Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali
శివ అష్టోత్తర శతనామావళి
108 names of Lord Shiva; ~10 minutes recitation · Composed by Anonymous; preserved in the Shiva Purana and Skanda Purana · Shiva Purana, Vidyeshvara Samhita; also Skanda Purana
Sanskrit (Devanagari)
ॐ शिवाय नमः । ॐ महेश्वराय नमः । ॐ शम्भवे नमः । ॐ पिनाकिने नमः । ॐ शशिशेखराय नमः । ॐ वामदेवाय नमः । ॐ विरूपाक्षाय नमः । ॐ कपर्दिने नमः ।
Transliteration (IAST)
Oṃ Śivāya Namaḥ / Oṃ Maheśvarāya Namaḥ / Oṃ Śambhave Namaḥ / Oṃ Pinākine Namaḥ / Oṃ Śaśi-Śekharāya Namaḥ / Oṃ Vāmadevāya Namaḥ / Oṃ Virūpākṣāya Namaḥ / Oṃ Kapardine Namaḥ ... [continues to 108]
English Translation
Salutations to: Auspicious One; Great Lord; The Beneficent; Bearer of the Pinaka bow; Crowned with the Moon; The Beautiful Form; The Three-Eyed; The Matted-Haired... [Names 1–8 of 108]
About the Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali
The Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali — the 108 names of Lord Shiva — is the foundational daily-worship text for every Shaiva household. The 108 names progress through Shiva's many aspects: the Auspicious One (Shiva), the Great Lord (Maheshvara), the Three-Eyed (Virupaksha, Trilochana), the Matted-Haired ascetic (Kapardin, Jatadhara), the dancer (Nataraja), the cosmic destroyer (Hara, Bhairava), the gracious giver of boons (Vrishabhadhvaja, Daksha-Yajna-Hara), and the supreme Atman (Yogi-Hridaya-Sthita, Sarva-Tirtha-Stha). Each name is a meditation on a specific aspect — together they cover the totality of what Shiva represents in Hindu cosmology. For daily worship at a Shiva shrine (whether at home or temple), the Ashtottara is offered with bilva leaves (one per name where possible), water from a copper vessel, or unbroken rice grains (akshata). The chant is also part of the standard Rudra Abhishekam — the ritual bathing of the Shivalinga performed in every major Shiva temple. For Maha Shivaratri (the great night of Shiva, falling on Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi), traditional households perform 108 recitations through the night. During the auspicious month of Karthika (October–November), daily recitation is especially merit-bearing. Recite at a Shiva shrine or before a Shivalinga; light a ghee lamp; offer bilva, dhatura flowers, or fresh water.
Recitation Guide
Benefits
Health and longevity; protection from accidents; relief from chronic disease; harmonization of marital life; clearing of past karma; spiritual liberation; protection from negative energies; auspicious for those facing health crises.
Pronunciation Notes
Each name preceded by "Oṃ" and followed by "Namaḥ". The classical chant traditions in Sringeri and Kanchi pronounce the long ā vowels twice the duration of short a — maintain this distinction.
How to Practice
- Preparation: Take a bath or wash face/hands/feet. Wear clean clothes (saffron, white, or yellow preferred).
- Seat: Sit on a wool blanket or grass mat (asana). Face east or north. Keep spine straight.
- Mala: Use a 108-bead mala (rudraksha for Shiva mantras, tulsi for Vishnu mantras, sphatika/quartz for universal).
- Sankalpa: Take a vow stating today's date, your name, and the purpose of the practice.
- Recite: 1 daily. Maintain steady rhythm — neither rushed nor too slow.
- End: Bow with folded hands. Dedicate the merit to all beings ("Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah").
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali?
The Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali — the 108 names of Lord Shiva — is the foundational daily-worship text for every Shaiva household. The 108 names progress through Shiva's many aspects: the Auspicious One (Shiva), the Great Lord (Maheshvara), the Three-Eyed (Virupaksha, Trilochana), the Matted-Hair...
How many times should I recite Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali daily?
1 daily; 108 on Maha Shivaratri; 1,008 over Karthika month (1 Karthika month = ~30 days)
When is the best time to recite Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali?
Monday; Pradosha Kala; Maha Shivaratri; Karthika month; daily morning at Shiva shrine
Who composed the Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali?
Anonymous; preserved in the Shiva Purana and Skanda Purana, from Shiva Purana, Vidyeshvara Samhita; also Skanda Purana.
What are the benefits of reciting Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali?
Health and longevity; protection from accidents; relief from chronic disease; harmonization of marital life; clearing of past karma; spiritual liberation; protection from negative energies; auspicious for those facing health crises.
Other Vedic Mantras
Sanskrit text and translation cross-verified with classical sources. Editorial methodology reviewed by Pandit Ramachandra Sharma. For initiation (deeksha) into specific mantras, please consult a qualified Sanskrit-speaking guru in person.