In Hinduism, the number 108 is considered sacred and spiritually significant. The 108 names (Ashtottara Shatanamavali) of various Hindu deities are chanted as part of worship and meditation to invoke divine blessings. Below are the 108 names of major Hindu gods and their meanings.
1. 108 Names of Lord Vishnu (Shri Vishnu Ashtottara Shatanamavali)
Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, is worshipped with these names:
- Vishvam – The Universe
- Vishnu – The All-Pervading One
- Vashatkara – The Lord of Sacrifices
- Bhuta Bhavya Bhavat Prabhu – Lord of Past, Present, and Future
- Bhutakrit – Creator of Beings
- Bhutabhrith – Sustainer of Beings
- Bhava – Pure Existence
- Bhutatma – Soul of All Beings
- Bhutanam-Ishvara – Supreme Lord of All Beings
- Sarvagya – Omniscient Lord
… (and so on up to 108 names)
Chanting Benefit: Brings peace, prosperity, and protection from negative energies.
2. 108 Names of Lord Shiva (Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali)
Lord Shiva, the destroyer and the transformer, is worshipped with these names:
- Mahadeva – The Great God
- Shambhu – The One Who Bestows Bliss
- Pinakin – One Who Holds a Bow
- Shashi Shekhara – One Who Wears the Moon on His Head
- Vishwanatha – Lord of the Universe
- Nagabhushana – The One Adorned with Serpents
- Mahakala – The Great Time (Eternal)
- Neelkanth – The Blue-Throated One
- Pashupati – Lord of All Creatures
- Rudra – The Fierce One
… (and so on up to 108 names)
Chanting Benefit: Removes fears, sins, and grants spiritual enlightenment.
3. 108 Names of Lord Ganesha (Ganesha Ashtottara Shatanamavali)
Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is worshipped with these names:
- Vighnaharta – Remover of Obstacles
- Gajanana – Elephant-Faced God
- Lambodara – The One with a Big Belly
- Ganapati – Lord of Ganas
- Sumukha – The Pleasant-Faced One
- Vinayaka – The Supreme Leader
- Kapila – The One with Tawny-Colored Body
- Dhumraketu – Lord with a Smoke-Colored Banner
- Buddhipriya – Bestower of Wisdom
- Ekdanta – One-Tusked Lord
… (and so on up to 108 names)
Chanting Benefit: Grants wisdom, success, and removes obstacles from life.
4. 108 Names of Goddess Lakshmi (Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali)
Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, is worshipped with these names:
- Prakriti – The Prime Energy
- Vikrama – Goddess of Power
- Vidya – Bestower of Knowledge
- Sarvabhutahitaprada – The One Who Benefits All Beings
- Shivakari – The One Who Grants Auspiciousness
- Shubhaprada – Giver of Good Fortune
- Varalakshmi – Goddess Who Grants Boons
- Vasuda – Bestower of Wealth
- Kamalasana – One Who Sits on a Lotus
- Padmapriya – Lover of Lotus Flowers
… (and so on up to 108 names)
Chanting Benefit: Attracts prosperity, wealth, and abundance.
5. 108 Names of Goddess Durga (Durga Ashtottara Shatanamavali)
Goddess Durga, the divine mother and warrior, is worshipped with these names:
- Durga – The Invincible One
- Devi – The Goddess
- Shakti – The Supreme Power
- Bhavani – The Goddess of Existence
- Parvati – The Daughter of the Mountain King
- Mahishasuramardini – Slayer of Mahishasura
- Chandika – The Fierce One
- Bhadrakali – The Fierce Form of Kali
- Jagatmata – Mother of the Universe
- Rajarajeshwari – Queen of the Universe
… (and so on up to 108 names)
Chanting Benefit: Protects from evil, grants courage, and fulfills wishes.
6. 108 Names of Lord Hanuman (Hanuman Ashtottara Shatanamavali)
Lord Hanuman, the greatest devotee of Lord Rama, is worshipped with these names:
- Anjaneya – Son of Anjana
- Mahavira – The Most Courageous One
- Rama Duta – Messenger of Lord Rama
- Pavanputra – Son of the Wind God
- Bajrangbali – Strong as Lightning
- Sankatmochan – Remover of Sorrows
- Maruti – The One Who Can Travel at High Speed
- Kesari Nandan – Son of Kesari
- Dhyana Ananda – One Who Is Always Meditative
- Chiranjeevi – The Immortal One
… (and so on up to 108 names)
Chanting Benefit: Enhances strength, removes negativity, and provides protection.
How to Chant 108 Names of Hindu Gods?
- Time: Early morning or during specific festival days is ideal.
- Place: A clean and sacred space, preferably near a deity’s idol or picture.
- Method: Use a rosary (mala) with 108 beads to count each name.
- Intent: Chant with devotion and sincerity to receive divine blessings.
Conclusion
Chanting the 108 names of Hindu gods is a powerful spiritual practice. It helps in attaining divine grace, inner peace, and solutions to life’s challenges. Whether reciting for devotion, protection, or prosperity, the Ashtottara Shatanamavali holds immense significance in Hindu rituals and prayers.