Last updated: 12 November 2026 · Written by the RudraGram team
Quick answer: A Karungali mala is a string of 108 + 1 beads made from Karungali, the black heartwood of the ebony tree. In Tamil tradition, Karungali is believed to absorb negative energy and protect the wearer from nazar (the evil eye), and it is linked with Lord Murugan and Chevvai (Mars). It is worn around the neck for daily protection and used as a japa mala for chanting. Tuesday is the traditional day to start wearing it, with the mantra Om Saravana Bhava or Om Namah Shivaya. Real Karungali is dense and heavy, and its colour does not rub off.
संक्षेप में (हिंदी): करुंगली माला आबनूस (एबनी) की काली लकड़ी के 108 + 1 मनकों से बनती है। दक्षिण भारत की परंपरा में माना जाता है कि यह नकारात्मक ऊर्जा को सोख लेती है और नज़र से बचाती है। करुंगली का संबंध भगवान मुरुगन (कार्तिकेय) और मंगल ग्रह से जोड़ा जाता है, इसलिए इसे मंगलवार को “ॐ शरवण भव” या “ॐ नमः शिवाय” का 108 बार जाप करके धारण करना शुभ माना जाता है। असली करुंगली भारी और घनी होती है, और गीले सफ़ेद कपड़े पर इसका रंग नहीं छूटता।
What is Karungali?
Karungali is the Tamil name for ebony wood. Karun means black, and the name describes the deep black heartwood that forms at the centre of the ebony tree. This heartwood is naturally very dense, which is why Karungali beads feel heavy and smooth in the hand.
For generations, Tamil families have tied Karungali on babies and children to protect them from nazar, and adults wear it as a bracelet or a mala. Today it is popular across India, and many people who already wear Rudraksha add a Karungali mala for an extra layer of protection.
Karungali mala benefits (as per tradition)
| Traditional belief | What people wear it for |
|---|---|
| Absorbs negative energy | Protection from negativity, bad vibrations and difficult surroundings |
| Guards against nazar | Protection from the evil eye, especially after a success, a new home or a new job |
| Linked with Chevvai (Mars) | Courage, energy, confidence and the drive to act; also worn by people advised to strengthen Mars |
| Sacred to Lord Murugan | Devotion to Murugan (Kartikeya) and the strength and discipline he stands for |
| Grounding and calming | Steadiness, focus and a calmer mind during japa and meditation |
Karungali mala or Karungali bracelet: which should you choose?
Both carry the same Karungali wood. The difference is in how you use them:
- Choose the mala if you want to chant on it, or prefer to wear your protection around the neck. A 108 + 1 bead Karungali mala does both.
- Choose a bracelet if you want something small for daily wear at work or college. Read our guide to the Karungali bracelet.
- Choose Rudraksha + Karungali if you want Shiva's Rudraksha and Karungali together in one piece: see the Rudraksha & Karungali Mala.
How to wear a Karungali mala for the first time
- Pick the day. Tuesday, the day of Chevvai and Lord Murugan, is the traditional choice. Monday, for Lord Shiva, also works.
- Bathe and wear clean clothes. Morning is best.
- Cleanse the mala by sprinkling a little Gangajal or clean water on it, then wipe it dry.
- Place it before Lord Murugan or Lord Shiva, light a lamp and offer a flower.
- Chant Om Saravana Bhava or Om Namah Shivaya 108 times, moving one bead at a time.
- Wear it around your neck with a clear intention, such as protection for yourself and your family.
Mantras to chant on a Karungali mala
- Om Saravana Bhava (ॐ शरवण भव): the six-syllable mantra of Lord Murugan, the most traditional chant on Karungali.
- Om Namah Shivaya (ॐ नमः शिवाय): the Panchakshara mantra, suitable for everyone.
- Om Mangalaya Namah (ॐ मंगलाय नमः): a simple mantra of Mangal (Mars), chanted on Tuesdays.
How to count: hold the mala in your right hand over the middle finger and move one bead at a time with your thumb. Start next to the Sumeru (guru) bead and do not cross it; turn the mala around and continue in the other direction. For more on choosing a mala for chanting, see Rudraksha, Tulsi, Sphatik or Karungali: choosing a japa mala.
How to check if your Karungali is real
Because Karungali is in demand, painted or dyed wood is often sold in its place. Three simple checks help:
- Weight. Real ebony is very dense. A genuine Karungali mala feels noticeably heavy for its size, while painted wood feels light.
- Colour test. Rub a few beads on a damp white cloth. Natural Karungali does not leave black colour behind; dyed or painted wood often does.
- Grain and finish. Look closely in daylight. Real Karungali shows fine natural grain and slight shade differences between beads. Beads that are all perfectly identical and glossy may be coated.
Every RudraGram Karungali mala is made from genuine Karungali wood. If you have any doubt, ask our team on WhatsApp for close-up photos before you order.
Rules and care
- Keep your mala personal. Tradition advises not sharing a japa mala with others.
- Remove it before bathing or swimming, and dry it if it gets wet. Water and soap can dull the wood over time.
- Avoid perfume, oil and chemicals on the beads.
- Store it in a clean pouch or in your puja space when you are not wearing it.
- If the thread wears out, get it re-strung rather than throwing the beads away.
Get your Karungali Mala: 108 + 1 natural Karungali (ebony) beads with a traditional yellow tassel, energized by Pandit Ji from Mathura–Vrindavan. ₹999, free shipping across India and COD available. Shop the Karungali Mala →
Frequently asked questions
What is a Karungali mala used for?
It is worn for protection from negativity and nazar and used as a japa mala for chanting. In Tamil tradition, Karungali is linked with Lord Murugan and Chevvai (Mars).
Which day should I start wearing a Karungali mala?
Tuesday is the traditional day because Karungali is linked with Chevvai and Lord Murugan. Monday, the day of Lord Shiva, is also suitable.
Which mantra should I chant on Karungali?
Om Saravana Bhava for Lord Murugan or Om Namah Shivaya for Lord Shiva. Om Mangalaya Namah is also chanted on Tuesdays.
Can I wear Karungali with Rudraksha?
Yes. Many people wear both, and the Rudraksha and Karungali Mala combines them in one piece.
Can women wear a Karungali mala?
Yes. There is no restriction of gender or age for wearing Karungali.
How can I tell if Karungali is real?
Real Karungali is dense and heavy, shows natural grain, and does not leave black colour on a damp white cloth. Painted wood feels light and often stains the cloth.
The associations described here reflect traditional and astrological beliefs. Individual experiences vary, and Karungali is not a substitute for medical, financial or professional advice.