108 Upanishads, 108 beads in a Japa mala, 108 Divya Deshams

What is special about the number 108?

Ashottara Shata Namavali refers to a collection of 108 names or attributes of a deity, typically used for: Meditation and contemplation, Chanting and recitation, Worship and devotion

Types of Ashottara Shata Namavalis

Deity-Specific

1. Krishna Ashottara Shata Namavali
2. Vishnu Ashottara Shata Namavali
3. Shiva Ashottara Shata Namavali
4. Ganesha Ashottara Shata Namavali
5. Durga Ashottara Shata Namavali
6. Other devatas (demigods)...not for humans or gurus

Here's a list of the 108 Upanishads according to the Muktika Upanishad:

Rigveda (10 Upanishads):

1. Aitareya
2. Atmabodha
3. Kaushitaki
4. Mudgala
5. Nirvana
6. Nadabindu
7. Akshamaya
8. Tripura
9. Bahvruka
10. Saubhagyalakshmi

Samaveda (16 Upanishads):

11. Kena

12. Chandogya

13. Mahat

14. Maitrayani

15. Vajrasuci

16. Savitri

17. Aruneya

18. Kundika

19. Maitreyi

20. Samnyasa

21. Jabaladarsana

22. Yogachudamani

23. Avyakta

24. Vasudeva

25. Jabali

26. Rudrakshajabala

Yajurveda (50 Upanishads):

27. Katha

28. Taittiriya

29. Isavasya

30. Brihadaranyaka

31. Akshi

32. Ekakshara

33. Garbha

34. Prnagnihotra

35. Svetasvatara

36. Sariraka

37. Sukarahasya

38. Skanda

39. Sarvasara

40. Adhyatma

41. Niralamba

42. Paingala

43. Mantrika

44. Muktika

45. Subala

46. Avadhuta

47. Katharudra

48. Brahma

49. Jabala

50. Turiyatita

51. Paramahamsa

52. Bhikshuka

53. Yajnavalkya

54. Satyayani

55. Amrtanada

56. Amrtabindu

57. Kshurika

58. Tejobindu

59. Dhyanabindu

60. Brahmavidya

61. YogakundalinI

62. Yogatattva

63. Yogasikha

64. Varaha

65. Advayataraka

66. Trisikhibrahmana

67. Mandalabrahmana

68. Hamsa

69. Kalisantarana

70. Narayana

71. Tarasara

72. Kalagnirudra

73. Dakshinamurti

74. Pancabrahma

75. Rudrahrdaya

76. SarasvatIrahasya

Atharvaveda (32 Upanishads):

77. Prasna

78. Mandukya

79. Mundaka

80. Atma

81. Surya

82. Narada-Parivrajakas

83. Parabrahma

84. Paramahamsa-Parivrajakas

85. Pasupatha-Brahma

86. Mahavakya

87. Sandilya

88. Krishna

89. Garuda

90. Gopalatapani

91. Tripadavibhuti-mahnarayana

92. Dattatreya

93. Kaivalya

94. NrsimhatapanI

95. Ramatapani

96. Ramarahasya

97. HayagrIva

98. Atharvasikha

99. Atharvasira

100. Ganapati

101. Brhajjabala

102. Bhasmajabala

103. Sarabha

104. Annapurna

105. TripuratapanI

106. Devi

107. Bhavana

108. Sita

Significance of 108

Spiritual Significance

1. 108 is considered a sacred number in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
2. It represents the unity and harmony of the universe.
3. 108 is believed to be the number of energy lines or nadis in the human body.

Japa Mala (Prayer Beads)

Purpose

1. A Japa Mala typically consists of 108 beads.
2. Each bead represents a mantra or prayer.
3. The 108 beads symbolize the 108 names of God or the 108 energy lines in the body.

Divya Desams

Definition

1. Divya Desams are sacred temples in South India revered by Sri Vaishnavites.
2. There are 108 Divya Desams, each associated with a unique manifestation of Lord Vishnu.
3. Visiting these temples is believed to bring spiritual growth and liberation.

Other Associations

Hinduism

1. 108 Upanishads, ancient Hindu scriptures.
2. 108 names of Lord Ganesha.
3. 108 forms of Lord Shiva.

Buddhism

1. 108 earthly desires to overcome.
2. 108 beads in a Buddhist rosary.

Jainism

1. 108 virtues or qualities to cultivate.

Astronomical Significance

Celestial Bodies

1. The diameter of the Sun is approximately 108 times that of the Earth.
2. The distance between the Earth and the Sun is about 108 times the diameter of the Sun.

The number 108 holds profound significance across various Eastern spiritual traditions, symbolizing unity, harmony, and spiritual growth.

Upanishads he frequently referenced by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada:

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder of ISKCON, extensively covered several Upanishads in his teachings and writings. Here are some Upanishads he frequently referenced:

Primary Upanishads Covered by Prabhupada

Core Teachings

1. Isa Upanishad: Prabhupada often cited its teachings on the ultimate reality, Brahman, and the importance of surrendering to Krishna.
2. Katha Upanishad: He frequently referenced its discussions on the nature of the self, the material world, and the path to liberation.
3. Mundaka Upanishad: Prabhupada often quoted its verses on the importance of spiritual knowledge, devotion, and self-realization.

Other Upanishads Referenced by Prabhupada

Additional Teachings

1. Chandogya Upanishad: He referenced its teachings on the nature of Brahman and the importance of spiritual practices.
2. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad: Prabhupada cited its discussions on the nature of the self, the material world, and the ultimate reality.
3. Svetasvatara Upanishad: He referenced its teachings on the nature of Brahman, the material world, and the path to liberation.
4. Taittiriya Upanishad: Prabhupada quoted its verses on the importance of spiritual knowledge, devotion, and self-realization.