Akshamalika Upanishad

Akshamalika Upanishad
Akshamala with Rudraksha beads.
Devanagari	अक्षमालिका
IAST	Akṣamālika
Title means	Rosary of Sanskrit Alphabet
Date	late medieval
Type	Shaiva
Linked Veda	Rigveda
Philosophy	Shaivism, Vedanta

The Akshamalika Upanishad (Sanskrit: अक्षमालिका उपनिषद्, Akṣamālika Upaniṣad) is a Sanskrit text and one of the minor Upanishads of Hinduism. It is associated with the Rigveda. It is one of 14 Shaiva (Shiva-related) Upanishads.

The Upanishad describes akshamala (rosary) and its importance in japa, the meditative repetition of a mantra. The text mentions different types of rosaries, their significance, the relevant mantras, and the symbolism. The inner thread of Japa Mala, states the text, signifies the Ultimate Reality (Brahman-Atman), the silver thread on its right symbolizes Shiva, the copper thread on left of Vishnu, the face is Sarasvati, the bottom is Gayatri, the hole of each bead a reminder of Jnana (knowledge), and the knot is Prakriti (nature).

Klaus Klostermaier classifies this text with the Bhasmajabala Upanishad, the Rudrakshajabala Upanishad, the Brihajjabala Upanishad and the Kalagni Rudra Upanishad as Shaiva texts that explain symbolism of rites and objects of worship in Shaivism. While this Shaiva Upanishadic text discusses consecration and use of rosary for meditation, the use of rosary is common in other traditions.