The tally counter is a device that counts something.
While the tulsi mala is a familiar Hindu symbol of spirituality, the digital counter is a newer entry into the religious realm.
The tally counter takes over the mental load of tracking the count.
It signals India’s crisis of faithReligion in the digital worldThe tally counter is not the first digital intervention in religion.
Multiple temples across the country have conducted digital darshans, where devotees see what goes on in the temple through a screen.
The tally counter is a device that counts something. The wearer can press a button and see the numbers increase on the digital screen. Each press increases the count by one, removing the need for mental tracking. It costs around Rs 50.
While the tulsi mala is a familiar Hindu symbol of spirituality, the digital counter is a newer entry into the religious realm.
Bengaluru: Two accessories Anushka Sharma wore to the IPL 2026 qualifier match between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Gujarat Titans—the tulsi kanthi mala around her neck and the digital tally counter on her finger—have captured the attention of the internet.
While the device has multiple uses—from counting sets at the gym to tracking attendance at events—it’s been adopted by Hindus and Muslims for daily worship rituals.
Sharma, like most Hindus, most likely uses the counter to perform naam japas, the ancient meditative practice involves the continuous chanting of a deity’s name—Ram, Hari, Om Namah Shivaya, or Radhe Radhe.
It’s a digital alternative to naam japa malas. The beaded necklaces are used by devotees to track the number of times they have chanted the name. The tally counter takes over the mental load of tracking the count.
People have shared pictures of their own tally counters after Sharma was spotted wearing one. The most popular post has over 17 million views on X.
One X user “explained” Sharma’s “Secret Prayer Weapon”.
He called it a “compact, budget-friendly…viral “spiritual tech” trend”. Another user called her “an ideal role model for the younger generations” because of her accessories.
There was also criticism of it, some calling it “performative.”
“Anushka sharma did pk and learned nothing,” one user tweeted.
It’s not the first time Sharma has been spotted wearing the device. Both she and her husband, Virat Kohli, have been seen wearing one.
Sharma and Kohli are now well-known for their devotion. They are often seen visiting temples and multiple babas.
The counter serves a similar purpose for Muslim devotees too. They recite phrases like SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, or Allahu Akbar a specific number of times. The counter, an alternative to Tasbih beads, helps track the number of recitations.
Also read: Ananya Panday is the latest star to flaunt her ‘guruji’. It signals India’s crisis of faith
Religion in the digital world
The tally counter is not the first digital intervention in religion. Multiple temples across the country have conducted digital darshans, where devotees see what goes on in the temple through a screen. In March this year, over 51 lakh devotees logged in for live-stream darshan at Vrindavan’s Banke Bihari temple.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams is going one step further and introducing a VR headset experience for those waiting in queue for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara. ETV Bharat reports that devotees “will be able to witness the divine grandeur of Tirumala, understand the spiritual significance of the temple, and experience sacred visuals related to Lord Srivaru.”
Beyond temples, digital agarbattis, mantra chanting machines, and even talking deity statues are changing the way people pray.
And it’s not limited to Hinduism. There are smart prayer mats for Muslims that come with features such as a built-in compass, prayer time alerts, and Qibla direction. Certain electronic devices also have a Shabbat mode, which makes them usable by Jews who observe Shabbat. Even the Vatican has released an eRosary supported by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network.
