Do you ever feel a longing for something more in life? A deeper connection to yourself, the universe, or even the divine? The ancient practice of chanting Shiva’s 108 names, known as the Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali, might be the key you’ve been seeking.
| No. | Hindi | English | Meaning |
| 1 | शिव | Shiva | The Auspicious One |
| 2 | महेश्वर | Maheshwara | The Great Lord/God |
| 3 | शम्भू | Shambhu | The Benevolent One, Source of Happiness |
| 4 | पिनाकी | Pinaki | The Bearer of Pinaka (Shiva’s bow) |
| 5 | शशिशेखर | Shashishekhara | The One Who Has the Moon on His Head |
| 6 | वामदेव | Vamadeva | The Handsome One |
| 7 | विरूपाक्ष | Virupaksha | Three-Eyed Lord, The One with the Unique Eye |
| 8 | कपर्दी | Kapardi | The One with Matted Hair |
| 9 | नीललोहित | Neelalohita | Blue-Throated One (due to poison consumption) |
| 10 | शंकर | Shankara | The Benevolent One, Granter of Happiness |
| 11 | शूलपाणि | Shoolapani | The Bearer of the Trident |
| 12 | खटवांगी | Khatvangi | The Bearer of Khatvanga (a club) |
| 13 | विष्णुवल्लभ | Vishnuvallabha | Beloved of Lord Vishnu |
| 14 | शिपिविष्ट | Shipivishta | Entered the Womb of Sita |
| 15 | अंबिकानाथ | Ambikanatha | Consort of Ambika (Parvati) |
| 16 | श्रीकण्ठ | Shrikantha | The One with a Beautiful Neck |
| 17 | भक्तवत्सल | Bhaktavatsala | Lover of Devotees |
| 18 | भव | Bhava | The Source of Existence |
| 19 | शर्व | Sharva | The Destroyer |
| 20 | त्रिलोकेश | Trilokesha | Lord of the Three Worlds |
| 21 | शितिकण्ठ | Shitikantha | Blue-Necked One |
| 22 | शिवप्रिय | Shivpriya | Dear to Shiva |
| 23 | उग्र | Ugra | The Fierce One |
| 24 | कपाली | Kapali | The One Who Wears a Garland of Skulls |
| 25 | कामारी | Kamari | The Enemy of Kamadeva (god of desire) |
| 26 | अन्धकान्तक | Andhakantaka | Destroyer of Andhaka (a demon) |
| 27 | मृत्युंजय | Mrityunjaya | Conqueror of Death |
| 28 | सर्व | Sarva | The All-Pervading One |
| 29 | त्रिपुरान्तक | Tripurantaka | Destroyer of Tripura (three demon cities) |
| 30 | जटाधर | Jatadhara | The One Who Has Matted Hair |
| 31 | गिरिश | Girisha | Lord of the Mountains |
| 32 | स्थाणु | Sthanu | The Immovable One |
| 33 | भर्ग | Bharga | The Radiant One |
| 34 | सदाशिव | Sadashiva | The Eternally Auspicious One |
| 35 | शिव | Shiva | The Benign One |
| 36 | हर | Hara | The Destroyer of Sins |
| 37 | मृड | Mrida | The Gentle One |
| 38 | पशुपति | Pashupati | Lord of the Animals |
| 39 | देव | Deva | The Shining One/God |
| 40 | महादेव | Mahadeva | The Great God |
| 41 | अव्यय | Avyaya | The Imperishable One |
| 42 | हरि | Hari | The Remover |
| 43 | भगवान् | Bhagavan | The Lord/God |
| 44 | प्रभु | Prabhu | The Master |
| 45 | ईश | Isha | The Supreme Ruler |
| 46 | स्रष्टा | Srashta | The Creator |
| 47 | उदभूत | Udbhava | The Self-Born |
| 48 | भूतभावन | Bhutabhavana | Lord of all Beings |
| 49 | पवित्र | Pavitra | The Pure One |
| 50 | पुण्य | Punya | The Holy One |
| 51 | सत् | Sat | The Truth/Reality |
| 52 | सत्चित् | Satchit | Existence-Consciousness |
| 53 | आनन्द | Ananda | Bliss |
| 54 | पार | Para | The Supreme/Beyond |
| 55 | ब्रह्म | Brahma | The Ultimate Reality/God |
| 56 | परमात्मा | Paramatma | The Supreme Soul |
| 57 | ज्योतिः | Jyotir | The Light |
| 58 | सूर्य | Surya | The Sun |
| 59 | आदित्य | Aditya | The Son of Aditi (the infinite space) |
| 60 | प्रधान | Pradhana | The Primordial Matter |
| 61 | अनन्त | Ananta | The Infinite One |
| 62 | मनः | Manah | The Mind |
| 63 | महान् | Mahan | The Great One |
| 64 | महान्तक | Mahantaka | The Destroyer of the Great |
| 65 | महातपाः | Mahatapah | The One Who Undertakes Great Penance |
| 66 | महायोगी | Mahayogi | The Great Yogi |
| 67 | महाबली | Mahabali | The One with Immense Strength |
| 68 | महाभूत | Mahabhuta | The Great Element |
| 69 | महानिधि | Mahanidhi | The Great Treasure |
| 70 | कुमार | Kumara | The Ever Youthful |
| 71 | ब्रह्मण्य | Brahmanya | Devoted to Brahman |
| 72 | ब्रह्मकृत् | Brahmakrit | The Creator of the Universe |
| 73 | ब्रह्मा | Brahma | The Creator/God |
| 74 | ब्रह्मविवर्धन | Brahmavivardhana | The Expander of the Universe |
| 75 | ब्रह्मद | Brahmad | Given to Brahman |
| 76 | ब्रह्मज्ञ | Brahmajna | The Knower of Brahman |
| 77 | ब्राह्मणप्रिय | Brahmanapriya | Dear to Brahmanas |
| 78 | महाकर्मा | Mahakarma | The One Who Performs Great Actions |
| 79 | महातेजाः | Mahatejah | The One with Great Splendour |
| 80 | महोरगः | Mahoragah | The Great Serpent |
| 81 | महाक्रतु | Mahakratu | The One Who Performs Great Sacrifices |
| 82 | महायज्ञ | Mahayajna | The Great Sacrifice |
| 83 | महाहविः | Mahahavih | The Great Oblation |
| 84 | स्तव्यः | Stavyah | The One Who is to be Praised |
| 85 | स्तवप्रिय | Stavpriya | Lover of Praise |
| 86 | स्तोत्र | Stotra | A Hymn of Praise |
| 87 | स्तुत | Stuta | The Praised One |
| 88 | रणप्रिय | Ranapriya | Lover of Battles |
| 89 | नित्य | Nitya | The Eternal One |
| 90 | शाश्वत | Shashwata | The Everlasting One |
| 91 | ध्रुव | Dhruva | The Firm/Fixed One |
| 92 | अज | Aja | The Unborn One |
| 93 | विक्रम | Vikrama | The Valiant One |
| 94 | भीम | Bhima | The Formidable One |
| 95 | प्रभु | Prabhu | The Master/Lord |
| 96 | वीर | Vira | The Hero |
| 97 | रुद्र | Rudra | The Howler/The Fierce One |
| 98 | बहुशिरः | Bahushira | The Many-Headed One |
| 99 | बभ्रु | Babhru | The Brown/Tawny One |
| 100 | विश्वयोनि | Vishvayoni | The Source of the Universe |
| 101 | शुचिश्रवाः | Shuchishravah | The One of Pure Fame |
| 102 | अमृत | Amrita | The Immortal One |
| 103 | शाश्वतस्थाणु | Shashwatasthanu | The Eternal Abode |
| 104 | वरः | Varah | The Boon-Giver |
| 105 | वर्धन | Vardhana | The Increaser/Prosperer |
| 106 | पुष्ट | Pushta | The Nourished/Well-Fed One |
| 107 | तारक | Taraka | The Saviour |
| 108 | परमेश्वर | Parameshvara | The Supreme Lord/God |
What’s in a Name? The Power of Mantras
In Sanskrit, mantra translates to “instrument of thought.” These sacred sounds are believed to hold immense vibrational energy, capable of transforming our minds and spirits. Each of Shiva’s 108 names encapsulates a unique aspect of his divine nature – from the destroyer of negativity to the ultimate source of compassion.
Chanting for Blessings: A Path to Self-Discovery
Chanting these names isn’t just a ritual; it’s a journey of self-discovery. With each repetition, you:
- Cultivate Mindfulness: The rhythmic chanting helps you focus your mind, anchoring you in the present moment.
- Invoke Divine Qualities: By repeating names like “Shambhu” (the Auspicious One) or “Shankara” (the Benevolent One), you invite those qualities into your own being.
- Dissolve Negativity: Names like “Hara” (the Remover of Obstacles) help you release fears and anxieties.
- Connect to the Divine: Chanting Shiva’s names fosters a deeper connection to the divine energy that permeates the universe.
How to Incorporate Chanting into Your Life
- Choose Your Setting: Find a quiet, comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed.
- Set an Intention: Before you begin, clarify your purpose for chanting. Are you seeking peace, clarity, healing, or something else?
- Use a Mala: A mala with 108 beads can help you keep track of your repetitions.
- Repeat with Devotion: Chant each name with sincere devotion, focusing on its meaning.
- Start Small: If chanting all 108 names feels overwhelming, begin with a smaller number and gradually increase.
Your Journey Begins Now
The path to enlightenment is a personal one. Chanting Shiva’s 108 names can be a powerful tool on that journey. If you’re ready to invite blessings, peace, and spiritual growth into your life, give this ancient practice a try.
Ready to embark on this transformative journey?
