This smoothly gleaming mala (chain) of 108 carnelian prayer beads is indispensable to meditative practice. Each bead is used to count the repetition of a mantra or chant. The number 108 bears spiritual significance across several religions. The largest bead - at which point the worshiper commences his chant - is the Guru bead, a symbol of the teacher-student bond. Handmade in India. Minor variations and defects enhance individual artistic character.