Fierce Mahakala Bodhi Mala

• A DharmaShop favorite, revived in small batches. This 108 bead mala necklace was originally designed by DharmaShop founder, Sander Cohen alongside our artisan partners in Kathmandu. After years away, our mala maker recently found the Mahakala pendants again in Nepal, giving us a chance to bring the design back.
• For its return, we upgraded the mala with high-quality Phoenix Eye Bodhi Seeds traditionally cut on both ends and naturally stained to a warm, rich finish. Their distinctive "eye" markings are traditionally associated with protection, making them an especially meaningful pairing with the fierce guardian energy of Mahakala.
• Finished with a hand-carved bone Mahakala pendant and brass dorje charm. Mahakala is a powerful protector of the Dharma, while Bodhi Seeds symbolize enlightenment and spiritual growth — making your mala a reminder to protect your path, stay present, and continue moving toward greater wisdom.
  

Sander originally discovered these hand-carved Mahakala pendants while traveling in Taiwan and brought them directly to our mala makers in Nepal. Once that original supply was gone, we couldn't make the design anymore. Years later, our longtime mala maker in Kathmandu came across them again and immediately thought of us.

Phoenix Eye Bodhi Seeds are prized for their natural eye-like markings, traditionally associated with watchfulness and protection. "Bodhi" means awakening, or enlightenment, and these seeds have long been used for mantra, prayer, mindfulness, and spiritual practice.

Mahakala, often called The Great Black One, appears in a fierce form meant to drive away obstacles and protect the Dharma. Though wrathful toward negative forces, his purpose is rooted in compassion and the protection of spiritual practice.

Since 1999, we've worked alongside our artisan partners in Nepal to source and craft authentic Bodhi Seed malas. This mala is a celebration of that connection—an evolution of our long-standing commitment to quality, meaning, and design.

Size:

~28" around.Beads are ~13-14mm. Mahakala pendant is ~0.75". Dorje is ~1".

*Model images feature the original Bodhi Seeds used in this mala, while the studio photos show the upgraded Phoenix Eye Bodhi Seeds used for its return.