A mala, also known as a rosary or a string of prayer beads, is used as an aid for mantra and prayer repetition. The word “mala” is a Sanskrit term, which means a “garland or necklace of beads, flowers or prayers”. These beautiful malas are strung with the traditional and divine number of 108 beads and are used in meditation to count repetitions of mantras and prayers, by rotating the beads between the thumb and fingers. To use this powerful tool in meditation and chanting prayers, do not pass over the summit or guru bead out of respect for spiritual teachers. Instead, continue back to the first bead by moving in the opposite direction.

Depending on the nature of the beads, a mala or rosary is believed to protect the one who wears it. Worn on the body, either inside or outside of clothing, energetic stones will carry positive and healing qualities into your sacred space. It’s advised that semi precious malas should not be worn close to the body for days on end as they may interfere with natural electrical impulses in the body.

Our unique designs are exclusively made for and distributed by 5th Element Yoga. At this time, we do not wholesale prayer or jewelry items. Imitations found elsewhere are not distributed by 5th Element Yoga and will not embody the loving care, attention to detail, and healing energy shared with each threaded stone. All of our handmade and full size malas come with a mala bag, are made from genuine semi-precious gemstones, and are strung on 10 lb. cord or 100% silk, unless otherwise noted. Many malas listed on our site are one of a kind pieces, as no mala is exactly the same. Our beads are imported from India, Nepal, Tibet, Ethiopia, Africa, Germany, and many other countries around the globe. If you are interested in a particular mala that is out of stock please contact us at yoga@5thelementyoga.com and we will do our best to reproduce it for you in a timely manner. Handcrafted in the USA and blessed with positive spiritual mantras, we hope you will appreciate the beauty and power of these sacred stones.

Please Note: Due to the impact on the environment, we will be discontinuing some of our wooden malas. While we appreciate that malas made from wood have been considered sacred for thousands of years, we also appreciate the effect that the high demand for these malas in the U.S. has taken on the environment and on these species. We hope that our customers will support this decision. Sandalwood malas will be available from reputable and eco-friendly sources while supplies last.

Wrist malas do not include a mala bag. If you wish to add a mala bag, you can do so by adding it separately. Each wrist mala can be worn as a bracelet and is strung on stretch rubber or cotton cord for wearability. These malas differ slightly, so please read individual details before ordering. Thank you for supporting our chosen charities and small business in the United States.

To extend the life of your mala, do not carry the mala by the tail or tassel. Since some of our malas are strung on 100% silk, please avoid getting your mala wet as this will weaken the silk. Solar cleansing is just as powerful as water.

Having a mala specifically made for someone can be a very special gift. If you would like to have one made, please contact us with your specifications. We will quote you the best price we can offer, make the mala, provide you with a photograph, and have it shipped to you within 72 hours.