In Sanatan Dharma, there is often a lot of emphasis on chanting 108 mantras or wearing a rosary of 108 beads. Not only in Hinduism, but also in Buddhism, the number 108 is considered very auspicious. After all, why is 108 so important in Hinduism and Buddhism?
108 is considered auspicious for these reasons
Relation to Rudraksha Beads
Rudraksha is said to have originated from the tears of Lord Shiva. Lord Bholenath is also worshiped with the rosary of Rudraksh. Since there are 108 sections in Shiva worship, therefore the number of beads present in this garland is also kept as 108. It is believed that if you spin the 108 beads of the rosary, then you have praised all the 108 sections of his worship. By doing this you get full blessings of Bholenath.
Tandava Dance of Bhagwan Shiva
When Bhagwan Shiva becomes extremely angry and starts the supernatural Tandav dance, then his 108 dance postures are formed. These postures and 108 qualities of Bhole Shankar have been described in Puranas. This is the reason why 108 numbers have been given so much importance in Sanatan Dharma.
The Number of Gopis is Also the Reason
Under Gaudiya Vaishnavism, the mystery of number 108 is also associated with Lord Krishna. It is said that there were many gopis in Vrindavan, who liked Lord Krishna but he loved 108 gopis very much. The reason for this was that Kanha spent his childhood with these 108 gopis. That's why this number is considered auspicious.
Important for Buddhism
Not only in Sanatan Dharma, but also in Buddhism, the number 108 is given a lot of importance. Followers of Buddhism in Japan ring the monastery bells 108 times to mark the arrival of the new year and bid farewell to the passing year. By doing this, they believe that there are total 108 emotions in human life, which they want to auspicious as the year changes.