There are many explanations: 108 Upanishads, 108 marma points in the body, distance between Sun and Earth is 108 times Sun’s diameter. In Japa, 108 completes one full cycle of the self.
The +1 is the Guru Bead or Sumeru — never crossed. It marks the beginning, end, and the teacher. When you reach it, you turn the mala, never crossing over.
Our 108+1 malas are hand-knotted with a gap between each bead so the mantra can breathe. Rudraksha for Shiva energy, Tulsi for Vishnu, Lotus seed for calm.
