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Mantra Counter (Japa Mala)
A digital japa mala for your daily practice. Choose a mantra, set a target and tap (or press the space bar) for each repetition. Every 108 counts completes a mala, and your daily total and streak are saved on this device.
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How to do japa
Japa is the repetition of a mantra or divine name, traditionally counted on a mala of 108 beads plus a larger “guru” bead. Sit comfortably, settle the breath, and repeat the mantra aloud, in a whisper or silently, moving one bead — or one tap — per repetition. When you reach the guru bead you have completed one mala.
Why 108?
The number is sacred across Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions. One common explanation connects it to astronomy: 27 nakshatras × 4 padas = 108, and 12 signs × 9 navamsas = 108. Many practitioners chant 1, 3, 11 or more malas a day.
Mantras and their meanings
Om
ॐ
Om
The primordial sound, regarded in the Upanishads as the sound-form of the Absolute. It is chanted on its own or at the start of other mantras.
Gayatri Mantra
ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः । तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि । धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥
Om bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ, tat savitur vareṇyaṃ, bhargo devasya dhīmahi, dhiyo yo naḥ pracodayāt
We meditate on the adorable radiance of the divine Savitr, who pervades earth, sky and heaven. May that light awaken and guide our minds.
Om Namah Shivaya
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om namaḥ śivāya
Salutations to Shiva, the auspicious one. Known as the Panchakshari (five-syllable) mantra, it is one of the most widely chanted Shaiva mantras.
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् । उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात् ॥
Om tryambakaṃ yajāmahe sugandhiṃ puṣṭivardhanam, urvārukam iva bandhanān mṛtyor mukṣīya mā’mṛtāt
We worship the three-eyed One, fragrant and nourishing all. As a ripe cucumber is released from its vine, may we be freed from death — and not from immortality.
Hare Krishna Mahamantra
हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे । हरे राम हरे राम राम राम हरे हरे ॥
Hare Kṛṣṇa Hare Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Hare Hare, Hare Rāma Hare Rāma Rāma Rāma Hare Hare
A sixteen-name call to the Divine — Hara (the divine energy), Krishna and Rama. One full repetition counts as one bead.
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
Om namo bhagavate vāsudevāya
Salutations to the Lord Vasudeva, the indwelling Divine. The twelve-syllable (dvadashakshari) mantra of Vishnu.
Om Namo Narayanaya
ॐ नमो नारायणाय
Om namo nārāyaṇāya
Salutations to Narayana, the refuge of all beings. The eight-syllable (ashtakshari) mantra of Vishnu.
Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram
श्री राम जय राम जय जय राम
Śrī Rām jay Rām jay jay Rām
Victory to Lord Rama — a simple and popular nama-japa of Rama.
Om Gam Ganapataye Namah
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः
Om gaṃ gaṇapataye namaḥ
Salutations to Ganapati, remover of obstacles. “Gam” is Ganesha’s seed (bija) syllable.
Om Hanumate Namah
ॐ हनुमते नमः
Om hanumate namaḥ
Salutations to Hanuman, embodiment of devotion, strength and courage.
Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah
ॐ श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः
Om śrīṃ mahālakṣmyai namaḥ
Salutations to Mahalakshmi, goddess of abundance and well-being. “Shreem” is her seed syllable.
Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah
ॐ ऐं सरस्वत्यै नमः
Om aiṃ sarasvatyai namaḥ
Salutations to Saraswati, goddess of knowledge, music and speech. “Aim” is her seed syllable.
Om Dum Durgayai Namah
ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः
Om duṃ durgāyai namaḥ
Salutations to Durga, the protective Mother. “Dum” is her seed syllable.
Om Sham Shanaishcharaya Namah
ॐ शं शनैश्चराय नमः
Om śaṃ śanaiścarāya namaḥ
Salutations to Shanaishchara, the slow-moving Saturn. Traditionally chanted on Saturdays and during Sade Sati.
Om Suryaya Namah
ॐ सूर्याय नमः
Om sūryāya namaḥ
Salutations to Surya, the Sun, giver of light and health. Often chanted at sunrise.
Frequently asked questions
Is my count saved?
Yes — your current count, daily totals and streak are saved in this browser on this device. Nothing is sent to our servers, so clearing your browser data resets them.
Can I use it without looking at the screen?
Yes. Press the space bar on a computer, or tap anywhere on the large button on a phone. Turn on vibration and chime to feel or hear each completed mala, and “keep screen on” so your phone does not lock mid-practice.
Which mantra should I chant?
Choose the mantra that belongs to your tradition or chosen deity, or one given by your teacher. If you are starting out, Om, Om Namah Shivaya, the Gayatri Mantra and the Hare Krishna Mahamantra are widely chanted.