108 Names of Shiva with Meaning

What 108 names of Shiva means

The Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali is chanted on Mondays, in Sawan and through the night of Mahashivratri, each name followed by an offering of bel patra or water on the linga. Every name remembers one quality or one story of Bholenath, the lord who is pleased by the simplest offering.

Each name has its own page with meaning, numerology (ank jyotish) and story.

Chant on Monday, with bel patra, milk and water.

How to chant 108 names of Shiva

Here is the simple traditional way families approach 108 names of Shiva, step by step, so you can follow it at home without pressure.

1. Bathe and sit in a clean place
2. Light a lamp before the deity
3. Remember Ganesha first
4. Chant the name with Om before and Namah after
5. End with a prayer for forgiveness and share prasad

Shiva ke 108 naam

Har naam Lord Shiva ka ek gun batata hai. Monday ko subah ya shaam deepak jala kar naam ka jaap karein. Arth samajh kar bolne se mann shaant hota hai.

People phrase it many ways: shiva names, shiva ashtottara shatanamavali, shiva ke 108 naam, shiva names for baby. All of these point to the same reading, and this page answers them together.

What you may be feeling about 108 names of shiva

If you came to 108 names of shiva hoping for good news, that hope deserves respect. Maybe you came here because a name of God is close to your heart, you want to chant it daily, or you are thinking of it for your baby. Wanting a sign that life is about to open up is one of the oldest and most human feelings there is, and it is the reason families have looked at the sky for thousands of years.

If 108 names of shiva is making you uneasy, that is valid too. Or maybe you worry that you will say it wrongly, or that a name chosen without full knowledge brings bad luck. You are not being silly or superstitious. When a word like this enters a family conversation, it is natural for the heart to tighten and for the mind to ask what it means for the people you love.

Our tradition takes both feelings seriously. Tradition is gentle here. The Puranas say a name of God remembered with love purifies, even when it is said imperfectly, as the story of Ajamila shows. So whatever you are feeling right now, our elders felt it too and wrote about it.

The same tradition then softens the first reaction. So the meaning matters more than perfect sound. Learn what the name says, say it with attention, and let it become a quiet companion. A single factor in a chart, a calendar or a name describes a theme to work with, not a sentence that is already written. Effort, timing, good company and a calm mind shape how it unfolds.

So hold the feeling gently, and then look at the whole picture. That is where one word turns into a clear, hopeful direction, and it is exactly what a personal reading is for.

Why 108 names of shiva still matter

The Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali is chanted on Mondays, in Sawan and through the night of Mahashivratri, each name followed by an offering of bel patra or water on the linga. Every name remembers one quality or one story of Bholenath, the lord who is pleased by the simplest offering.

Each name has its own page with meaning, numerology (ank jyotish) and story.

Chant on Monday, with bel patra, milk and water.

• Shiva: shiva means the auspicious one. It is name 1 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Maheshwara: maheshwara means the great lord. It is name 2 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Shambhu: shambhu means the source of happiness. It is name 3 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Pinakin: pinakin means holder of the Pinaka bow. It is name 4 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Shashishekhara: shashishekhara means wearer of the crescent moon. It is name 5 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Vamadeva: vamadeva means the gracious one. It is name 6 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Virupaksha: virupaksha means the one with unusual eyes. It is name 7 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Kapardin: kapardin means with matted locks. It is name 8 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Nilalohita: nilalohita means blue and red. It is name 9 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Shankara: shankara means giver of joy. It is name 10 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Shulapani: shulapani means holder of the trident. It is name 11 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Khatvangin: khatvangin means holder of the khatvanga staff. It is name 12 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Vishnuvallabha: vishnuvallabha means dear to Vishnu. It is name 13 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Shipivishta: shipivishta means pervaded by light. It is name 14 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Ambikanatha: ambikanatha means lord of Ambika. It is name 15 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Shrikantha: shrikantha means the beautiful throated. It is name 16 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Bhaktavatsala: bhaktavatsala means loving to devotees. It is name 17 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Bhava: bhava means existence itself. It is name 18 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Sharva: sharva means remover of troubles. It is name 19 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Trilokesha: trilokesha means lord of the three worlds. It is name 20 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Shitikantha: shitikantha means white throated. It is name 21 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Ugra: ugra means the fierce one. It is name 22 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Kapalin: kapalin means wearer of skulls. It is name 23 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Kamari: kamari means enemy of Kama. It is name 24 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Andhakasurasudana: andhakasurasudana means slayer of Andhaka. It is name 25 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Gangadhara: gangadhara means bearer of the Ganga. It is name 26 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Lalataksha: lalataksha means with an eye on the forehead. It is name 27 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Kalakala: kalakala means death of death. It is name 28 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Kripanidhi: kripanidhi means treasure of compassion. It is name 29 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Bhima: bhima means the mighty. It is name 30 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Parashuhasta: parashuhasta means holder of the axe. It is name 31 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Mrigapani: mrigapani means holding a deer. It is name 32 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Jatadhara: jatadhara means with matted hair. It is name 33 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Kailashavasi: kailashavasi means dweller of Kailash. It is name 34 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Kavachin: kavachin means wearer of armour. It is name 35 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Kathora: kathora means the firm one. It is name 36 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Tripurantaka: tripurantaka means destroyer of the three cities. It is name 37 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Vrishanka: vrishanka means whose emblem is the bull. It is name 38 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Vrishabharudha: vrishabharudha means rider of the bull. It is name 39 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Bhasmoddhulita: bhasmoddhulita means smeared with sacred ash. It is name 40 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Samapriya: samapriya means lover of the Sama chants. It is name 41 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Swaramaya: swaramaya means made of music. It is name 42 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Trayimurti: trayimurti means form of the three Vedas. It is name 43 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Anishvara: anishvara means who has no lord above. It is name 44 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Sarvajna: sarvajna means all knowing. It is name 45 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Paramatma: paramatma means the supreme soul. It is name 46 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Somasuryagnilochana: somasuryagnilochana means whose eyes are moon, sun and fire. It is name 47 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Havi: havi means the offering. It is name 48 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Yajnamaya: yajnamaya means form of sacrifice. It is name 49 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Soma: soma means with Uma. It is name 50 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Panchavaktra: panchavaktra means five faced. It is name 51 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Sadashiva: sadashiva means eternally auspicious. It is name 52 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Vishveshwara: vishveshwara means lord of the universe. It is name 53 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Virabhadra: virabhadra means the brave and gracious. It is name 54 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Gananatha: gananatha means lord of the ganas. It is name 55 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Prajapati: prajapati means lord of beings. It is name 56 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Hiranyareta: hiranyareta means golden seeded. It is name 57 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Durdharsha: durdharsha means the unconquerable. It is name 58 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Girisha: girisha means lord of the mountains. It is name 59 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Anagha: anagha means the sinless. It is name 60 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Bhujangabhushana: bhujangabhushana means adorned with snakes. It is name 61 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Bharga: bharga means the radiant. It is name 62 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Giridhanva: giridhanva means whose bow is a mountain. It is name 63 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Giripriya: giripriya means lover of mountains. It is name 64 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Krittivasa: krittivasa means clothed in hide. It is name 65 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Purarati: purarati means enemy of Tripura. It is name 66 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Bhagavan: bhagavan means the blessed lord. It is name 67 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Pramathadhipa: pramathadhipa means lord of the pramathas. It is name 68 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Mrityunjaya: mrityunjaya means conqueror of death. It is name 69 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Sukshmatanu: sukshmatanu means the subtle bodied. It is name 70 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Jagadvyapi: jagadvyapi means pervading the world. It is name 71 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Jagadguru: jagadguru means teacher of the world. It is name 72 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Vyomakesha: vyomakesha means whose hair is the sky. It is name 73 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Mahasenajanaka: mahasenajanaka means father of Kartikeya. It is name 74 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Charuvikrama: charuvikrama means of graceful valour. It is name 75 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Rudra: rudra means the roarer. It is name 76 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Bhutapati: bhutapati means lord of beings. It is name 77 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Sthanu: sthanu means the steady one. It is name 78 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Ahirbudhnya: ahirbudhnya means serpent of the deep. It is name 79 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Digambara: digambara means clothed in the sky. It is name 80 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Ashtamurti: ashtamurti means of eight forms. It is name 81 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Anekatma: anekatma means of many selves. It is name 82 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Satvika: satvika means pure natured. It is name 83 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Shuddhavigraha: shuddhavigraha means of pure form. It is name 84 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Shashvata: shashvata means the eternal. It is name 85 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Khandaparashu: khandaparashu means with the broken axe. It is name 86 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Aja: aja means the unborn. It is name 87 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Pashavimochaka: pashavimochaka means freer from bonds. It is name 88 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Mrida: mrida means the merciful. It is name 89 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Pashupati: pashupati means lord of creatures. It is name 90 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Deva: deva means the divine. It is name 91 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Mahadeva: mahadeva means the great god. It is name 92 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Avyaya: avyaya means the imperishable. It is name 93 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Hari: hari means the remover. It is name 94 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Avyagra: avyagra means the unshaken. It is name 95 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Dakshadhvarahara: dakshadhvarahara means who ended Daksha's sacrifice. It is name 96 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Hara: hara means remover of sin. It is name 97 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Bhaganetrabhid: bhaganetrabhid means who struck Bhaga's eye. It is name 98 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Avyakta: avyakta means the unmanifest. It is name 99 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Sahasraksha: sahasraksha means thousand eyed. It is name 100 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Sahasrapada: sahasrapada means thousand footed. It is name 101 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Apavargaprada: apavargaprada means giver of liberation. It is name 102 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Ananta: ananta means the endless. It is name 103 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Taraka: taraka means the saviour. It is name 104 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Parameshwara: parameshwara means the supreme lord. It is name 105 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Nataraja: nataraja means king of dance. It is name 106 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Neelakantha: neelakantha means blue throated. It is name 107 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Omkara: omkara means form of Om. It is name 108 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Bholenath: bholenath means the innocent lord. It is name 109 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Mahakala: mahakala means great time. It is name 110 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.
• Ashutosh: ashutosh means pleased quickly. It is name 111 in our list of the 108 names of Lord Shiva.

Where 108 names of shiva leads on KismatAstro

This page gathers every name of Shiva on KismatAstro. Start with Shiva, Maheshwara, Shambhu, then follow the links inside each story.

Every name here tells part of the story in the Lord Shiva guide. After chanting 108 names of shiva, many families read one of the chalisas for the same deity. End your chanting of 108 names of shiva with the aarti of the same deity.

Stories like this are why families still look for a good day before a new step. You can see today's timings in the free name numerology (naam ka ank jyotish) calculator, and plan ahead with festival dates (tyohar kab hai).

What the old texts and scholars say

Our retelling follows the ashtottara shatanamavali of Lord Shiva in the Puranic and stotra tradition. Versions differ by region and family, and every one of them is treated with respect here.

If you would like to read further, Britannica's entry on Shiva gives a clear, well sourced overview: Britannica's entry on Shiva.

For a second view, see Hinduism portal on Wikisource, which keeps public domain translations.

A gentle seven day practice inspired by 108 names of shiva

You do not need a big ritual. These small steps keep the story alive in daily life, and none of them cost money.

1. Day 1: read the meaning of the name
2. Day 2: chant it 11 times at sunrise
3. Day 3: read the deity's story
4. Day 4: chant it 108 times on a mala
5. Day 5: offer a flower or a lamp
6. Day 6: share the meaning with family
7. Day 7: notice what has changed in your mind

When and how to chant 108 names of Shiva

Here are the 108 names of Lord Shiva, the ashtottara shatanamavali chanted on Monday, each with its meaning, name number (naam ka ank) and how to chant it. Families usually chant it on Monday, at sunrise or at lamp time. There is no single correct clock time in the old texts; what matters is a calm mind, a clean place and attention. If you are new to it, start with the short version and add more as it becomes a habit.

Many readers ask whether they must follow every step exactly. Tradition answers kindly: the Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali is chanted on Mondays, in Sawan and through the night of Mahashivratri, each name followed by an offering of bel patra or water on the linga. Every name remembers one quality or one story of Bholenath, the lord who is pleased by the simplest offering. A sincere attempt done with love is complete, and a missed detail is never a cause for fear. Elders often say that the practice shapes the person more than the person perfects the practice.

Common worries about 108 names of Shiva, answered gently

These are the questions families send us most often. Each worry is real, and each has a calm, traditional answer.

• I am not sure I pronounce the name correctly. Say it slowly with its meaning in mind. Tradition says the feeling reaches before the sound.
• I chose this name for my baby without checking anything. A name of God carries a good meaning. If you want comfort, check the name number (naam ka ank) with the free calculator; there is nothing to fear.
• I missed my daily chanting. Begin again the next day. No missed day erases earlier devotion.
• I do not have a mala. Count on your fingers, or simply chant for two minutes. The count is a help, not a condition.
• Something hard happened after I started chanting. Hard times come to everyone and are not a punishment for prayer. Keep the name as a support, and seek practical help too.

108 names of Shiva across India

In North India the names of Shiva are chanted in Sanskrit with Hindi meanings, often in a group after aarti. In Maharashtra and Gujarat the same ashtottara is sung with local tunes, and in the South it is recited in temples with a flower for each name.

Bengal and Odisha families chant with a conch and a lamp. Overseas families in Dubai, London or Toronto keep the same names at a small home altar, sometimes reading them from a phone.

Whichever version your family follows, it is valid. KismatAstro tells the commonly shared form and respects every regional and family custom.

108 names of Shiva and your rashi

Every rashi can chant 108 names of Shiva. Astrology (jyotish) adds only a gentle flavour, a way to make the practice feel more personal. If you know your Moon sign (chandra rashi), find it below. If not, the free moon sign (chandra rashi) calculator tells you in a minute.

• Mesh: your rashi brings fire and quick devotion; keep it short and heartfelt.
• Vrishabh: your rashi loves steady ritual; the same time each day suits you.
• Mithun: your rashi connects through words; reading the meaning aloud helps.
• Kark: your rashi feels it deeply; doing it with family comforts you.
• Simha: your rashi shines with confidence; lead the family in it.
• Kanya: your rashi values precision; the step by step order calms you.
• Tula: your rashi seeks balance; doing it with your partner suits you.
• Vrishchik: your rashi goes deep; quiet evening practice suits you.
• Dhanu: your rashi loves wisdom; read the story behind it.
• Makar: your rashi values discipline; a fixed weekly day works best.
• Kumbh: your rashi thinks of others; share prasad or help someone after.
• Meen: your rashi is naturally devotional; music and lamps lift you.

Taking 108 names of Shiva one step further

Devotion often brings a personal question to the surface: a marriage that is taking time, a job, a child's future or simple peace at home. That is a natural moment to look at your own chart. A name you love carries a number and a planet; seeing how it sits with your own birth chart (janam kundli) turns a feeling into a clear, personal picture, whether for you or for a baby name.

Begin free with the name numerology (naam ka ank jyotish) calculator. If you would like a personal reading written from your own birth details, our reports and prices explains what each report covers, and the offer below this page shows the current price. The free content above stays free, always.

Carrying 108 names of Shiva into your own life

108 names of Shiva is not a test you can fail. It is a story that has comforted families for centuries, and it asks only for attention and a kind heart.

If something in it touched a hope or a worry in your own life, a marriage, a child, money or health, that is a good moment to look at your own chart calmly. The free kundli (muft janam kundli) shows it, and a personal written reading is there if you want more depth.