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Naam Jaap
Naam Jaap: mantra chanting guides
Naam jaap (also called japa / jap) is the attentive repetition of a mantra or sacred name, often counted on a mala of 108 beads. These guides explain the practice simply — and how to keep it comfortable during pregnancy.
Reviewed by Garbh Katha editorial team · updated
Naam jaap counter
Free 108-bead mala counter with targets, rounds, sound and vibration.
What is naam jaap?
Jaap is the repetition of a mantra or divine name, often counted on a mala. Learn vaikhari, upanshu and manasika jaap, naam jaap, likhit jaap and ajapa jaap.
How to use a mala
How to use a jaap mala: the 108 beads and guru (sumeru) bead, which fingers to use, why you don't cross the guru bead, posture, best time, and counting rounds.
Naam jaap during pregnancy
How to do mantra jaap safely and comfortably in pregnancy: seating, breath, short sessions by trimester, partners joining, humming for baby, and what the evidence says.
Types of mala
A guide to the main types of jaap mala — tulsi, rudraksha, sphatik (crystal), sandalwood and lotus seed — with their traditional associations, care and buying tips.
Why 108?
Why is 108 sacred in Hinduism, yoga and Buddhism? Traditional explanations for the 108 beads of a jaap mala — astronomy, Upanishads, nadis, letters and more.
7-day beginner plan
A day-by-day 7-day jaap plan for beginners: choose a mantra, start with 11 repetitions, build to one mala of 108, and keep a simple habit — pregnancy-friendly.
Likhit jaap
Likhit jaap is writing a mantra or divine name repeatedly with attention. How to practise it, which mantras to write, and a printable 108-box practice sheet.
Jaap mantras for pregnancy
Traditional mantras families chant as jaap during pregnancy — Garbh Raksha Stotra, Gayatri, Om, Santan Gopal, Mahamrityunjaya and more — with gentle suggested counts.
Looking for the mantras themselves? Browse Garbh Sanskar mantras.