108 Names of Shiva Chant
The 108 Names of Shiva Chant is a foundational invocation of Lord Shiva, the Supreme Consciousness in Hindu philosophy. Each name represents a distinct attribute or manifestation of Shiva—from Maheshwara (Lord of Lords) to Parameshwara (Supreme Lord). These names honor his roles as the destroyer of ignorance, the bestower of grace, the ascetic meditator, and the cosmic dancer. Chanting these names systematically aligns the devotee's consciousness with Shiva's infinite dimensions, creating a comprehensive spiritual practice rooted in the Shiva Purana and tantric traditions.
Spiritually, these 108 names function as a mirror reflecting Shiva's complete nature across creation. Shiva embodies both fierceness (Ugraya—the fierce one) and compassion (Bhaktavatsalaya—beloved of devotees), transcendence and immanence, destruction and regeneration. In Vedantic philosophy, Shiva represents pure consciousness (Paramatma), the witness of all existence. The number 108 itself holds sacred significance—found throughout Vedic texts and astronomical systems—suggesting the completeness of the invocation. This practice connects the chanter to the eternal dance of cosmic consciousness that sustains all worlds.
Chant the 108 Names during morning meditation (brahma muhurta) for maximum receptivity, or at any time when seeking Shiva's grace. Sit in a meditative posture, maintain steady breath, and recite each name with focused intention. Many practitioners use a 108-bead mala, offering one name per bead. Consistency matters more than speed—even 10 minutes daily transforms practice. This mantra works best when combined with understanding each name's meaning, deepening both devotion and mental clarity.
Curated by The Mahakatha Team · Original Composition: Mahakatha · Lyric: Traditional / Shaivite
108 Names of Shiva Chant
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ॐ शिवाय नमः ॐ महेश्वराय नमः ॐ शम्भवे नमः ॐ पिनाकिने नमः ॐ शशिशेखराय नमः ॐ वामदेवाय नमः
Om Shivaya Namah Om Maheshwaraya Namah Om Shambhave Namah Om Pinakine Namah Om Shashishekharaya Namah Om Vamadevaya Namah
ॐ विरूपाक्षाय नमः ॐ कपर्दिने नमः ॐ नीललोहिताय नमः ॐ शङ्कराय नमः ॐ शूलपाणये नमः ॐ खट्वाङ्गिने नमः
Om Virupakshaya Namah Om Kapardine Namah Om Nilalohitaya Namah Om Shankaraya Namah Om Shulapanaye Namah Om Khatvangine Namah
ॐ विष्णुवल्लभाय नमः ॐ शिपिविष्टाय नमः ॐ अम्बिकानाथाय नमः ॐ श्रीकण्ठाय नमः ॐ भक्तवत्सलाय नमः ॐ भवाय नमः
Om Vishnuvallabhaya Namah Om Shipivishtaya Namah Om Ambikanathaya Namah Om Shrikanthaya Namah Om Bhaktavatsalaya Namah Om Bhavaya Namah
ॐ शर्वाय नमः ॐ त्रिलोकेशाय नमः ॐ शीतिकण्ठाय नमः ॐ शिवप्रियाय नमः ॐ उग्राय नमः ॐ कपालिने नमः
Om Sharvaya Namah Om Trilokeshaya Namah Om Shitikanthaya Namah Om Shiva Priyaya Namah Om Ugraya Namah Om Kapaline Namah
ॐ कामराये नमः ॐ अन्धकासुरसूदनाय नमः ॐ गङ्गाधराय नमः ॐ ललाटाक्षाय नमः ॐ कालकलाय नमः ॐ कृपानिधये नमः
Om Kamaraye Namah Om Andhakasurasudanaya Namah Om Gangadharaya Namah Om Lalatakshaya Namah Om Kalakalaya Namah Om Kripanidhaye Namah
ॐ भीमाय नमः ॐ परशुहस्ताय नमः ॐ मृगपाणये नमः ॐ जटाधराय नमः ॐ कैलाशवासिने नमः ॐ कवचिने नमः
Om Bhimaya Namah Om Parashuhastaya Namah Om Mrigapanaye Namah Om Jatadharaya Namah Om Kailashavasine Namah Om Kawachine Namah
ॐ कठोराय नमः ॐ त्रिपुरान्तकाय नमः ॐ वृषङ्काय नमः ॐ वृषभारूढाय नमः ॐ भस्मोद्धूलितविग्रहाय नमः ॐ समप्रियाय नमः
Om Kathoraya Namah Om Tripurantakaya Namah Om Vrishankaya Namah Om Vrishabharudhaya Namah Om Bhasmodhulitavigrahaya Namah Om Samapriyaya Namah
ॐ स्वरमयाय नमः ॐ त्रयीमूर्तये नमः ॐ अनीश्वराय नमः ॐ सर्वज्ञाय नमः ॐ परमात्मने नमः ॐ सोमसूर्याग्निलोचनाय नमः
Om Swaramayaya Namah Om Trayimurtaye Namah Om Anishwaraya Namah Om Sarvajnaya Namah Om Paramatmane Namah Om Somasuryagnilochanaya Namah
ॐ हविषे नमः ॐ यज्ञमयाय नमः ॐ सोमाय नमः ॐ पञ्चवक्त्राय नमः ॐ सदाशिवाय नमः ॐ विश्वेश्वराय नमः
Om Havishe Namah Om Yajnamayaya Namah Om Somaya Namah Om Panchavaktraya Namah Om Sadashivaya Namah Om Vishveshwaraya Namah
ॐ वीरभद्राय नमः ॐ गणनाथाय नमः ॐ प्रजापतये नमः ॐ हिरण्यरेतसे नमः ॐ दुर्धर्षाय नमः ॐ गिरिशाय नमः
Om Virabhadraya Namah Om Gananathaya Namah Om Prajapataye Namah Om Hiranyaretase Namah Om Durdharshaya Namah Om Girishaya Namah
ॐ गिरिशाय नमः ॐ अनघाय नमः ॐ भुजङ्गभूषणाय नमः ॐ भर्गाय नमः ॐ गिरिधन्वने नमः ॐ गिरिप्रियाय नमः
Om Girishaya Namah Om Anaghaya Namah Om Bujangabhushanaya Namah Om Bhargaya Namah Om Giridhanvane Namah Om Giripriyaya Namah
ॐ कृत्तिवाससे नमः ॐ पुरराटये नमः ॐ भगवते नमः ॐ प्रमथाधिपाय नमः ॐ मृत्युञ्जयाय नमः ॐ सूक्ष्मतनवे नमः
Om Krittivasase Namah Om Purarataye Namah Om Bhagawate Namah Om Pramathadhipaya Namah Om Mrityunjayaya Namah Om Sukshmatanave Namah
ॐ जगद्व्यापिने नमः ॐ जगद्गुरुवे नमः ॐ व्योमकेशाय नमः ॐ महासेनजनकाय नमः ॐ चारुविक्रमाय नमः ॐ रुद्राय नमः
Om Jagadvyapine Namah Om Jagadguruve Namah Om Vyomakeshaya Namah Om Mahasenajanakaya Namah Om Charuvikramaya Namah Om Rudraya Namah
ॐ भूतपताय नमः ॐ स्थानवे नमः ॐ अहिर्बुध्न्याय नमः ॐ दिगम्बराय नमः ॐ अष्टमूर्तये नमः ॐ अनेकात्मने नमः
Om Bhutapataye Namah Om Sthanave Namah Om Ahirbudhnyaya Namah Om Digambaraya Namah Om Ashtamurtaye Namah Om Anekatmane Namah
ॐ सात्विकाय नमः ॐ शुद्धविग्रहाय नमः ॐ शाश्वताय नमः ॐ खण्डपरशवे नमः ॐ अजाय नमः ॐ पाशविमोचकाय नमः
Om Satvikaya Namah Om Shuddhavigrahaya Namah Om Shashvataya Namah Om Khandaparashave Namah Om Ajaya Namah Om Pashavimochakaya Namah
ॐ मृडाय नमः ॐ पशुपताय नमः ॐ देवाय नमः ॐ महादेवाय नमः ॐ अव्ययाय नमः ॐ हराय नमः
Om Mridaya Namah Om Pashupataye Namah Om Devaya Namah Om Mahadevaya Namah Om Avyayaya Namah Om Haraye Namah
ॐ भगनेत्रभिदे नमः ॐ अव्यक्ताय नमः ॐ दक्षध्वराहराय नमः ॐ हराय नमः ॐ पुषदन्तभिदे नमः ॐ अव्यग्राय नमः
Om Bhaganetrabhide Namah Om Avyaktaya Namah Om Dakshadhwaraharaya Namah Om Haraya Namah Om Pushadantabhide Namah Om Avyagraya Namah
ॐ सहस्राक्षाय नमः ॐ सहस्रपदे नमः ॐ अपवर्गप्रदाय नमः ॐ अनन्ताय नमः ॐ तारकाय नमः ॐ परमेश्वराय नमः
Om Sahasrakshaya Namah Om Sahasrapade Namah Om Apavargapradaya Namah Om Anantaya Namah Om Tarakaya Namah Om Parameshwaraya Namah
Word-by-Word Meaning
| Sanskrit | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Om | The primordial sound of the universe; the sacred syllable representing Brahman, the ultimate reality. |
| Shivaya | To Shiva; dative form of Shiva, meaning 'the auspicious one.' |
| Namah | I bow; means obeisance or salutation (from root nam, to bend). |
| Maheshwaraya | To the great lord; Maha (great) + Ishwara (lord), referring to Shiva as supreme deity. |
| Shambhave | To the auspicious one; from Shambhu, meaning 'dwelling in happiness.' |
| Pinakine | To the wielder of the bow; Pinaka is Shiva's celestial bow. |
| Shashishekharaya | To the one crowned with the moon; Shashi (moon) + Shekhar (crest). |
| Vamadevaya | To the left-faced one; Vama (left) + Deva (god), referring to Shiva's form. |
| Virupakshaya | To the one with unusual eyes; Viru (strange) + Paksha (eye), symbolizing divine perspective. |
| Kapardine | To the one with matted locks; from Kapardi, referring to Shiva's tangled hair. |
| Nilalohitaya | To the blue-red one; Nila (blue) + Lohita (red), describing Shiva's complexion. |
| Shankaraya | To the benefactor; from Shankara, meaning 'one who brings welfare or auspiciousness.' |
| Shulapanaye | To the one holding the trident; Shula (trident) + Pani (hand). |
| Khatvangine | To the one carrying the skull staff; Khatvang is a staff adorned with a skull. |
| Vishnuvallabhaya | To the beloved of Vishnu; Vishnu + Vallabha (beloved), indicating cosmic unity. |
| Ambikanathaya | To the lord of Ambika; Ambika (mother goddess) + Natha (lord), referring to Shiva's consort. |
| Shrikanthaya | To the one with a beautiful neck; Sri (beautiful) + Kantha (neck), referring to the blue throat. |
| Bhaktavatsalaya | To the one affectionate toward devotees; Bhakta (devotee) + Vatsala (fond). |
| Bhavaya | To the one who is existence itself; Bhava means being or existence. |
| Sharvaya | To the archer; from Sharva, meaning 'one who shoots arrows.' |
| Trilokeshaya | To the lord of the three worlds; Tri (three) + Loka (world) + Isha (lord). |
| Shitikanthaya | To the one with a cool throat; Shiti (cool) + Kantha (throat). |
| Shiva | The auspicious one; the supreme consciousness, one of the principal deities of Hinduism. |
| Priyaya | To the beloved; one who is dear and beloved. |
| Ugraya | To the fierce one; Ugra means formidable, fierce, or terrible. |
| Kapaline | To the one with a skull; Kapala (skull), referring to Shiva's ascetic adornment. |
| Kamaraye | To the conqueror of desire; Kama (desire) + Ari (enemy). |
| Andhakasurasudanaya | To the destroyer of the demon Andhaka; Andhaka (blind demon) + Sura (demon) + Sudana (destroyer). |
| Gangadharaya | To the one who bears the Ganges; Ganga (sacred river) + Dhara (bearer). |
| Lalatakshaya | To the one with an eye in the forehead; Lalata (forehead) + Aksha (eye). |
| Kalakalaya | To the destroyer of time; Kala (time) + Kala (destroyer). |
| Kripanidhaye | To the treasury of compassion; Kripa (mercy) + Nidhi (treasure). |
| Bhimaya | To the terrible one; Bhima means dreadful, formidable. |
| Parashuhastaya | To the one holding the mighty axe; Parasu (axe) + Hasta (hand). |
| Mrigapanaye | To the one holding the deer; Mriga (deer) + Pani (hand). |
| Jatadharaya | To the one wearing matted locks; Jata (dreadlock) + Dhara (wearing). |
| Kailashavasine | To the one dwelling in Kailash; Kailasha (sacred mountain) + Vasine (dwelling). |
| Kathoraya | To the hard or unbreakable one; Kathor means hard, firm, stern. |
| Tripurantakaya | To the destroyer of the three cities; Tripura (three cities) + Antaka (destroyer). |
| Vrishankaya | To the virile one; Vrisha means bull or strength. |
| Vrishabharudhaya | To the one riding the bull; Vrishabha (bull) + Arudha (mounted). |
| Bhasmodhulitavigrahaya | To the one whose body is smeared with ash; Bhasma (ash) + Dhulita (smeared) + Vigraha (body). |
| Samapriyaya | To the one who loves equality; Sama (equal) + Priya (beloved). |
| Swaramayaya | To the one composed of sound; Swara (note/tone) + Maya (composed of). |
| Trayimurtaye | To the embodiment of the three Vedas; Trayi (three Vedas) + Murti (form/embodiment). |
| Anishwaraya | To the one who is not subject to any lord; Anishwara means independent, sovereign. |
| Sarvajnaya | To the one who knows all; Sarva (all) + Jna (knowledge). |
| Paramatmane | To the supreme soul; Para (supreme) + Atma (soul). |
| Somasuryagnilochanaya | To the one whose eyes are the moon, sun, and fire; Soma (moon) + Surya (sun) + Agni (fire) + Lochana (eye). |
| Havishe | To the one who receives oblations; Havis means sacrificial offering. |
| Yajnamayaya | To the one composed of sacrifice; Yajna (sacrifice) + Maya (composed of). |
| Somaya | To the moon; Soma refers to the moon or nectar. |
| Panchavaktraya | To the one with five faces; Pancha (five) + Vaktra (face). |
| Sadashivaya | To the eternal Shiva; Sada (eternal) + Shiva. |
| Vishveshwaraya | To the lord of the universe; Vishva (universe) + Ishwara (lord). |
| Virabhadraya | To the fierce warrior; a powerful form of Shiva, Virabhadra is a celestial warrior. |
| Gananathaya | To the lord of the celestial beings; Gana (celestial beings) + Natha (lord). |
| Prajapataye | To the lord of all beings; Prajapati is the creator of all creatures. |
| Hiranyaretase | To the one with golden seed; Hiranya (golden) + Retas (seed/semen). |
| Durdharshaya | To the one difficult to perceive; Dur (difficult) + Darsha (sight/perception). |
| Girishaya | To the mountain lord; Giri (mountain) + Isha (lord), referring to Shiva dwelling in mountains. |
| Anaghaya | To the sinless one; Ana (not) + Agha (sin). |
| Bujangabhushanaya | To the one adorned with serpents; Bujanga (serpent) + Bhushana (ornament). |
| Bhargaya | To the radiant one; Bharga means radiance or splendor. |
| Giridhanvane | To the one whose bow is the mountain; Giri (mountain) + Dhanva (bow). |
| Giripriyaya | To the one who loves mountains; Giri (mountain) + Priya (beloved). |
| Krittivasase | To the one clothed in animal skin; Kritti (animal skin) + Vasa (clothed). |
| Purarataye | To the destroyer of cities; Pura (city) + Rati (enemy/destroyer). |
| Bhagawate | To the blessed one; Bhagavat means glorious, blessed. |
| Pramathadhipaya | To the lord of the Pramatha goblins; Pramatha (celestial attendants) + Adhipa (lord). |
| Mrityunjayaya | To the conqueror of death; Mrityu (death) + Jaya (victory). |
| Sukshmatanave | To the one with a subtle body; Sukshma (subtle) + Tanu (body). |
| Jagadvyapine | To the one who pervades the universe; Jagat (universe) + Vyapi (pervading). |
| Jagadguruve | To the guru of the universe; Jagat (universe) + Guru (teacher). |
| Vyomakeshaya | To the one with sky-like hair; Vyoma (sky) + Kesha (hair). |
| Mahasenajanakaya | To the father of Skanda/Kartikeya; Mahasena (great army) + Janaka (father). |
| Charuvikramaya | To the one with beautiful prowess; Charu (beautiful) + Vikrama (valor/prowess). |
| Rudraya | To the one who makes people weep; Rudra means the fierce or terrible one, from rud (to cry). |
How to Chant 108 Names of Shiva Chant
- 1
Find a quiet, clean space
Sit in a comfortable, undisturbed environment. Face east or north if possible. You may light incense or a candle to set a contemplative atmosphere.
- 2
Settle into a comfortable posture
Sit cross-legged on the floor or upright in a chair. Keep the spine erect and place the hands on the knees with palms facing upward.
- 3
Take three cleansing breaths
Inhale slowly through the nose, hold briefly, and exhale completely. Repeat three times to calm the mind and prepare for mantra recitation.
- 4
Begin chanting 108 Names of Shiva Chant
Chant the mantra clearly and with devotion — aloud, in a whisper, or silently. Use a mala (108 beads) to count repetitions. Aim for a consistent, unhurried rhythm throughout the session.
- 5
Rest in stillness
After completing your chanting, sit quietly for two to five minutes. Allow the vibration of the mantra to settle within. Close the practice with a moment of gratitude.
Benefits of 108 Names of Shiva Chant
-
Purifies the mind and removes mental obstacles by invoking Shiva's transcendent clarity and removes ignorance (avidya) that clouds consciousness.
Source: Shiva Purana — Vidyeshwara Samhita
-
Cultivates inner peace and equanimity by attuning the practitioner to Shiva's eternal stillness and balanced wisdom beyond duality.
Source: Traditional practice & Yoga Sutras philosophy
-
Strengthens willpower and self-discipline through repeated invocation of Shiva's ascetic mastery and complete control over the senses.
Source: Kailasa Upanishad & tantric texts
-
Grants spiritual protection and removes obstacles (vighneshvara invocation) by invoking Shiva's role as supreme destroyer of negativity.
Source: Shiva Tandava Stotram tradition
-
Accelerates spiritual awakening by awakening kundalini energy through the 108-fold resonance of sacred names and chakra alignment.
Story & Symbolism
The 108 Names of Shiva originate from the Shiva Purana's Vidyeshwara Samhita, where sage Vidyeshwara presents these divine appellations to Parvati (Shiva's consort) in response to her question about honoring Shiva comprehensively. This sacred dialogue transforms into a teaching tool for all seekers—revealing that Shiva cannot be confined to single forms or concepts, but encompasses infinite facets of cosmic existence. The revelation emerged from the highest tantric understanding, meant to guide devotees toward non-dual realization. Across millennia, these names became standardized across Hindu traditions, appearing in temple rituals, meditation practices, and home worship throughout India and the diaspora.
The 108 names themselves encode Shiva's complete cosmic function and spiritual significance. Names like Maheshwara (Lord of Lords) and Paramatma (Supreme Self) describe his transcendental status, while Gangadhara (Bearer of the Ganges) and Kailashavasine (Dweller of Kailash) reference his mythological manifestations. Attributes like Bhaktavatsalaya (Beloved of devotees) and Mridaya (The Merciful) reveal his intimate relationship with seekers. The destroyer aspect appears in Tripurantakaya (Destroyer of the Three Cities) and Andhakasurasudana (Slayer of demon Andhaka), while ascetic forms emerge in Jatadharaya (Bearer of matted hair) and Kapardine (Wearer of braids). Together, these 108 names function as a complete spiritual encyclopedia of Shiva consciousness.
In contemporary practice, the 108 Names form the backbone of Shaivite devotion across all lineages—from Kashmiri Shaivism to South Indian temples to modern meditation communities. The practice endures because it integrates multiple yogic paths: bhakti (devotion) through invoking divine names, jnana (knowledge) through contemplating each attribute's meaning, and dhyana (meditation) through sustained mantra repetition. Today, seekers worldwide chant these names to access Shiva's grace, recognizing that each name offers a gateway into the infinite consciousness that Hindu philosophy identifies as ultimate reality.
How to Use in Daily Life
Morning Meditation
Chant 108 Names during brahma muhurta (pre-dawn), sitting in a meditative posture. Allow each name to resonate fully with your breath. This sets your consciousness toward clarity and divine connection for the entire day ahead.
Mala Practice
Use a 108-bead mala to track your chanting. Move one bead per name, maintaining steady rhythm and focused intention. This tactile practice deepens concentration and ensures you complete a full round of invocation.
Devotional Worship
Incorporate the 108 Names into your puja (worship ritual) or altar practice. Chant before a Shiva image or linga, offering flowers, incense, or water with each name. This creates a powerful devotional environment.
Evening Reflection
Chant softly before sleep to quiet the mind and invoke Shiva's peaceful presence. Even 10-15 minutes of gentle chanting dissolves mental agitation and prepares consciousness for restorative sleep and dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Prayers & Chants
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From the Bhagavad Gita
BG 10.23
I Am Shiva Among the Rudras
Of the Rudras I am Shankara — Shiva, the auspicious one who dissolves what no longer serves.
Read full verse →
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