Tulsi Mala Holy Basil – 108 beads with silk tassel

Kunsang

"This is the mala I prefer to wear myself when I'm on the go or just want to find a moment of calm – light as a feather, very simple, and made of wood."

Tulsi Mala (Holy Basil)

Tulsi—"Holy Basil" in English—is a shrub that has been revered as sacred in India for thousands of years. The beads for the mala are not made from the leaves, but from the woody stems of the mature shrub, which eventually become hard and fine-pored enough to be turned into round beads.

This mala consists of 108 beads plus a guru bead and weighs only about 12 grams in total—making it feel almost weightless on your wrist. With a circumference of approximately 58–60 cm, the mala runs on the smaller side and is intended to be wrapped around the wrist or worn loosely around the neck. The coloring ranges from warm honey-brown to a darker chestnut brown, with each bead displaying its own unique, natural grain. The mala is finished with a hand-woven silk tassel.

108 Beads – A Number with History

Mantras are traditionally repeated 108 times, and the mala helps with counting so you don't have to keep track in your head—your fingers simply glide from bead to bead. While gemstone malas are often chosen for special occasions, lightweight wooden malas like this one are faithful everyday companions—for commuting, walking, or simply keeping in your bag. Tulsi itself originates from the Indian tradition, where the shrub is considered a symbol of purity and protection.

Care and Use

• No water or creams on the beads—wood can swell or crack
• Avoid direct heat and harsh sunlight, otherwise the wood will dry out too quickly
• Over time, the mala will develop a beautiful, slightly glossy patina from contact with your skin
• To count, hold the mala loosely between your thumb and middle finger and move from bead to bead—the guru bead marks the turning point

The Pouch

Each mala is delivered in an elegant silk brocade pouch, selected to match—sometimes in turquoise with a gold pattern, sometimes in warm yellow. This means the mala is already beautifully packaged should you wish to give it as a gift.

Take a look for yourself—or stop by Kramgasse 63, where you can view it directly in the shop.