ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Hindu prayer beads

Hindu prayer beads are like a fancy necklace that people use to count prayers. Just like how we count our fingers while counting numbers or play a game, these prayer beads help Hindus to count prayers while meditating or performing religious rituals.

The beads are usually made of different materials such as wood, seeds, or gemstones, and they are strung together on a thread. There are 108 beads in a set, and sometimes there is an extra big bead called a guru bead at the end.

To use the beads, you hold them in your hand and start to say your prayers. For each prayer you say, you move your fingers and touch each bead one by one. This helps you keep track of how many prayers you have said. When you reach the guru bead, it means you have completed one round of prayers.

Hindus believe that by reciting prayers and counting them on these beads, they can reach a state of inner peace and connect with their higher power. It is a way to focus the mind and soul, and show devotion to their God or Goddess.

In summary, Hindu prayer beads are a tool that followers of Hinduism use to count prayers and focus their mind on their spirituality. Similar to counting your fingers, these beads help keep track of how many prayers have been recited and aid in achieving a state of tranquility.
Related topics others have asked about: