108 Names of Lord Shiva with Meaning | Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali

The 108 names of Mahadev are a namavali of sacred Sanskrit epithets, each paired with “Om” and “Namah” to form an independent mantra (for example, Om Shivaya Namah). Devotees chant all 108 names in sequence, often while offering one Bilva leaf or flower per name, to honor Shiva’s complete divine nature.

Key Takeaways

• The 108 Names of Lord Shiva, known as the Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali, describe Mahadev’s divine qualities, forms, and cosmic roles.
• Each name is a complete mantra, traditionally chanted with “Om” at the beginning and “Namah” at the end while offering a Bilva leaf or flower.
• The number 108 symbolizes spiritual completeness and is deeply connected to japa malas, the Upanishads, and Vedic tradition.
• Chanting the 108 Names of Lord Shiva is believed to bring peace, remove negativity, deepen devotion, and help devotees focus on Shiva’s many divine attributes.
• Mondays, Pradosh Vrat, and Maha Shivratri are considered especially auspicious for reciting the complete Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali.
• This guide includes the complete list in Sanskrit, transliteration, and English meaning, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced devotees.

The 108 names of Lord Shiva form one of the most cherished devotional practices in Sanatan Dharma. Known as the Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali, this collection of names describes Shiva’s infinite forms, from the gentle and compassionate Shambhu to the fierce and world-dissolving Rudra. This guide covers the origin of the namavali, why the number 108 matters, how to chant it correctly, its benefits, and a complete, verified table of all 108 names of Shiva with meaning.

108 Names of Shiva with Meaning

Below is the full, verified table of all 108 names of Shiva in Sanskrit, along with transliteration and meaning for each name. Every entry has been cross-checked against traditional Ashtottara Shatanamavali sources for accuracy.

No.	Sanskrit Name	Transliteration	Meaning
1	ॐ शिवाय नमः	Om Shivaya Namah	Obeisances to the Auspicious One
2	ॐ महेश्वराय नमः	Om Maheshvaraya Namah	Obeisances to the Great God, Lord of all gods
3	ॐ शम्भवे नमः	Om Shambhave Namah	Obeisances to the God who exists for our happiness and prosperity alone
4	ॐ पिनाकिने नमः	Om Pinakine Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, wielder of the Pinaka bow, who guards the path of dharma
5	ॐ शशिशेखराय नमः	Om Shashishekharaya Namah	Obeisances to the God who wears the crescent moon in his hair
6	ॐ वामदेवाय नमः	Om Vamadevaya Namah	Obeisances to the God who is pleasing and auspicious in every way
7	ॐ विरूपाक्षाय नमः	Om Virupakshaya Namah	Obeisances to the God with an unusual, spotless third eye on his forehead
8	ॐ कपर्दिने नमः	Om Kapardine Namah	Obeisances to the Lord with thickly matted, coiled hair
9	ॐ नीललोहिताय नमः	Om Nilalohitaya Namah	Obeisances to the God of blue and red hue, splendid as the sun at daybreak
10	ॐ शङ्कराय नमः	Om Shankaraya Namah	Obeisances to the source of all prosperity and wellbeing
11	ॐ शूलपाणिने नमः	Om Shulapanine Namah	Obeisances to the God who carries the trident (Trishula)
12	ॐ खट्वाङ्गिने नमः	Om Khatvangine Namah	Obeisances to the God who carries the Khatvanga, a knurled ascetic’s staff
13	ॐ विष्णुवल्लभाय नमः	Om Vishnuvallabhaya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, who is deeply dear to Lord Vishnu
14	ॐ शिपिविष्टाय नमः	Om Shipivishtaya Namah	Obeisances to the Lord whose form emits great rays of light
15	ॐ अम्बिकानाथाय नमः	Om Ambikanathaya Namah	Obeisances to the Lord and husband of Goddess Ambika (Parvati)
16	ॐ श्रीकण्ठाय नमः	Om Shrikanthaya Namah	Obeisances to he whose throat shines with a beautiful blue hue
17	ॐ भक्तवत्सलाय नमः	Om Bhaktavatsalaya Namah	Obeisances to the Lord who loves his devotees as deeply as a mother loves her newborn calf
18	ॐ भवाय नमः	Om Bhavaya Namah	Obeisances to the God who is existence itself, the source of creation
19	ॐ शर्वाय नमः	Om Sharvaya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, who destroys all suffering and sin
20	ॐ त्रिलोकेशाय नमः	Om Trilokeshaya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, the Lord of all three worlds
21	ॐ शितिकण्ठाय नमः	Om Shitikanthaya Namah	Obeisances to the primal soul whose throat is a deep, pure blue
22	ॐ शिवाप्रियाय नमः	Om Shivapriyaya Namah	Obeisances to the God who is dear to Goddess Parvati (Shivaa)
23	ॐ उग्राय नमः	Om Ugraya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, whose fierce presence is awesome and overwhelming
24	ॐ कपालिने नमः	Om Kapaline Namah	Obeisances to the God who carries a garland or begging bowl of skulls
25	ॐ कामारये नमः	Om Kamaraye Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, the great enemy and conqueror of Kamadeva (desire)
26	ॐ अन्धकासुरसूदनाय नमः	Om Andhakasurasudanaya Namah	Obeisances to the Lord who slayed the demon Andhakasura
27	ॐ गङ्गाधराय नमः	Om Gangadharaya Namah	Obeisances to the God who holds the river Ganga in his matted hair
28	ॐ ललाटाक्षाय नमः	Om Lalatakshaya Namah	Obeisances to the Lord who bears a third eye upon his forehead
29	ॐ कालकालाय नमः	Om Kalakalaya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, who is the death of death itself (conqueror of Yama)
30	ॐ कृपानिधये नमः	Om Kripanidhaye Namah	Obeisances to the God who is the boundless treasure of compassion
31	ॐ भीमाय नमः	Om Bhimaya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, whose strength and might are awesome
32	ॐ परशुहस्ताय नमः	Om Parashuhastaya Namah	Obeisances to the God who wields an axe (Parashu) in his hand
33	ॐ मृगपाणये नमः	Om Mrigapanaye Namah	Obeisances to the Lord who holds the deer, representing the restless mind, in his hand
34	ॐ जटाधराय नमः	Om Jatadharaya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, who bears a mass of matted, ascetic hair
35	ॐ कैलासवासिने नमः	Om Kailasavasine Namah	Obeisances to the God who resides eternally on Mount Kailasa
36	ॐ कवचिने नमः	Om Kavachine Namah	Obeisances to the Lord who is wrapped in protective armor
37	ॐ कठोराय नमः	Om Kathoraya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, who is firm, resolute, and immensely powerful
38	ॐ त्रिपुरान्तकाय नमः	Om Tripurantakaya Namah	Obeisances to the Lord who destroyed the three demonic cities of Tripurasura
39	ॐ वृषाङ्काय नमः	Om Vrishankaya Namah	Obeisances to the God whose banner and emblem bear the mark of the bull (Nandi)
40	ॐ वृषभारूढाय नमः	Om Vrishabharudhaya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, who rides upon Nandi, his sacred bull
41	ॐ भस्मोद्धूलितविग्रहाय नमः	Om Bhasmoddhulitavigrahaya Namah	Obeisances to the Lord whose entire body is covered with sacred ash
42	ॐ सामप्रियाय नमः	Om Samapriyaya Namah	Obeisances to the God exceedingly fond of hymns from the Sama Veda
43	ॐ स्वरमयाय नमः	Om Svaramayaya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, who dwells within and creates through the seven musical notes
44	ॐ त्रयीमूर्तये नमः	Om Trayimurtaye Namah	Obeisances to the Lord who embodies the three Vedas: Rig, Yajur, and Sama
45	ॐ अनीश्वराय नमः	Om Anishvaraya Namah	Obeisances to the one who has no superior, the undisputed Lord
46	ॐ सर्वज्ञाय नमः	Om Sarvajnaya Namah	Obeisances to the God who knows all things, the all-knowing one
47	ॐ परमात्मने नमः	Om Paramatmane Namah	Obeisances to the Supreme Self within every being
48	ॐ सोमसूर्याग्निलोचनाय नमः	Om Somasuryagnilochanaya Namah	Obeisances to the Lord whose three eyes are the moon, the sun, and fire
49	ॐ हविषे नमः	Om Havishe Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, who receives the sacred oblation offered in fire rituals
50	ॐ यज्ञमयाय नमः	Om Yajnamayaya Namah	Obeisances to the God who is himself the embodiment of all sacrificial rites
51	ॐ सोमाय नमः	Om Somaya Namah	Obeisances to the Lord, cool and serene as the moon’s gentle glow
52	ॐ पञ्चवक्त्राय नमः	Om Panchavaktraya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, who manifests with five sacred faces
53	ॐ सदाशिवाय नमः	Om Sadashivaya Namah	Obeisances to the eternally auspicious, ever-benevolent Shiva
54	ॐ विश्वेश्वराय नमः	Om Vishveshvaraya Namah	Obeisances to the all-pervading ruler of the entire cosmos
55	ॐ वीरभद्राय नमः	Om Virabhadraya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva in his fierce warrior form, Virabhadra
56	ॐ गणनाथाय नमः	Om Gananathaya Namah	Obeisances to the Lord and master of all the Ganas (Shiva’s attendants)
57	ॐ प्रजापतये नमः	Om Prajapataye Namah	Obeisances to the Lord and creator of all living beings
58	ॐ हिरण्यरेतसे नमः	Om Hiranyaretase Namah	Obeisances to the God who bears the golden, radiant seed of creation
59	ॐ दुर्धर्षाय नमः	Om Durdharshaya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, the unconquerable, who cannot be overpowered
60	ॐ गिरीशाय नमः	Om Girishaya Namah	Obeisances to the Lord and sovereign of the mountains
61	ॐ गिरिशाय नमः	Om Girishaya Namah	Obeisances to the Lord who rests and abides upon Mount Kailasa
62	ॐ अनघाय नमः	Om Anaghaya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, who is entirely free of sin and fault
63	ॐ भुजङ्गभूषणाय नमः	Om Bhujangabhushanaya Namah	Obeisances to the Lord adorned with serpents as his ornaments
64	ॐ भर्गाय नमः	Om Bhargaya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, the destroyer of all sins and impurities
65	ॐ गिरिधन्विने नमः	Om Giridhanvine Namah	Obeisances to the God who wields Mount Meru itself as his bow
66	ॐ गिरिप्रियाय नमः	Om Giripriyaya Namah	Obeisances to the Lord, who holds deep fondness for the mountains
67	ॐ कृत्तिवाससे नमः	Om Krittivasase Namah	Obeisances to the God who wears an elephant hide as his garment
68	ॐ पुरारातये नमः	Om Purarataye Namah	Obeisances to the Lord who destroyed Tripurasura and his three cities
69	ॐ भगवते नमः	Om Bhagavate Namah	Obeisances to the Supreme Lord, the source of all divine prosperity
70	ॐ प्रमथाधिपाय नमः	Om Pramathadhipaya Namah	Obeisances to the God who leads and commands the Pramatha ganas
71	ॐ मृत्युञ्जयाय नमः	Om Mrityunjayaya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, the great conqueror of death
72	ॐ सूक्ष्मतनवे नमः	Om Sukshmatanave Namah	Obeisances to the God whose subtle form pervades the finest of creation
73	ॐ जगद्व्यापिने नमः	Om Jagadvyapine Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, who fills and pervades the entire world
74	ॐ जगद्गुरवे नमः	Om Jagadgurave Namah	Obeisances to the Lord, the teacher and guru of all the worlds
75	ॐ व्योमकेशाय नमः	Om Vyomakeshaya Namah	Obeisances to the God whose flowing hair is the vast sky itself
76	ॐ महासेनजनकाय नमः	Om Mahasenajanakaya Namah	Obeisances to the Lord, the father of Kartikeya (Mahasena)
77	ॐ चारुविक्रमाय नमः	Om Charuvikramaya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, whose valor and stride are graceful and beautiful
78	ॐ रुद्राय नमः	Om Rudraya Namah	Obeisances to Rudra, the fierce yet worthy-of-praise form of Shiva
79	ॐ भूतपतये नमः	Om Bhutapataye Namah	Obeisances to the Lord and master of all beings, including spirits and elements
80	ॐ स्थाणवे नमः	Om Sthanave Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, the firm, immovable, and eternal pillar of existence
81	ॐ अहिर्बुध्न्याय नमः	Om Ahirbudhnyaya Namah	Obeisances to the Lord associated with the coiled serpent energy, Kundalini
82	ॐ दिगम्बराय नमः	Om Digambaraya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, who wears the very directions of space as his garment
83	ॐ अष्टमूर्तये नमः	Om Ashtamurtaye Namah	Obeisances to the Lord who manifests in eight sacred forms
84	ॐ अनेकात्मने नमः	Om Anekatmane Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, who takes on countless forms while remaining one soul
85	ॐ सात्त्विकाय नमः	Om Sattvikaya Namah	Obeisances to the Lord of pure, boundless sattvic energy
86	ॐ शुद्धविग्रहाय नमः	Om Shuddhavigrahaya Namah	Obeisances to him whose form is entirely pure and free of doubt
87	ॐ शाश्वताय नमः	Om Shashvataya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, who is endless, eternal, and unchanging
88	ॐ खण्डपरशवे नमः	Om Khandaparashave Namah	Obeisances to the God who carries the broken axe, cutting through despair
89	ॐ अजाय नमः	Om Ajaya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, the unborn, the eternal instigator of all that occurs
90	ॐ पाशविमोचकाय नमः	Om Pashavimochakaya Namah	Obeisances to the Lord who releases devotees from all worldly bondage
91	ॐ मृडाय नमः	Om Mridaya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, the merciful one who grants happiness and comfort
92	ॐ पशुपतये नमः	Om Pashupataye Namah	Obeisances to the Lord and protector of all living creatures
93	ॐ देवाय नमः	Om Devaya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, the foremost among the shining, radiant devas
94	ॐ महादेवाय नमः	Om Mahadevaya Namah	Obeisances to Mahadeva, the greatest of all the gods
95	ॐ अव्ययाय नमः	Om Avyayaya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, the imperishable, who is never subject to change
96	ॐ हरये नमः	Om Haraye Namah	Obeisances to the Lord of nature, who dissolves all bondage and illusion
97	ॐ पूषदन्तभिदे नमः	Om Pushadantabhide Namah	Obeisances to the Lord who broke the teeth of the deva Pushan
98	ॐ अव्यग्राय नमः	Om Avyagraya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, who remains steady, calm, and unwavering
99	ॐ दक्षाध्वरहराय नमः	Om Dakshadhvaraharaya Namah	Obeisances to the destroyer of Daksha’s arrogant, incomplete sacrifice
100	ॐ हराय नमः	Om Haraya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, who withdraws and dissolves the entire cosmos
101	ॐ भगनेत्रभिदे नमः	Om Bhaganetrabhide Namah	Obeisances to the Lord who pierced the eye of the deva Bhaga
102	ॐ अव्यक्ताय नमः	Om Avyaktaya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, the unmanifest, subtle, and unseen reality
103	ॐ सहस्राक्षाय नमः	Om Sahasrakshaya Namah	Obeisances to the Lord of a thousand eyes, seeing all of creation
104	ॐ सहस्रपदे नमः	Om Sahasrapade Namah	Obeisances to Shiva of a thousand feet, present and walking everywhere
105	ॐ अपवर्गप्रदाय नमः	Om Apavargapradaya Namah	Obeisances to the Lord who grants moksha, final liberation
106	ॐ अनन्ताय नमः	Om Anantaya Namah	Obeisances to Shiva, the infinite one, unending in every form
107	ॐ तारकाय नमः	Om Tarakaya Namah	Obeisances to the great liberator, who carries all beings across the ocean of rebirth
108	ॐ परमेश्वराय नमः	Om Parameshvaraya Namah	Obeisances to Parameshvara, the Supreme Lord and ultimate reality

Source: Shakta Pramod Grantha, the most widely used compilation for the Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali. Sanskrit text, transliteration, and meaning cross-checked across traditional namavali references for accuracy.

Origin and Scriptural Source of 108 Names of Lord Shiva

The most widely used version of the 108 names of Lord Shiva comes from the Shakta Pramod Grantha, a well-known compilation of devotional namavalis for various Hindu deities. This version is the one most commonly printed in puja books, chanted during Rudrabhishek, and taught in temples across India.

Shiva also has other namavali traditions, including a separate 108-name list rooted in the Rudrayamala and various Puranic sources, and the far longer Shiva Sahasranama with 1,000 names, found in the Shiva Purana and the Mahabharata’s Anushasana Parva. The Shakta Pramod version remains the standard for daily and weekly worship because of its accessible length and its focus on Shiva’s most recognized forms and deeds.

Why 108? The Significance of the Number

The number 108 appears throughout Sanatan Dharma, and its use in the shiva ashtottara namavali is not accidental. A traditional Japa mala contains 108 beads, matching the 108 names recited here.

The Upanishads, the philosophical core of Vedic knowledge, are traditionally counted at 108. In Vedic astronomy, the average distance between the Earth and the Sun is roughly 108 times the Sun’s diameter, and the same ratio holds between the Earth and the Moon. This recurring pattern is one reason 108 is treated as a number of completeness and cosmic order.

Reciting exactly 108 names, therefore, is not simply a long list. It represents a complete, unbroken cycle of remembrance, matching the same cycle used in mantra japa.

How to Chant the 108 Names of Shiva?

Chanting the 108 names of Shiva with meaning follows a simple, traditional method that any devotee can practice at home.

• Sit facing east or north, ideally after bathing, in a clean and quiet space.
• Light a lamp (deepam) before the Shivalinga or an image of Shiva.
• Keep Bilva leaves or flowers ready, one for each of the 108 names.
• Chant each name aloud, offering one leaf or flower as you speak it.
• Move through all 108 names in sequence, without skipping or reordering.
• Close with a moment of silent gratitude, thanking Shiva for his presence and protection.

This method is also the standard practice during Rudrabhishek, where each name is chanted while pouring water, milk, or other sacred substances over the Shivalinga.

Benefits of Chanting Shiva Ashtottara

• Removes negativity and clears mental clutter built up over time.
• Purifies past karma, especially when paired with Bilva leaf offerings.
• Deepens focus and devotion, since each name draws attention to a specific divine quality.
• Builds a complete understanding of Shiva’s nature, from his gentle to his fierce forms.
• Brings peace and emotional steadiness through the calming rhythm of repeated chanting.
• Fulfills sincere wishes, according to traditional belief, when chanted with unwavering devotion.

Best Time and Days to Chant

The 108 names of Lord Shiva can be chanted daily, but certain days carry special significance. Mondays, known as Shiva’s day, are considered highly auspicious for this practice. Pradosh Vrat, observed on the 13th day of each lunar fortnight, is another favored occasion. Maha Shivratri, the great night of Shiva, is the most powerful day of the year for reciting the complete Ashtottara Shatanamavali, often as part of an all-night vigil and Rudrabhishek ceremony.

Ashtottara vs Sahasranama: What’s the Difference?

Devotees often confuse the Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali with the Shiva Sahasranama. The difference comes down to length and use. The Ashtottara contains 108 names and takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete, making it practical for daily or weekly worship. The Sahasranama contains 1,000 names, drawn from the Shiva Purana and the Mahabharata, and is typically reserved for special occasions, elaborate temple rituals, or dedicated sadhana. Both lists overlap in many names but differ significantly in scope and traditional usage.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the 108 Names of Shiva

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