Greatness of Number 108 in Sanatana Dharma
The greatness of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) lies in its comprehensive embrace of various fields such as mathematics, science, astronomy, arts, and more, as expounded by the Vedas and Puranas. These ancient texts depict the connection between nature, humanity, and the Supreme Being. Sanatana Dharma is distinct in that it provides logical and scientific explanations for its rituals and customs, which play a significant role in people’s lives.
One such ritual is the association with the number 108, which holds multiple reasons for being followed, bringing positivity and benefits at all times. The number 108 is considered mystical and represents rhythm and discipline in the universe. In this context, the number 1 represents God, the number 0 represents emptiness in the search for God, and the number 8 represents the quest for God in all eight directions. According to Indian time measurement, it is believed that one day of Brahma is equal to 43,20,000 units, divided into four yugas. Interestingly, 108 is a factor of this measurement (108 × 4 = 432).
It is said that it takes 108 steps for the soul to reach God. Hence, in the Japamala (prayer beads) used for chanting, there are 108 beads. Lord Shiva’s followers, known as the Shiva Ganas, are said to number 108. Similarly, Lord Krishna’s followers in Brindavan consisted of 108 Gopis (cowherd girls), symbolizing the connection between God and devotees.
The Vedas mention that the average distance of the Sun and the Moon from Earth is 108 times their respective diameters. This ancient knowledge aligns precisely with modern calculations of these distances. In Indian Astrology, there are 12 houses and nine planets, resulting in a total of 108 (12 × 9 = 108). Additionally, there are 27 nakshatras (lunar mansions), each consisting of 4 padas (quarters), totaling 108, thereby categorizing human nature into 108 types.
According to Ayurveda, there are 108 vital points (marma sthanas), also known as chakras, in the human body. These points represent intersecting lines that sustain energy within the body. Through Yoga, performing 9 rounds of the 12 postures of the Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutation) results in a total of 108, promoting overall bodily health.
The human body contains seven chakras, starting from the top of the head and ending at the base of the spine. The heart chakra is believed to have 108 energy lines (nadis) that converge to form the heart as the central point. Tantra Sastra divides human breath into 21,600 breaths per day, with 10,800 for daytime and 10,800 for nighttime.
There are 108 Upanishads, 18 chapters in the Mahabharata, and 108,000 shlokas (verses) in the Bhagavata. The Natya Sastra (treatise on performing arts) mentions 108 Karanas, which are significant movements of the hands and feet in dance. Sanskrit, the ancient Indian language, consists of 54 letters, each representing both masculine (Shiva) and feminine (Shakti) aspects. Therefore, 54 multiplied by 2 equals 108.
Hindu tradition recognizes 108 sacred places known as the Divya Desams. The River Ganga has a longitude of 12 degrees and a latitude of 9 degrees, which sum to 108.
By adhering to the number 108 in our practices and customs, we consider them purified and auspicious, leading to positivity, happiness, health, and prosperity in our lives. This number is also referred to as the “number of happiness” or “Harshad number” in Sanskrit.