Wooden Mala Beads

Traditionally mala beads are used for prayer and meditation. I love them hung around my home on hooks, door knobs or bed heads.

These neem wood necklaces come from Vrindavan, India. They are hand carved, strung and knotted in a refuge for Widows who have been shunned by their family. Widows are considered bad luck in India. The refuge hopes to educate people of the widows’ plight and ease their burden with sustainable employment. Each necklace contains 108 neem wood beads plus one neem guru bead. They are strung on white cotton with an orange tassel. Since these beads are hand carved from local wood there will be imperfections on some beads. They will age and patina with wear and use.