The Power of Numbers in Indian Spirituality

Number 9, 108 and 1008 are significant numbers in Indian philosophy, spirituality and astrology.  

1. Number 9 

The number 9 in Indian spirituality is divine, auspicious, symbol of completeness and spiritual advancement.  

Represents Completion: 

Number 9 represents the end of cycle in the decimal system thus, it signifies completion and the supreme point in your life.  

Spiritual Advancement:

It is closely associated with divine consciousness, cycle of creation destruction thus, suggesting its close connect with spiritual growth and greater understanding of spirituality.  

Navagrahas: 

The number 9 is associated with the Navagrahas, the nine celestial bodies, which impact human lives. The  9 planets, their positions, blessings and anger impact our ability to achieve anything in our lives. 

Brahma: 

The creator Bramha’s number is 9 according to Hindu philosophy- the beginning.  

Transformation: 

The number 108 adds up to 9 and when repeated three times is considered sacred in various religions like Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. It is believed to boost your transformation journey and harmony within.  

Bhagavata Purana: 

The sacred text Bhagavata Purana mentions 9 forms of devotion or Bhakti that bring you closer to Pramatma. 

1. Hearing about God – Shravan 
2. Singing God’s praises – Bhajan  
3. Remembering God – Smaran 
4. Serving God’s feet – Padasevan 
5. Worshipping God – Archan 
6. Offering prayers to God – Vandan  
7. Serving the cause of God – Daasya 
8. Friendship with God – Sakhya  
9. Surrendering to God – Atmanivedan  

Ma Durga and Navratri: 

Nine forms of Ma Durga are worshipped for 9 days and 9 nights in Navaratri. Her devotees fast for 9 days. Ma Durga fought for 9 days against the rakshashas or demons. Thus, number 9 has prime significance in Hinduism.  

2. Number 108: 

Japa/chanting:

As per Hindu scriptures japa or chanting of God’s name or any mantra for 108 or 1008 times have a divine impact. Even in Jainism enlightened sages have prefixes of 108 and 1008 to their names. 

Connecting material and spiritual world / experience: 

When we connect different elements of Indian culture, cosmology and philosophy the number 108 bridges your material and spiritual world.  

Wholeness:

The 108 number is of wholeness of your existence. It is related to divine aspects like:

-108 peethas or sacred sites in India 
-108 names of various deities 
-108 postures of Lord Shiva when he performs Tandava the cosmic dance 
-Lord Vishnu has 108 names 

Significance of 108 in Meditation and Pranayama: 
 
-The prayer beads used in spiritual growth for meditation and prayer are 108. The center bead connects you to your spiritual guru. It is a sign of spiritual completion.  
-Mantras are repeated during mediation for 108 times – it is a rhythmic repetition believed to improve your focus and concentration. It renders spiritual benefits. 
-Pranayama cycles are done 108 times.  
-The body has 108 energy lines that converge at heart chakra. When you meditate with a mala it will align these energy channels leading to inner peace. One of the energy lines is called sushumna and it connects to the crown chakra. This is a path to self-realization.

Spiritual growth: 

1 represents universal energy, 0 stands for completeness in spirituality, and 8 stands for eternity. Thus, put together they lead to spiritual growth.

3. Number 1008: 

The significance of 1008 is:

Auspicious: 

Number 1008 and infact number 108 both are considered sacred and used in spiritual endeavours.  

Chanting: 

Most chanting is done either 108 or 1008 times thus, leading to greater spiritual impact.  

Sahasranamam:

The number 1008 is specifically associated with the "Sahasranamam," a list of 1008 names of a deity, often used in devotional practices.  

Auspiciousness: 

Both 108 and 1008 are seen as sacred and powerful numbers, representing divine energy and completeness. 

Chanting of Mantras: 

In Hinduism, it is common to chant mantras or God's names 108 or 1008 times for greater impact. 

Ashtotharam and Sahasranamam: 

The numbers 108 (Ashtotharam) and 1008 (Sahasranamam) both are used during spiritual rituals and prayers to praise the deities.  

Numbers have great significance in Indian spirituality and philosophy. This becomes even more evident when you travel with the Soil2Soul Expeditions team. Get in touch with us to know more about our tours.