Lord Shiva is one of the most important gods in Hinduism.108 names of Lord Shiva tell us about his divine qualities, powers, and stories. Each name has a special meaning that helps us understand who Lord Shiva is and what he means to his devotees.
Who is Lord Shiva?
Lord Shiva is known as the destroyer in the Hindu Trinity, along with Brahma (the creator) and Vishnu (the preserver). He is often shown with blue skin, wearing a crescent moon in his matted hair, with the holy river Ganga flowing from his locks. He carries a trident and has a third eye on his forehead. People pray to him for protection, wisdom, and to overcome life's challenges.
108 Names of Lord Shiva With Meanings
Here are the sacred 108 names of Lord Shiva, each with its meaning:
| Name | Meaning |
| 1. Shiva | The Auspicious One |
| 2. Mahadeva | The Great God |
| 3. Maheshwara | The Great Lord |
| 4. Neelakantha | The Blue-Throated One |
| 5. Rudra | The Fierce One |
| 6. Shambhu | The Source of Happiness |
| 7. Mahakala | The Lord of Time |
| 8. Bholenath | The Simple Lord |
| 9. Ashutosh | One Who Fulfills Wishes Quickly |
| 10. Gangadhara | Bearer of the River Ganga |
| 11. Chandrashekhara | One Who Wears the Moon |
| 12. Vishwanatha | Lord of the Universe |
| 13. Mahesha | The Great Lord |
| 14. Tryambaka | Three-Eyed One |
| 15. Bhairava | The Fierce Form |
| 16. Umapati | Husband of Uma (Parvati) |
| 17. Nataraj | Lord of Dance |
| 18. Kailashnath | Lord of Mount Kailash |
| 19. Pashupati | Lord of All Living Beings |
| 20. Mahayogi | The Great Yogi |
| 21. Sadashiva | The Eternal Shiva |
| 22. Parameshwara | The Supreme Lord |
| 23. Somnath | Lord of the Moon |
| 24. Yogishwara | Lord of the Yogis |
| 25. Trilochana | Three-Eyed Lord |
| 26. Vrishabhavahana | One Who Rides the Bull |
| 27. Kapali | The Skull-Bearer |
| 28. Antaka | The End Maker |
| 29. Gangadhara | The Bearer of Ganga |
| 30. Shulapani | Holder of the Trident |
| 31. Pinakapani | Bearer of the Bow Called Pinaka |
| 32. Abhaya | The Fearless One |
| 33. Digambara | Clothed in Space (Sky-Clad) |
| 34. Mrityunjaya | Conqueror of Death |
| 35. Kalahari | Destroyer of Time |
| 36. Nilalohita | The Blue and Red One |
| 37. Shankar | The Beneficent One |
| 38. Shoolapani | Holder of the Spear |
| 39. Kharparadhrk | Who Holds the Skull |
| 40. Kamalekshana | Lotus-Eyed One |
| 41. Ishana | The Ruler |
| 42. Mahadyuti | The Greatly Luminous |
| 43. Girishanta | Lord of the Mountains |
| 44. Anagha | The Sinless One |
| 45. Bhujangatrasta | Wearer of Serpents |
| 46. Mrityu | Death Itself |
| 47. Sarvajña | All-Knowing |
| 48. Dhruva | The Unchanging One |
| 49. Girisha | Lord of Mountains |
| 50. Kalakala | The Controller of Time |
| 51. Sarvakarma | Doer of All Actions |
| 52. Vrishah | The Righteous One |
| 53. Pushkara | The Nourisher |
| 54. Sthira | The Stable One |
| 55. Parvatapati | Lord of Mountains |
| 56. Tarpaka | The Satisfier |
| 57. Maha-Maya | The Great Illusionist |
| 58. Vishvarupa | Of Universal Form |
| 59. Virupaksha | Of Unusual Eyes |
| 60. Vagisha | Lord of Speech |
| 61. Shivottama | The Supreme Shiva |
| 62. Umakanta | The Beloved of Uma |
| 63. Chandrapriya | Lover of the Moon |
| 64. Sarvayudha | Bearer of All Weapons |
| 65. Prasanna | The Pleasant One |
| 66. Swayamjyoti | Self-Luminous |
| 67. Atmagyani | Knower of All Souls |
| 68. Pranavatmaka | Of the Nature of Pranava (Om) |
| 69. Devadeva | God of Gods |
| 70. Trilokapa | Lord of Three Worlds |
| 71. Shivapriya | Lover of Auspiciousness |
| 72. Ugra | The Fierce One |
| 73. Kapardiman | One with Matted Hair |
| 74. Vamadeva | Beautiful Lord |
| 75. Priyabhakta | Lover of Devotees |
| 76. Jagatpati | Lord of the Universe |
| 77. Iswara | Supreme Controller |
| 78. Sadasiva | The Eternal Shiva |
| 79. Bhutapati | Lord of the Elements |
| 80. Bhutanatha | Lord of All Beings |
| 81. Ahirbudhnya | The Serpent of the Depths |
| 82. Kapalamalina | Wearer of Skull Garland |
| 83. Gautamipriya | Beloved of the Gautami (Ganga) |
| 84. Dandadhara | Bearer of the Staff |
| 85. Ambikanatha | Lord of Ambika |
| 86. Dakshakratu | Destroyer of Daksha's Sacrifice |
| 87. Parashudhara | Holder of the Axe |
| 88. Mriga | The Seeker |
| 89. Kratudhwamsi | Destroyer of Sacrifices |
| 90. Anagha | The Faultless One |
| 91. Vibhu | The Almighty |
| 92. Sarvakarta | Creator of All |
| 93. Sarvashubhankara | Doer of All Good |
| 94. Sadashiva | The Eternal Auspicious One |
| 95. Giriraha | Mountain Rider |
| 96. Anantha | The Endless One |
| 97. Bhuvaneshwara | Lord of the World |
| 98. Tripurari | Enemy of Tripura |
| 99. Adiyogi | The First Yogi |
| 100. Anaadi | The Beginningless |
| 101. Aghora | The Non-Terrible |
| 102. Karunakar | The Compassionate |
| 103. Lokapal | Protector of the World |
| 104. Mahayogi | The Great Yogi |
| 105. Yogacharya | Teacher of Yoga |
| 106. Oghadeva | Lord of Knowledge |
| 107. Mahatapa | The Great Ascetic |
| 108. Vishwadeha | One with Universal Form |
Conclusion
The 108 names of Lord Shiva represent different aspects of his divine nature. Each name tells us about his powers, qualities, and the stories associated with him. By understanding these names, devotees can better connect with Lord Shiva's universal presence and divine grace. These names are not just titles but windows into the profound wisdom and teachings of Shaivism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why are there specifically 108 names?
A. The number 108 is considered sacred in Hinduism. It represents the universe's wholeness, as there are 108 energy lines converging at the heart chakra. This number also has mathematical and astronomical significance in ancient Indian traditions.
Q. What is the purpose of chanting the 108 names of Lord Shiva?
A. Chanting these names helps devotees:
- Connect deeply with Lord Shiva's divine energy
- Purify their mind and thoughts
- Gain spiritual strength
- Find peace and clarity
- Overcome life's obstacles
Q. What are some benefits of reciting the 108 names of Lord Shiva?
A. Regular recitation can help:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve concentration
- Build positive energy
- Develop spiritual awareness
- Bring peace of mind
Q. When is the best time to recite the 108 names of Lord Shiva?
A. The most beneficial times are:
- Early morning (Brahma Muhurta)
- During Monday mornings
- During Pradosh Kaal (twilight time)
- During Shivaratri
Q. Is there a specific method for chanting the 108 names?
A. Yes, these names are traditionally chanted:
- In a seated position
- With a calm mind
- Using a rudraksha mala (prayer beads)
- With proper pronunciation
- With full devotion and concentration
Q. Can reciting the 108 names of Lord Shiva help in meditation?
A. Yes, reciting these names can enhance meditation by:
- Focusing the mind
- Creating a peaceful atmosphere
- Deepening spiritual connection
- Increasing concentration
- Building a meditative state naturally
Also Read:-
108 Names of Lord Krishna | 10 Famous Temples in South India | Powerful Gods in Hinduism | Top 10 Biggest Temples in India
