Original Vaijanti Mala

Close your eyes and picture Shri Krishna: the peacock feather, the flute, and around his neck a long garland reaching to his knees. That is the Vaijayanti mala. Its name means "the one that brings victory", and the scriptures describe Vishnu wearing it too, as a sign of his grace.

In Braj, devotees have strung vaijanti beads for generations, for japa, for their own necks and for their Laddu Gopal. When you hold this mala, you hold the same beads that Krishna's own garland is made of, and every bead you turn is a small step closer to him.

Wear it, and keep Krishna's garland close to your heart. Devotees who wear vaijanti speak of:

• Shukra's grace: it is traditionally worn to strengthen a weak Venus in the chart, for charm, harmony and love in marriage.
• The garland of victory: Vaijayanti means victory, and devotees wear it for success, respect and good fortune in their work.
• Krishna's closeness: to wear what Krishna wears is, for many, the sweetest way to feel near him through the day.
• A fearless, peaceful mind: traditionally worn as a shield against fear and heavy thoughts.
• A loving gift: for Janmashtami, for a Laddu Gopal devotee, or for a couple starting their life together.

For Krishna and Vishnu devotees, for those who chant his name every day, and for anyone who wants more sweetness and harmony at home.

These are traditional beliefs, lovingly kept, and not guaranteed results.

The first time: on a Friday morning, Shukra's day, ideally in Shukla Paksha (the waxing moon):

1. Bathe, light a diya before Shri Krishna, and sprinkle a few drops of Ganga jal or clean water on the mala.
2. Hold it in both palms and set your sankalp, the one intention this mala will carry with you.
3. Chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" 108 times, one round on the mala, and wear it.

For japa: rest the mala on your right middle finger and turn one bead with your thumb for each "Hare Krishna" or "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya", starting beside the guru bead. When you reach the guru bead, turn the mala around; never cross it.

The fit: 108+1 knotted beads that rest at your chest when worn around the neck. The knots keep the beads from rubbing against each other.

Care for it the way you care for your practice: gently, every day.

• Take it off before bathing, swimming, sleeping or a workout. Vaijanti are natural seeds, and water weakens them and the thread.
• Keep it away from perfume, soap and chemicals, which dull the beads' natural shine.
• Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth, and keep it in its pouch or before Krishna ji when you're not wearing it.
• If the thread ever loosens, have it restrung so no bead is lost.
• On Ekadashi, many Vaishnav devotees offer their mala before Krishna with a tulsi leaf and a short prayer. If this is part of your tradition, let it become your ritual.

Many stores sell vaijanti malas. Here is what you get only with Arutra:

• Proof: many stores show one common certificate. We show the lab report for your own batch, so your beads are 100% authentic and you can check it yourself.
• What was packed: many stores ship with no record. You can watch the video of your own mala being packed.
• Quality check: many stores ship straight from the supplier. We count every bead, check for cracked seeds and test every knot ourselves; if a mala doesn't pass, it doesn't leave us.
• Returns: many stores make returns hard. You get 7-day returns, and your refund within 3 days of the return reaching us.
• Your practice: most stores just sell. Arutra is the same app you open for the Gita, Naam Jap and your daily Saadhana, trusted by thousands of devotees.