The word "rosary" is often used to refer to a string of beads used to maintain track while reciting prayers or mantras.
The materials used to make an akshamala, one of the most popular religious items, may frequently indicate sectarian sympathies.
- Shiva is often portrayed wearing rudraksha (“eye of Rudra”) beads produced from the seeds of the Elaeocarpus ganitrus tree.
- Shiva devotees (bhakta) follow this example.
- Vishnu devotees often wear beads made of wood from the tulsi plant, which is said to be a manifestation of Vishnu's wife Lakshmi.
- Sandalwood and crystal are other popular materials, although akshamalas may also be fashioned from more costly materials like coral and amber.
- The akshamala is one of the objects frequently carried by the goddess Saraswati in Hindu iconography, in line with her role as patron Goddess of learning and, by extension, holy music.
- The akshamala is also a common possession of the deity Brahma, although it has a less particular meaning for him.
Discover more about Hindu Art, Architecture, and Iconography here.
You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.
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