A Japa Mala is a string of prayer beads — typically 108 beads plus a larger 'guru bead' (sumeru) — used to count repetitions during Japa, the meditative practice of repeating a mantra or divine name. The practitioner holds the mala in the right hand, using the thumb to move one bead per mantra repetition while keeping the index finger extended (the index finger is considered inauspicious to use in japa). When the full 108 beads are completed, the devotee does not cross the guru bead but instead reverses direction. The number 108 is sacred across Hindu tradition. Giri UK stocks Rudraksha Japa Mala 108 Beads, Japa Mala in wooden beads (54 beads), and multiple other formats.

Tulsi Mala is made from the woody stems of the Tulsi (Holy Basil) plant — the sacred plant of Vishnu and Lakshmi — and is the primary japa mala for Vaishnavite devotees (those who worship Vishnu, Krishna, or Rama). Wearing and using Tulsi Mala is associated with Vishnu's grace and is widely used by ISKCON, Sri Vaishnava, and Madhwa communities. Rudraksha Mala is made from the dried seeds of Elaeocarpus ganitrus — sacred to Lord Shiva — and is the primary mala for Shaiva devotees and for mantra japa of any tradition. Both are stocked at Giri UK: Tulsi Mala in plain and jali (netted) styles, and Rudraksha in 54-bead and 108-bead formats.

Rudraksha beads are classified by the number of natural segments or 'faces' (mukhis) on the seed — each associated with a specific deity and spiritual benefit. Giri UK stocks Rudraksha Malas in 5-face (Pancha Mukhi — the most common, associated with Lord Shiva, suitable for all) and 12-face (Dwadasha Mukhi — associated with Surya/the Sun and the twelve Adityas, known for confidence and leadership). Rudraksha pendants in higher mukhi counts (6 through 14) are also stocked — each with specific associations from Kartikeya/Murugan (6 mukhi) to Hanuman and Shiva in supreme form (14 mukhi, extremely rare and powerful).

A Mund Mala (literally 'skull garland') is a mala made from carved skull-shaped beads, associated with advanced Shaiva Tantric and Shakta practice — particularly worship of Shiva in his fierce Bhairava or Aghora form, and of Kali and Chamunda. In iconography, both Shiva and Kali are depicted wearing skull garlands representing transcendence of death and the dissolution of ego. Mund Malas are not for general use — they are used by practitioners engaged in Tantric sadhana and advanced mantra practice. Giri UK stocks Mund Skeleton Mala White in 51-bead (12mm) and 54-bead (10mm) formats, and a Rudraksha-Skeleton Mund Mala combination.

Navaratan Mala is a devotional necklace or mala incorporating nine specific gemstones, each representing one of the Navagraha (nine planets) of Vedic astrology: ruby (Sun/Surya), pearl (Moon/Chandra), red coral (Mars/Mangal), emerald (Mercury/Budha), yellow sapphire (Jupiter/Guru), diamond or white sapphire (Venus/Shukra), blue sapphire (Saturn/Shani), hessonite garnet (Rahu), and cat's eye chrysoberyl (Ketu). Wearing a Navaratan Mala is believed to balance all nine planetary influences simultaneously. Giri UK stocks the Navaratan Mala Kambi (wire-thread style with nine stones) in its Malas range.

Giri UK (giriuk.com) stocks 18 mala products covering all major Hindu devotional traditions — Rudraksha (Shiva/general), Tulsi (Vaishnavite), Mund Skeleton (Tantric Shaiva/Shakta), Navaratan (planetary), Wooden/Sandal Mala, White Tulsi, White Vyjanti Mala (Vaishnavite), and specialist Rudraksha pendants in 6 to 14 mukhi. As the UK franchisee of Giri Trading Agency Private Limited, all malas are sourced from trusted Indian suppliers with knowledge of authentic materials. UK-wide delivery with free delivery on qualifying orders.