108 is considered a sacred number

In Hinduism, the number 108 appears frequently. Students are instructed to purchase a mala with 108 beads or to repeat a mantra 108 times. Even reports of groups of people performing 108 Sun salutations circulate. Why is this number deemed to be very lucky in Hindu culture? Here are the main explanations for why this number has gained so much significance:

• The Sun is 108 times the total diameter of the earth.
• In Vedic astrology, nine planets are used (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, North node Rahu, and South node Ketu). They are referred to as nava grahas. The zodiac consists of 12 signs (Aries to Pisces). Nine multiplied by 12 equals 108.
• There are 27 constellations, or nakshatras, according to Vedic astrology. They can each move in a specific direction (North, South, East, or West). So, 27 multiplied by four equals 108.
• The moon cycle is the foundation of Vedic astrology. The Moon and the metal silver are connected. Silver has an atomic mass of 108.
• The Upanishads are historic Sanskrit writings. The word "upanishads" means "sitting close to God." The Vedas are explained in these writings. The majority of academics concur that there are 108 Upanishads.
• Many Indian deities have 108 names.
• Where three lines converge in the Sri Yantra, there are marma points or energy centers. These 54 intersections can be found. There are male and feminine qualities at each juncture (known and Shiva and Shakti). Two times 54 equals 108. According to legend, the Sri Yantra is a miniature representation of the universe and the human body.
• The ancient Vedic sages were mathematicians. They devised our number system. The number 108 is known as a “Harshad number.” It is an integer divisible by the sum of its digits. 1+0+8 =9. 108 is divisible by 9. The word Harshad is translated as “joy giver”. You can see why the Vedic sages believed that 108 represented the entirety of existence in the universe.