A Rudraksha Mala for Beginning Japa Practice
Written and reviewed by The Kriya Yogi · Updated 5 October 2026
The short answer
A first mala just needs the standard 108 beads plus the guru bead, and a bead size your fingers can move through comfortably without fumbling. Our rudraksha mala comes in 6, 8, 10 or 12 mm; for most beginners, 8 mm is a sensible middle size to start with before deciding whether you prefer smaller or larger beads.
What matters for this
- Bead count
- 108 + 1 guru bead
- Material
- Natural rudraksha seed
- Bead sizes
- 6, 8, 10 or 12 mm
- Thread
- Knotted cord with tassel
- Finish
- Untreated; grain and colour vary bead to bead
- Price
- $70
What the 108 count and guru bead are for
The 108 beads give you a fixed count to move through without having to track numbers mentally, and the guru bead marks where you started so you know when you've completed a full round. As a beginner, you don't need to understand every tradition behind the number 108 to use the mala correctly — you simply move one bead per repetition and stop (or turn back) at the guru bead rather than crossing it.
Choosing a bead size as a beginner
Smaller beads (6–8 mm) move faster between the fingers, which suits faster repetition or smaller hands. Larger beads (10–12 mm) are easier to feel and count individually, which some beginners find less fiddly while they're still learning the motion. If you're unsure, 8 mm is a reasonable starting point that isn't too small to handle or too large to carry comfortably.
Basic handling for a first mala
Traditionally the mala is held in the right hand, moved with the thumb, one bead per repetition, without the index finger touching the beads. None of this needs to be perfect on day one — the main thing as a beginner is building the habit of using the mala consistently rather than getting the hand position exactly right from the start.
Caring for a natural rudraksha mala
Because the beads are natural seed, not polished stone or glass, expect some variation in colour and surface from bead to bead — this is normal, not a flaw. Keep it dry, store it wrapped rather than loose in a bag, and an occasional light touch of sandalwood or coconut oil keeps the seed from drying out over time.
Choose something else if…
- Anyone wanting a perfectly uniform, polished look — natural rudraksha varies bead to bead by design.
- Those who want a mala purely as jewellery without using it for counted repetition.