108 Glorious Names of Lord Shiva and Their Divine Meanings

INVC NEWS
Haridwar, Kashi – : Lord Shiva, revered as Mahadev, is one of the most powerful and benevolent deities in Hinduism. Known for his unique combination of fierceness and compassion, Shiva is worshipped by millions across the globe. He is the God of transformation, destruction, and regeneration, yet he is also the embodiment of peace and liberation. Chanting his names is said to invoke divine blessings, remove negativity, and awaken spiritual consciousness.

Among the countless epithets attributed to Lord Shiva, the 108 names hold a special significance. Derived from the Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali, each name reflects a unique facet of his cosmic personality, powers, and virtues. Let’s dive into these sacred names and uncover their profound meanings.

Why Chanting the 108 Names of Shiva Matters

Each of Shiva’s names carries a vibration of sacred energy. Reciting them during prayer, especially on Mondays, Shivaratri, Mahashivaratri, and throughout the month of Sawan, magnifies spiritual merit. These names aren’t just titles—they are keys to understanding the multidimensional nature of the Supreme Being.

Comprehensive List: 108 Names of Lord Shiva with Meanings

1. Shiva – The auspicious one who blesses all beings

2. Maheshwar – Supreme Lord of the universe

3. Shambhu – Bestower of happiness and joy

4. Pinaki – Wielder of the mighty Pinaka bow

5. Shashishekhar – The moon-crowned Lord

6. Vaamdev – Gentle and graceful aspect

7. Virupaksha – One with divine and unique eyes

8. Kapardi – One with twisted locks

9. Neelkanth – The blue-throated savior

10. Sthānu – The motionless and eternal

11. Bhaktvatsal – Beloved of his devotees

12. Bhava – The source of all existence

13. Sarva – The all-encompassing one

14. Trilochan – The three-eyed God

15. Shitikanth – One with a cool throat

16. Shivpriya – Beloved of Lord Shiva

17. Jatadhar – One with matted hair

18. Kailashvasi – Resident of Mount Kailash

19. Kapali – Bearer of skulls

20. Kamari – Destroyer of desire (Kamadeva)

21. Andhakaripu – Vanquisher of ignorance

22. Gangadhar – Bearer of the sacred Ganga

23. Lalataaksha – The third eye on the forehead

24. Kaalkaal – Destroyer of even time

25. Kripanidhi – Ocean of compassion

26. Bheem – The tremendous and mighty

27. Parashuhasta – One who holds the axe

28. Mrigpani – Holder of a deer

29. Jatil – The ascetic with dreadlocks

30. Kailashpati – Lord of Kailash

31. Krittivas – One adorned with tiger skin

32. Purarati – Slayer of Tripura demons

33. Bhagwan – The all-opulent Lord

34. Pramathadhipa – Master of celestial hosts

35. Mrityunjaya – Conqueror of death

36. Sukshma Tanu – The subtle-bodied one

37. Jagadvapi – All-pervading essence

38. Jagadguru – Spiritual teacher of the world

39. Vyasa – Expander of truth

40. Sarvagya – All-knowing

41. Vinay – Embodiment of humility

42. Vishwanath – Lord of the cosmos

43. Vrishabh – Master of Nandi, the bull

44. Vrishadhwaj – One with the bull flag

45. Survandit – Worshipped by the celestial beings

46. Siddhanath – Master of spiritual powers

47. Siddhid – Bestower of accomplishments

48. Sarvad – Giver of everything

49. Sharva – The annihilator

50. Shrikanth – One with a radiant neck

51. Shitkanth – Cool-throated

52. Kapilmuni – Sage Kapil’s form

53. Ayurda – Giver of long life

54. Adidev – Primordial deity

55. Mahadev – Supreme God

56. Nandishwar – Lord of Nandi

57. Nagbhushan – Adorned with serpents

58. Nikumbh – Slayer of the wicked

59. Sanatan – Eternal

60. Anantadrishti – Infinite perception

61. Anand – Source of bliss

62. Dhurjati – He with heavy dreadlocks

63. Chandramauli – Crowned with the moon

64. Nitya – Immortal

65. Niradhar – Self-sustained

66. Niraakar – Formless

67. Adikarta – Original creator

68. Nagendra – King of serpents

69. Abhayankar – Reliever of fear

70. Pashupati – Lord of all beings

71. Dakshadhwarhar – Destroyer of Daksha’s sacrifice

72. Har – Remover of all sins

73. Bhujangbhushan – Snake-adorned

74. Bharg – Destroyer of evil

75. Girish – Lord of the Himalayas

76. Girishaya – Resider in the mountains

77. Jagannath – Master of the world

78. Kubermitra – Friend of the god of wealth

79. Mrityunjay – Death-conqueror

80. Krittivas – Tiger-skin-wearer

81. Purarati – Conqueror of Tripura

82. Nityasunder – Eternally beautiful

83. Mahayogi – Supreme ascetic

84. Mahesh – Supreme being

85. Characharguru – Master of all beings

86. Ishaan – Guardian of the northeast

87. Sahasraksh – Thousand-eyed

88. Sahasrapad – Thousand-footed

89. Apavargapradha – Granter of liberation

90. Anagha – Sinless

91. Sada Shiva – Ever-auspicious

92. Anant – Infinite

93. Shant – Tranquil

94. Sarvajna – Omniscient

95. Paramatma – Supreme soul

96. Somsundar – Moon-like beauty

97. Sureshvara – Lord of the Devas

98. Mahasen – Commander of divine armies

99. Vedkarta – Author of the Vedas

100. Varada – Giver of boons

101. Vishweshwara – Lord of the Universe

102. Tryambaka – Three-eyed divinity

103. Vishwaroop – The cosmic form

104. Veerbhadra – Fierce warrior form

105. Vishalaksha – Wide-eyed Lord

106. Vrishank – Marked with the bull

107. Vrishavaahan – Rider of the bull

108. Ahirbudhnya – One rooted in the depths like a serpent

Final Thought: Chanting the Names of Shiva is a Gateway to Liberation

Every one of Shiva’s 108 names holds a reservoir of spiritual power. Reciting them with devotion, clarity, and understanding leads to inner peace, blessings of health, protection, and the ultimate goal—moksha (liberation). Whether you are a seasoned devotee or just beginning your spiritual journey, these names offer an intimate connection with the timeless Lord Shiva.

Let the sacred chant of “Om Namah Shivaya” resonate through your being, for it is through remembrance that the divine truly awakens within.