Japamala
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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 of mantras, pray
Different types of japamala (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.
Rosary
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The Rosary, formally known as the Psalter of Jesus and Mary, also known as the Dominican Rosary, refers to a set of prayers used primarily in the Catholic Church, and to the physical string of knots o
Japamala
…glass beads, and nylon cords. Malas are similar to other forms of prayer beads used in various world religions, such as the misbaha in Islam and the rosary in Christianity. The specific origin of the mala is unknown, with the use of beads for counting being a widespread practice among ancient cultures. No…
La Visione di San Domenico (The Vision of Saint Dominic), Bernardo Cavallino, 1640
Rosary window in the Black Abbey, Kilkenny, Ireland. Top row: Glorious Mysteries – Resurrection, Pentecost, Ascension, Assumption, Coronation of the Virgin. Middle row: Sorrowful Mysteries – Agony in the Garden, Scourging, Crucifixion, Crowning with Thorns, Carrying the Cross. Bottom row: Joyful Mysteries – Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity, Presentation, Finding in the Temple.
An Egyptian, Coptic-style rosary featuring an extra Coptic crucifix
Our Lady of Lourdes appearing at Lourdes with rosary beads