How to Do Radha Naam Jap with 108 Beads: Step-by-Step Guide
Chanting the holy name of Radha is one of the simplest and most powerful forms of devotion. For centuries, saints and devotees have practiced Naam Jap using a mala (rosary) of 108 beads. Each bead represents a chant, and completing one mala means chanting the divine name 108 times.
In this blog, we will explore:
- Why 108 beads are used in Jap
- How to start your practice step by step
- The spiritual benefits of Radha Naam Jap
- A simple way to track chants using an online Jap counter
🙏 Why 108 Beads in a Mala?
The number 108 is sacred in spirituality and mathematics. Here are a few reasons why malas contain 108 beads:
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Sacred Number | In Hinduism, 108 is considered a divine number connected to the universe. |
| 9 × 12 = 108 | Represents the 9 planets and 12 zodiac signs, symbolizing cosmic wholeness. |
| Energy Points | The body has 108 energy lines that converge at the heart chakra. |
| Tradition | Saints and yogis have used 108 beads for centuries to maintain discipline in Jap. |
So, chanting Radha Naam 108 times creates a full cycle of devotion and concentration.
🪔 Step-by-Step Guide to Radha Naam Jap with 108 Beads
- Prepare Your Mala
Choose a Tulsi mala, Rudraksha mala, or crystal mala dedicated for Radha Jap. Keep it clean and use it only for chanting. - Sit in a Peaceful Place
Find a quiet spot — your temple corner, meditation space, or even near your bed. Sit comfortably with your back straight. - Begin with a Prayer
Close your eyes, fold your hands, and say: “Radhe Radhe, may this Jap purify my heart and connect me with Your divine love.” - Start with the Meru Bead
A mala has 109 beads — 108 counting beads + 1 Meru bead (the “Guru” bead). Do not cross over the Meru bead. After completing one round, reverse the direction. - Chant “Radhe Radhe” on Each Bead
Hold the mala with your right hand (middle finger + thumb, not index finger). With each bead, chant “🌸 Radhe Radhe” once. Move to the next bead and continue until all 108 beads are complete. - Track Your Malas
1 round = 108 chants = 1 mala. After every mala, take a short pause and express gratitude. You can track your daily count using a Jap counter tool like the NaamJaap app. It saves progress automatically. - Set a Daily Target
Beginners: 1–2 malas daily. Regular practitioners: 5–10 malas daily. Advanced sadhaks: 16+ malas daily (as followed in traditional bhakti).
📊 Example Jap Routine with 108 Beads
| Level | Daily Malas | Total Chants |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 1–2 | 108–216 chants |
| Intermediate | 5 | 540 chants |
| Advanced | 10 | 1,080 chants |
| Devoted Practitioner | 16+ | 1,728+ chants |
🌼 Benefits of Radha Naam Jap with 108 Beads
Chanting Radha Naam daily purifies not only the mind but also emotions. Here are the benefits:
- Mental Peace: Reduces stress, anxiety, and overthinking.
- Spiritual Purification: Cleanses thoughts and fills the heart with divine love.
- Focus & Discipline: Counting beads keeps the mind focused.
- Devotional Connection: Builds a deeper bond with Radha-Krishna.
- Positive Energy: Creates vibrations of joy, love, and inner balance.
🕉️ Tips for Effective Jap
- Chant at the same time daily (morning or evening).
- Keep your mala in a clean cloth bag (gomukhi).
- Avoid doing Jap casually; treat it as sacred.
- Use the NaamJaap app counter if you don’t have a mala nearby.
🙌 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the index finger to count beads (traditionally avoided).
- Crossing over the Meru bead (instead, turn the mala around).
- Chanting too fast — Jap should be steady and mindful.
- Multitasking during Jap — keep your full attention on chanting.
🌸 FAQ Section
Q1. Can I do Radha Naam Jap without a mala?
👉 Yes, you can chant without a mala or use an online Jap counter like the NaamJaap app. But using a mala helps maintain discipline.
Q2. How many times should I chant daily?
👉 Start with 108 chants (1 mala) daily. Gradually increase as per your devotion.
Q3. Can beginners start directly with 108 beads?
👉 Absolutely. Even one round of Radha Naam Jap brings peace and devotion.
Q4. Can I chant mentally instead of aloud?
👉 Yes, mental chanting is equally powerful if done with focus.
✨ Conclusion
Radha Naam Jap with 108 beads is more than a spiritual practice — it’s a journey of love, purity, and inner peace. With every bead, you move closer to divine energy and leave behind distractions of the world.
Whether you use a traditional Tulsi mala or the NaamJaap app, what truly matters is devotion and consistency. Start today with one mala and watch how Radha Naam transforms your heart and mind.
🌸 Radhe Radhe! 🌸