Neem Wood Kanthi Mala

Neem Wood Kanthi Mala — a fine kanthi mala neck strand of small tube beads of neem wood with a red tassel. In India neem is called the "healing tree" and revered as purifying and protective. Size — 28×0.3×0.3 cm, weight — about 2 g.

Sacred trees of India in a mala

In India's Vaishnava tradition, malas and neck beads are made from sacred trees. Tulsi, the holy basil, is revered as an incarnation of the goddess Vrinda, beloved of Krishna, and a tulsi mala is considered the main one for chanting the holy names. Neem is India's "village pharmacy", a tree honoured for its purifying power. A japa mala is counted during the mantra, while a kanthi mala — a fine strand on the neck — is worn permanently as a sign of devotion.

Why choose this mala:

natural sacred wood brought from India;
traditional Vaishnava shape and stringing;
light — you hardly feel it in the hand or on the neck;
an affordable way to touch the living bhakti tradition.

How to use

Hold a japa mala in your right hand and move one bead for each mantra without crossing the head bead or tassel. A kanthi mala is tied snugly around the neck and not taken off. Wood dislikes water and cosmetics: take the beads off before showering and keep them in a pouch.

As a gift

These beads are the best gift for anyone who chants Hare Krishna, practises bhakti yoga or visits Vedic festivals. Order beads of sacred wood now — wholesale and retail.