The Importance Of Sacred Number 108 In Hinduism

Ever wonder why number 108 in Hinduism is such a significant number? You’ve probably seen it popping up everywhere, from the number of beads on a mala to the number of names for Hindu deities. There are several reasons why the 108 number is sacred in Hinduism. 

108 in Hinduism: A Symbol of Wholeness and Unity

From ancient traditions to modern spiritual practices, number 108 in Hinduism represents spiritual completion and wholeness. It’s a number that resonates with harmony and unity. There are 108 Upanishads, 108 sacred sites in India, and 108 dance poses in Bharatanatyam. 

Moreover, when you chant the 108 names of a deity or rotate the 108 beads on a mala (Japa mala), it binds you with the universe, connecting the material world with the spiritual. So, now, let’s move ahead to read some interesting facts about the number 108.

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Fascinating Facts about the Number 108 in Hinduism

The number 108 holds great significance in Hinduism and is a sacred number. The number 108 spread across many aspects of Hinduism and Indian culture. Understanding its significance provides insight into Hindu beliefs and values. Here are a few of the main reasons why:

• 108 is a multiple of 9, 12 and 27

In Hinduism, 9 represents wholeness, 12 signifies completeness, and 27 symbolises creation. 108 contains all of these sacred numbers, and it’s evenly divided by all three numbers. 

• There are 108 Upanishads

The Upanishads are ancient Hindu scriptures that contain some of Hinduism’s central philosophical concepts. There are 108 Upanishads, the principal Upanishads for any moral defined in astrology texts.

• 108 Marma Points

In Ayurvedic medicine and yoga, there are 108 vital points in the body where energy flows and can become blocked. Massaging these marma points releases energy blockages and promotes health and vitality. 

Also Read: Shri Suktam Path/ श्री सूक्तम पाठ: The Hymn of Devi Mahalakshmi

• There are 108 beads in a Japa Mala

A japa mala is a string of beads used to keep count while chanting a mantra. Malas have 108 beads, plus a ‘meru’ bead. The 108 beads represent the 108 kinds of passions that bind the soul. 

• There are 108 sacred sites in India

There are 108 sacred sites, also called Pithas, in India. All of these sites are considered very holy places in the Hindu religion. Completing a pilgrimage to all 108 sites is thought to bring enlightenment and release from the cycle of rebirth. 

• The Diameter of the Sun is 108 times that of the Earth

This cosmological or astrological relationship shows the sacred connection between the Sun, Earth, Moon and mankind in Hinduism. The distance between the Earth and the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Sun. Also, the distance between the Earth and the Moon is 108 times the diameter of the Moon. 

• 108 Names of Hindu Gods and Goddesses 

What is shri shri 108 meaning? It is a term used to show respect to God. All Hindu deities have 108 names, and chanting them, known as Ashtottara Shatanamavali, brings spiritual and material benefits. 

Moreover, they have 108 names because 1 represents the Supreme Truth (God), 0 represents emptiness or completeness, and 8 represents infinity. Similarly, we have 108 saints of India in the name of Lord Buddha. 

• The Sacred Number 108 and Lord Shiva

According to Hindu tradition, Shiva dances the Tandava, the dance of cosmic creation and destruction. The dance patterns considered sacred to Lord Shiva have 108 forms or movements, making the number 108 in Hinduism sacred. 

Some devotees perform 108 Surya Namaskars, a yogic sun salutation, as a form of worship. Also, the Shiva Purana, one of Hinduism’s most important religious texts, contains 108 chapters.

• 108 Births of Adi Shakti

The Goddess Shakti (the feminine energy related to Lord Shiva) has taken 108 births to destroy the demons threatening the devas. With each incarnation, she grew in power and fierceness. In her final and 108th avatar as Goddess Durga, she killed the demon Mahishasura, restoring order to the universe.

At the same time, Sati (a form of Adishakti) took 107 births to bring Shiva back from his remorse phase, but she failed. She was finally born as Mata Parvati in her 108th birth and became her wife.

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Some Mathematical Facts about Number 108 in Ancient India

Let’s read some interesting mathematical facts about the numbers that form the basis of various scientific and astrological calculations.

The Numerological Meaning of 108                                                       

In numerology, 108 symbolises the infinite and eternal Truth. At the same time, 108 adds upto 9, representing the end of a cycle and the start of something new. Apart from the above, 1, 0, 8 and 9 (their addition) also contributes to the personality traits of an individual in numerology

Numerology Number 1

You’re likely an ambitious self-starter if 1 is prominent in your chart. Number 1 signifies independence, initiative, and leadership. People with 1s are innovators, driven to accomplish goals and succeed in life. 

Numerology Number 0

0 represents infinity, wholeness, and limitless potential. If 0 is significant in your chart, you’re probably open-minded, tolerant, and spiritual. You value peace, harmony, and unity and need purpose and meaning to feel fulfilled.

Numerology Number 8

8 represents a balance between spirituality and the material world. People who belong to number 8 in numerology are not only powerful and ambitious in the professional world but also very religious and believe in God’s presence. 

Numerology Number 9

9 symbolises wisdom, compassion, and humanitarianism. If 9 recurs in your chart, you’re idealistic and care deeply about humanity. Nines make great teachers, healers and leaders working to improve the world. 

Also Read: Shiva’s Tripundra Tilak: Its Powerful Meaning & Spiritual Benefits

The Importance of 108 is the Famous Fibonacci Series

The Famous Fibonacci series –  0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, and so on has its mentions in the Ancient India in relevance to 108. Every 24 digits add up to 108 when we convert the upcoming numbers into single digits. This pattern repeats after every 24 numbers.

Moreover, many poets write Sanskrit poems and mantras using this pattern. At the same time, they place the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in a Fibonacci pattern, which relates to the golden ratio, phi = 1.618.

Additional Mathematical Insights into the Number 108

• Firstly, 108 is a perfect number, meaning its factors add to the number itself. 1 + 2 + 3 + 6 + 9 + 18 + 27 + 54 = 108.
• Mathematically, 108 is a figurate number, representing a polygon with 108 sides. 
• In sacred geometry, the number 108 is connected to the pentagram. This means a star in the shape of a pentagram has all its sides made at an angle of 108 degrees. 
• For Hindus, the number 108 also includes cosmic time and space, summing up the harmony of the universe. 
• Overall, for Hindus, the number 108 contains the whole of existence within itself.

Also Read: What are the 18 Puranas in Hinduism?

Usage 108 Into Hindu Rituals and Practices

The number 108 holds special religious significance in Hinduism and is incorporated into many rituals and practices.

1. 108 Japa Mala (Prayer Beads)

Japamala, used for prayer and meditation contains 108 beads to help focus your mind. Also, in Sanskrit, there are 54 letters, and each bead carries feminine and masculine energies representing Shiva and Shakti. Therefore, when 54 is multiplied by 2, it is 108. 

Moreover,  the Mukhya Shivaganas (attendants of Shiva) are 108 in number, and hence, Shaiva religions, particularly Lingayats, use malas of 108 beads. Also, in Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Lord Krishna in Brindavan had 108 main followers known as Gopis.

2. Reciting Mantras

Many Hindus recite a mantra, like the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra, 108 times during prayer or meditation. This repetition brings one closer to the divine and helps achieve a meditative state. Devotees recite this mantra using mala with 108 prayer beads to keep count.

3. Parikrama

Number 108 in Hinduism is auspicious because devotees perform parikrama, moving clockwise around the temple in the inner sanctum 108 times. This is a sign of devotion and reverence to the deity and is highly auspicious.

4. Fasts and Festivals

Some Hindu fasts and festivals incorporate 108 into their rituals. For example, devotees will prepare 108 food offerings (bhog) to the Goddess Durga during the nine-day Navratri festival. At Holi, people make bonfires in a havan kund, a fire pit that is often 108 cubic feet, to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Also Read: The Three Pillars Of Hinduism: Brahma, Vishnu And Mahesh

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