or mala (Sanskrit:माला; mālā, meaning 'garland' is a string of prayer beads commonly used in Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and other traditions for the spiritual practice known in Sanskrit as japa. They are similar to other forms of prayer beads used in various world religions and sometimes referred to in English as a "rosary".

The main body of a mala is usually 108 beads, though other numbers are also used. In addition, there is often a 109th bead (often of a distinctive size or colour) and/or tassle and sometimes there are additional beads which may be decorative or used for counting rounds. Malas are used for keeping count while reciting, chanting, or mentally repeating a mantra or the name or names of a deity.