108 is the natural number following 107 and preceding 109.
Japa mala, or japa beads, made from tulasi wood, consisting of 108 beads plus the head bead
A japamala, jaap maala, or simply mala is a loop of prayer beads commonly used in Indian religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. It is used for counting recitations (japa) of mantras, prayers or other sacred phrases. It is also worn to ward off evil, to count repetitions within some other form of sadhana such as prostrations before a holy icon. They are also used as symbols of religious identification.
Different types of Japa mala (prayer beads) selling in Varanasi, India
The Hindu god Brahma is shown depicted with a japamala in his hand.
The official imperial portrait of Qing Dynasty Empress Xiaozhuangwen with a mala
Kūkai (774–835), founder of Japanese Shingon, who brought some malas back to Japan from China.