The 108 Different Names of Lord Shiva & their Meanings

Shiva, Mahadev or Shambhu - the god of destruction and transformation - is one of the principal deities in the holy Hindu trinity (trimurti) along with Brahma and Vishnu. He is known for his various aspects, wherein he’s sometimes depicted as benevolent in the form of an omniscient yogi living an ascetic life on Kailash parvat. Meanwhile, on the other hand, he’s seen as a fierceful power, ready to eradicate anything and anyone who disturbs the balance of the nature.

Along with the many aspects of his nature, shiva is also known by various different names that denote the various forms and essence of his personality. Here, in today’s blog, we will be discussing the 108 names of Lord Shiva and their meanings.

Meditating Lord Shiva

Lord Shiva Trishul With Damru

Shiv-Lingam

Mystical Lord Shiva

108 Names of Lord Shiva & their Meanings

S.no.	Names	Meanings
1	Shiva	The most auspicious one
2	Mahesvara	Lord of Gods
3	Shambhu	Bestower of wealth and prosperity
4	Pinaki	One who carries the bow, Pinaka
5	Shashishekhara	One who wears the crescent moon on his head
6	Vamadeva	Lord, who is pleasing and auspicious
7	Virupaksha	One with a third eye on the forehead
8	Kapardi	One with matted hair locks
9	Nilalohitaya	One who has a red and blue color complexion
10	Shankara	Bestower of happiness and prosperity
11	Shulapani	One who holds a trident
12	Khatvangi	Lord who carries a weapon called Khatvanga
13	Vishnuvallabhaya	The dear one of Lord Vishnu
14.	Shipivishta	Lord, whose form emits powerful rays of light
15	Ambikanatha	Consort of goddess Ambika (Maa Parvati)
16	Shrikantha	One with a beautiful throat
17	Bhaktavatsala	One who immensely loves his devotees
18	Bhava	One who himself originated as a creation
19	Sharva	Destroyer of all the sins and sufferings
20	Trilokesh	Lord of all three worlds
21	Shitikanthaya	One with the blue throat
22	Shivapriyaya	Beloved of the goddess Parvati
23	Ugra	One with a supremely fierce nature
24	Kapali	One who wears a skull garland around his neck
25	Kamari	Enemy of Kamadeva
26	Andhakasurasudana	Lord, who killed the demon Andhaka
27	Gangadhara	Lord who holds Maa Ganga on his head
28	Lalataksha	One who has an eye on the forehead
29	Kalakala	One who is even the death of Kala (Yama)
30	Kripanidhi	The merciful lord
31	Bhima	One who’s strong like Bheema
32	Parashuhasta	Lord, who carries an axe
33	Mrigapani	One who holds the devotees’ minds as deer
34	Jatadhara	One with matted hair
35	Kailasavasi	One who resides on Kailasha parvat
36	Kavachi	The armoured one
37	Kathora	Extremely strong and powerful
38	Tripurantaka	Slayer of the demon Tripura
39	Vrishanka	God with a flag carrying the symbol of a bull
40	Vrishabharudha	One mounted on the bull
41	Bhasmoddhulitavigraha	One who applies ashes to his entire body
42	Samapriya	One who loves the Samaveda
43	Svaramaya	One who resides in all seven notes (swara)
44	Trayimurti	One who exists in the form of the Rigveda, Yajurveda, and Samaveda
45	Anishvara	The lord of all
46	Sarvajna	One who is omniscient
47	Paramatma	The supreme lord
48	Somasuryagnilochana	One with eyes in the form of the sun, moon, and fire
49	Havis	Personification of a sacrificial offering
50	Yajnamaya	Form of sacrifice (yajna)
51	Soma	One who’s calm and pure like the moon
52	Panchavaktra	One with five faces
53	Sadashiva	Eternally auspicious one
54	Vishveshvara	Lord of the universe
55	Virabhadra	One with an intense, fierce nature
56	Gananatha	Lord of all the ganas
57	Prajapati	The lord of all the beings
58	Hiranyareta	One who is as radiant as a thousand sun
59	Durdharsha	One who cannot be defeated
60	Girisha	Lord of Mountains
61	Girisha	One who sleeps on the Kailasha mountain
62	Anagha	One who hasn’t performed any sins
63	Bhujangabhushana	Lord who wears snakes as his ornaments
64	Bharga	Destroyer of all sins
65	Giridhanva	One who holds Mount Meru as his bow
66	Giripriya	One who is fond of mountains
67	Krittivasa	One who wears elephant skin
68	Purarati	Destroyer of the demon Tripurasura and his three worlds
69	Bhagavan	The supreme god
70	Pramathadhipa	Lord of pramatha ganas i.e., Shiva ganas
71	Mrityunjaya	One who conquers death
72	Sukshmatanu	Lord with a subtle body
73	Jagadvyapi	One who exists in the complete universe
74	Jagadguru	The perceptor of the universe
75	Vyomkesha	One whose hair spread in the sky
76	Mahasenajanaka	Father of lord kartikeya
77	Charuvirkramaya	The conqueror of beauty
78	Rudra	The one with a fearsome form
79	Bhutapati	Master of ghosts, spirits, and the pancha mahabhutas
80	Sthanu	The immovable and eternal lord
81	Ahirbudhnya	One who carries kundalini
82	Digambara	One whose garment is the sky
83	Ashtamurti	Lord, who has eight forms
84	Anekatma	God, who possesses many forms
85	Sattvika	One who is endowed with the eight gunas
86	Shuddhavigraha	The pure and clean soul
87	Shasvata	Eternal and endless one
88	Khandaparashu	One who carried a broken axe
89	Aja	The eternal one
90	Pashavimochaka	Lord who liberates from all worldly bondages
91	Mrida	One who grants happiness
92	Pashupati	Lord of animals
93	Deva	Lord of Devas
94	Mahadeva	Greatest of all gods
95	Avyaya	One who is never subjected to change
96	Hari	Same as Lord Vishnu
97	Bhaganetrabhide	The one who damaged Bhaga’s eye
98	Avyaktaya	One who is unseen
99	Dakshadhvarahara	One who destroyed Daksha’s conceited sacrifice (yajna)
100	Hara	The destroyer of all sins
101	Pushadantabhide	One who punished Pushan
102	Avyagraya	One who is stable and unwavering in nature
103	Sahasrakshaya	One with limitless forms
104	Sahasrapade	One who’s standing and walking everywhere
105	Apavargapradaya	Lord, who provides salvation
106	Ananta	One who is infinite
107	Taraka	The liberator
108	Parameshwaraya	The supreme god

Benefits of Chanting 108 Names of Lord Shiva

Chanting the 108 names of lord shiva is believed to offer many spiritual and mental benefits including:

Relief from Stress and Anxiety: The rhythmic chanting of the different names of lord shiva can help ease down stress and calm your mind.

Better Concentration: Engaging in regular practice of chanting 108 names of Mahadev help improve focus so that you can better concentrate on your everyday tasks.

Sense of Strength and Power: Shiva is considered a powerful source of energy and wisdom and chanting different shiva names is believed to instill you with power and strength.

Flow of Positive Energy: The practice of chanting 108 names of Mahadev can creative a spiritually uplifting aura allowing the flow of positive energy.

Peace of Mind: The constant repetition of all names of god shiva, in a meditative state foster a deep connection with the divine and bring you peace of mind.

Takeaway

Shiva is the lord of all gods and the supreme diety responsible for the transformation and revival of the cosmos. There so much you can learn from shiva - like maintaining the calmness and mindfulness amidst the chaos and the need of proactivness and action to fight against the evil forces. Chanting the 108 names of Lord Shiva, not only helps invite his blessings but also adapt various of his personality traits that help you with your growth and betterment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q. What is the unique name of Shiv Ji?
A. One of the most unique and powerful names of Lord Shiva is "Mahadev", which means the "God of Gods." While there are many different names of Lord Shiv, Mahadev carries this deep sense of respect and admiration.

Q. Why does Lord Shiva have different names?
A. The different names of Lord Shiva reflect various traits of his personality. He’s a destroyer, a protector, a yogi, a cosmic dancer, and a divine healer - hence, each of his 108 names help us connect with his varied sides.

Q. When is the best time to recite the 108 names of Lord Shiva?
A. While you can chant them anytime, early morning - especially during Brahma Muhurat (roughly between 4 - 6 AM) - is considered the most peaceful and spiritually charged time.

Q. Where can I find the 108 names of Lord Shiva in Sanskrit and English?
A. You can find the 108 names of Lord Shiva in many spiritual books or trusted devotional websites online. They’re usually listed as "Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali." A quick online search with that term will bring up versions in Sanskrit, English, and even Hindi.

Q. What is the significance of chanting the 108 Shiva names?
A. Each of the 108 names of Mahadev holds a special vibration and meaning. Chanting them helps us stay calm, focused, and spiritually connected. Many believed that chanting the different names of Lord Shiva regularly brings strength during hard times, clears negative thoughts, and fills the space around you with positive energy.

Q. What is the difference between names like Shiva, Shankar, and Bholenath?
A. All three are names of Lord Shiva, but each highlights a different quality:

Shiva means "the auspicious one" – it’s his core name.
Shankar means "one who brings happiness and peace."
Bholenath is probably the most loved - it shows his innocent, simple-hearted nature. People believe that he grants wishes easily because he’s not complicated or demanding.

Q. Can the 108 names of Lord Shiva be recited daily?
A. Yes. In fact, many people make it a part of their daily prayers. It doesn’t matter if you chant all 108 in one go or split them throughout the day. What matters is doing it with faith, love, and intention. Even listening to them daily can have a calming and grounding effect.

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