Sikh Heritage · Mala Guide
A mala is one of the simplest tools in Sikh life: a string of beads that helps you slow down and remember Waheguru. This guide covers what a Sikh mala is, how to use it for simran, what the symbols on our malas mean, and how to choose one that feels like yours.
Every Urban Akali mala is made by hand, one bead at a time. That’s why each takes two to three weeks to make, and why no two are exactly alike.
Chapter one
What is a Sikh mala?
A Sikh mala is a string of prayer beads used for Naam Simran: the quiet, repeated remembrance of God. With each bead, you repeat Waheguru or a line of Gurbani such as the Mool Mantar, and move on to the next bead. Many Sikh malas have 108 beads, so one full round marks 108 repetitions.
A mala isn’t a requirement in Sikhi, and it isn’t a charm. Gurbani is clear that the beads mean nothing if the mind isn’t with them.
Why show off a rosary of wood, if God is not remembered in the heart?
Bhagat Kabir Ji · Salok, Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 1368
That’s the spirit of a Sikh mala. It doesn’t do the remembering for you. It gives your hands something steady to do, so your mind can settle and stay with the Name.
Chapter two
How to use a mala for simran
- Find a quiet moment. Amrit vela, the early morning, is traditional, but any calm few minutes will do: on the train, before bed, on a break at work.
- Hold the mala in your right hand, draped over your fingers, starting at the bead next to the tassel or the main pendant.
- Repeat Waheguru, aloud, in a whisper or silently, and move one bead towards you with your thumb on each repetition.
- Keep going round. When you reach the tassel again, you’ve completed one round of 108.
- Don’t chase a number. One round with full attention is worth more than ten done on autopilot.
The beads keep count, so the mind can keep company with the Name.
Urban Akali
Chapter three
The meaning behind our designs
Each Urban Akali collection is built around a symbol from Sikh history or the Punjab. Choose the one whose story speaks to you.
Faith and justice
Khanda Mala
The Khanda, the double-edged sword at the heart of the Sikh emblem, stands for divine knowledge and the duty to protect what is right. Our Aad Chand Mala is inspired by the crescent-moon emblem worn by the Akali Nihangs.
Self-reliance
Baaj Mala
Baaj means falcon, the bird associated with Guru Gobind Singh. A falcon hunts for itself and never takes what is handed to it, a reminder of the Khalsa’s independence and courage.
Courage
Shere Mala
Shere means lion, and every Singh carries the lion in his name. Tiger’s-eye and dark stone beads give these malas a bold, grounded look for those who want strength close at hand.
Roots
Punjab Mala
Earthy bronzite and river-blue beads inspired by the land and rivers of Punjab, and the farmers who work that land to feed the world.
We also make Praying Hands malas as a reminder of humility, Flower of Life malas with geometric pendants, and Tassel malas in calm, simple stone.
Chapter four
How to choose your mala
Start with the symbol
Pick the story first: the Khanda for faith, the falcon for independence, the lion for courage, the Punjab for your roots. A mala you feel connected to is a mala you’ll actually use.
Then the beads
- Wood (cedar and wood-grain stone): light, warm and quiet in the hand. Good for everyday simran and for beginners.
- Tiger’s eye and onyx: darker and heavier, with a bold look that suits the Shere and Khanda designs.
- Lapis, agate, howlite and turquoise: cooler blues and whites with a calm, polished feel.
Full mala or bracelet?
A full 108-bead mala is for sitting with. If you want something you can wear every day, a mala bracelet keeps the reminder on your wrist.
From the collection
Handmade in the UK
A mala made for your simran
Every Urban Akali mala is strung by hand and arrives gift-wrapped. Allow two to three weeks, because they are not rushed.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How many beads does a Sikh mala have?
Many Sikh malas have 108 beads, so one full round marks 108 repetitions of Waheguru. Shorter malas and mala bracelets are also common for everyday wear.
Do Sikhs have to use a mala?
No. A mala is an optional aid to Naam Simran, not a requirement. Gurbani teaches that remembrance happens in the heart; the beads simply help you keep focus.
What do you recite on a Sikh mala?
Most people repeat Waheguru, the Gurmantar. Some use the Mool Mantar or another line of Gurbani that is meaningful to them.
Can I wear a mala?
Yes. Many Sikhs wear a mala around the neck or a mala bracelet on the wrist as a daily reminder. Treat it with respect and keep it clean.
How long does a handmade Urban Akali mala take?
Each mala is made by hand, so please allow two to three weeks (14–21 days) for it to be made and sent.
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