Why are there 108 beads on a Mala? Why do we chant mantras (repetitive prayers) 108 times? Why in the most ancient traditions is 108 considered a holy number? There are many meanings describing the significance of the number 108. Some of the scientific, mathematical, astrological and spiritual explanations are:
- The diameter of the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth. The distance from the Sun to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Sun.
- The average distance of the Moon from the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Moon.
- There are said to be 108 earthly desires in mortals.
- The first manned space flight lasted 108 minutes.
- The sacred River Ganga spans a longitude of 12 degrees (79 to 91), and a latitude of 9 degrees (22 to 31); 12 times 9 equals 108.
- There are 108 stitches on a regulation baseball.
The list goes on. Intrigued and curious to find out more? The articles below give you more insight into this sacred number.