Why is 108 considered a sacred number? Why does a Mala have 108 beads?

There are many references to this number in Buddhism, in the “Golden Rule” of the Greeks, in Numerology, and 108 gopis of Vrindavan.

In Jyotish (Vedic astrology), there are many indications as well. Most common and well know among them are: 1) There are 9 planets and there are 12 signs. 9 times 12 gives 108. 2) There are 27 Nakshatras (lunar constellations) and each is divided into 4 padas or divisions. Again, 27 times 4 gives 108.

But to a skeptic mind, these Astronomical “coincidences” may come as a surprise: 1) Distance between the Earth and the Moon is approx 108 times the size of the Moon. 2) Distance between the Earth and the Sun is approx 108 times the size of the Sun. 3) Size of the Sun is approx 108 times the size of the Earth.

Nothing is random in this Universe…or in ancient wisdom.