A Lotus Mala (Kamal Gatta Mala) with 109 beads is a prayer rosary made from dried lotus seeds. It is commonly used in Hindu and Buddhist meditation and mantra chanting (japa).
108 beads → used to count 108 mantra repetitions.
1 extra bead (Guru / Meru bead) → marks the start/end of the mala and is not counted.
Lotus symbolizes purity and spiritual awakening because the flower rises clean from muddy water.
The mala is strongly associated with Goddess Lakshmi, so it is widely used for Lakshmi mantra chanting and prosperity rituals.
Mantra chanting (japa)
Lakshmi puja and wealth rituals
Meditation and concentration practices