Importance of Number 108 in Vedas

Importance of number 108 holds significant importance in Hinduism, particularly in the Vedas, which are considered to be the most ancient scriptures of Hinduism. The number appears in various aspects of Hindu culture, including spirituality, astronomy, and mathematics. Let's explore the different aspects of the significance of the number 108 in Vedas.

In Hinduism, a mala is used for Japa, which is the practice of chanting a mantra. It is believed that using a mala with 108 beads helps to focus the mind and achieve a meditative state. The number 108 is considered sacred and is believed to represent the whole universe. The mala typically has one extra bead, called the 'sumeru' or 'guru' bead, which marks the beginning and end of each round of chanting.

In the Vedas, it is mentioned that the number of Pradakshina or circumambulation around a temple or any holy place should be 108 times. This practice is believed to be a way of seeking blessings and connecting with the divine energy.

Another interesting aspect of the number 108 is its relationship with the Sri Yantra, which is a sacred geometric pattern used in worship. The Sri Yantra has 54 intersection points, and during worship, the priest invokes the presence of both male and female energies, thus doubling the number of intersection points to 108. This is believed to represent the unity of the male and female energies of the universe.

In Vedic astrology, there are 27 nakshatras or lunar mansions and 4 padas or quarters, giving a total of 108. Similarly, in the natal chart, there are 12 houses and 9 planets, again resulting in 108. These calculations suggest that the number 108 is related to the cosmic order and the interconnectedness of all things.

The Upanishads, which are considered to be the most important texts in Hinduism after the Vedas, consist of 108 texts. This further emphasizes the significance of the number in the Hindu tradition.

So what does the number 108 signify according to the Vedas? The number 1 represents the ultimate reality, the Paramatma, which is the source of all creation. The 0 in 108 represents null or emptiness, which means that everything in life is temporary and will eventually return to the source. And the number 8 represents the eight directions, which surround the ultimate reality. Together, these numbers represent the connection between the individual and the divine, and the ultimate goal of spiritual practice, which is to achieve union with the Paramatma.

In conclusion, the number 108 holds immense significance in the Vedas and various aspects of Hindu culture. It represents the cosmic order, the interconnectedness of all things, and the ultimate reality. Its use in spiritual practice is believed to help focus the mind and achieve a meditative state, while its use in astrology and mathematics highlights its role in the cosmic order.