"Jap Maala" or rosary consists of 108 beads with "Me'ru" or "Mani
Poosa" hanging from it. The number 108 is an Astronomical and
Astrological figure. According to the "Panchama Veda" (PANCHANG),
there are 27 stars identified, which represent 9 Planets. Each star
is divided into 4 parts or "Paadas". The product of 27 stars with
the "padas" makes the number 108.

The figure 9 is considered as mystic number. Sum of the digits of the
product of 9 with any number makes 9 again. In view of all these
facts, the eminent "Gurus" of the Vedic age had fixed 108 as the unit
measure of "Japa"