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108 Names of Lord Shiva with Meanings
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108 Names of Lord Shiva with Meanings

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

shiva

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

Why are there specifically 108 names?

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.

What is the purpose of chanting the 108 names of Lord Shiva?

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

What are some benefits of reciting the 108 names of Lord Shiva?

Regular recitation can help:

  • Reduce stress and anxiety
  • Improve concentration
  • Build positive energy
  • Develop spiritual awareness
  • Bring peace of mind

When is the best time to recite the 108 names of Lord Shiva?

The most beneficial times are:

  • Early morning (Brahma Muhurta)
  • During Monday mornings
  • During Pradosh Kaal (twilight time)
  • During Shivaratri

Is there a specific method for chanting the 108 names?

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

Can reciting the 108 names of Lord Shiva help in meditation?

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

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