108 Names of Lord Shiva

108 Names of Lord Shiva with Meanings and the Divine Power of Chanting Them

Lord Shiva, the Mahadeva, is worshipped as the destroyer of negativity, the lord of meditation, and the source of divine transformation. Chanting the 108 names of Lord Shiva is considered highly powerful in Sanatana Dharma. Devotees believe that each name carries a unique vibration that removes sins, grants peace, destroys fear, and brings spiritual upliftment.

The number 108 is sacred in Hindu tradition. It represents completeness, cosmic balance, and spiritual awakening. Many saints and sages have recommended chanting Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali, the 108 names of Shiva, especially during Pradosh Vrat, Mahashivratri, Mondays, and the holy month of Shravan.

The Story Behind Chanting Shiva’s Names

According to ancient traditions and Shiva Purana, many devotees attained divine blessings simply by chanting the holy names of Lord Shiva with faith and devotion.

One famous story is about a hunter who unknowingly worshipped Lord Shiva on Mahashivratri.

Long ago, a hunter went into the forest searching for food. Night fell, and he climbed a Bilva tree near a Shiva Lingam to protect himself from wild animals. Throughout the night, he stayed awake and plucked Bilva leaves from the tree, which accidentally fell upon the Shiva Lingam below. He was also hungry and thirsty, unknowingly observing a fast.

While staying awake, he repeatedly uttered the name of Shiva out of fear and desperation.

By morning, Lord Shiva became pleased with his innocent devotion. Even though the hunter had no knowledge of rituals or scriptures, his sincere remembrance and the offering of Bilva leaves purified his sins. Lord Shiva granted him liberation and divine blessings.

This story teaches that even simple chanting of Shiva’s names with faith can transform a person’s life.

Another popular belief says that chanting the 108 names of Shiva:
removes fear
destroys negative karma
brings mental peace
protects from enemies
improves concentration
helps in spiritual growth
attracts divine blessings

108 Names of Lord Shiva with Meanings

1. Shivaya – The Auspicious One  
2. Maheshwaraya – The Great Lord  
3. Shambhave – Source of Happiness  
4. Pinakine – Wielder of the Bow Pinaka  
5. Shashishekharaya – One Who Wears the Moon  
6. Vamadevaya – The Gentle and Beautiful Lord  
7. Virupakshaya – The Lord with Three Eyes  
8. Kapardine – One with Matted Hair  
9. Neelalohitaya – The Blue and Red Colored Lord  
10. Shankaraya – Bestower of Happiness  
11. Shulapanaye – Holder of the Trident  
12. Khatvangine – Holder of the Skull Staff  
13. Vishnuvallabhaya – Beloved of Lord Vishnu  
14. Shipivishtaya – All Pervading Lord  
15. Ambikanathaya – Consort of Goddess Ambika  
16. Shrikanthaya – The Glorious Necked One  
17. Bhaktavatsalaya – Lover of Devotees  
18. Bhavaya – Source of Existence  
19. Sharvaya – Destroyer of Evil  
20. Trilokeshaya – Lord of the Three Worlds  
21. Shitikanthaya – One with the Blue Throat  
22. Shivapriyaya – Beloved of Parvati  
23. Ugraya – The Fierce One  
24. Kapaline – Wearer of Skull Garland  
25. Kaumaraye – Father of Kartikeya  
26. Andhakasurasudanaya – Destroyer of Demon Andhaka  
27. Gangadharaya – Bearer of River Ganga  
28. Lalatakshaya – One with the Eye on the Forehead  
29. Kalakalaya – Destroyer of Time  
30. Kripanidhaye – Treasure of Compassion  
31. Bhimaya – The Powerful One  
32. Parashuhastaya – Holder of the Axe  
33. Mrigapanaye – Holder of the Deer  
34. Jatadharaya – One with Matted Locks  
35. Kailasavasine – Resident of Mount Kailash  
36. Kavachine – The Armored Lord  
37. Kathoraya – The Strong One  
38. Tripurantakaya – Destroyer of the Three Cities  
39. Vrishankaya – One with Bull Symbol  
40. Vrishabharudhaya – Rider of the Bull Nandi  
41. Bhasmoddhulitavigrahaya – Covered with Sacred Ash  
42. Samapriyaya – Lover of Equality  
43. Svaramayaya – Embodiment of Musical Notes  
44. Trayimurthaye – Embodiment of Trinity  
45. Anishwaraya – One Beyond All Lords  
46. Sarvajñaya – Omniscient One  
47. Paramatmane – Supreme Soul  
48. Somasuryagnilochanaya – Eyes as Moon Sun and Fire  
49. Havishe – Receiver of Sacred Offerings  
50. Yajnamayaya – Embodiment of Sacrifice  
51. Somaya – Lord of Soma  
52. Panchavaktraya – Five Faced Lord  
53. Sadashivaya – Eternally Auspicious One  
54. Vishveshwaraya – Lord of the Universe  
55. Virabhadraya – Fierce Warrior Form  
56. Gananathaya – Lord of the Ganas  
57. Prajapataye – Lord of Creation  
58. Hiranyaretase – Golden Soul  
59. Durdharshaya – Invincible One  
60. Girishaya – Lord of the Mountains  
61. Girishaya – Protector of Mountains  
62. Anaghaya – Sinless One  
63. Bhujangabhushanaya – Adorned with Serpents  
64. Bhargaya – Radiant Lord  
65. Giridhanvane – Archer of the Mountains  
66. Giripriyaya – Lover of Mountains  
67. Krittivasase – Wearer of Animal Skin  
68. Purarataye – Destroyer of Cities  
69. Bhagavate – The Divine Lord  
70. Pramathadhipaya – Lord of Ghosts and Attendants  
71. Mrityunjayaya – Conqueror of Death  
72. Sukshmatanave – Subtle Bodied One  
73. Jagadvyapine – Pervading the Universe  
74. Jagadgurave – Teacher of the Universe  
75. Vyomakeshaya – One Whose Hair is the Sky  
76. Mahasenajanakaya – Father of Kartikeya  
77. Charuvikramaya – Lord of Graceful Valor  
78. Rudraya – The Roaring Divine One  
79. Bhutapataye – Lord of Beings  
80. Sthanave – The Steady One  
81. Ahirbudhnyaya – Serpent of the Deep  
82. Digambaraya – Clothed in Space  
83. Ashtamurtaye – One with Eight Forms  
84. Anekatmane – One with Many Forms  
85. Sattvikaya – Pure Natured One  
86. Shuddhavigrahaya – Pure Formed Lord  
87. Shashvataya – Eternal One  
88. Khandaparashave – Holder of Broken Axe  
89. Ajaya – The Unborn One  
90. Pashavimochakaya – Liberator from Bondage  
91. Mridaya – Compassionate Lord  
92. Pashupataye – Lord of All Creatures  
93. Devaya – The Divine One  
94. Mahadevaya – Greatest God  
95. Avyayaya – Indestructible One  
96. Haraye – Remover of Sins  
97. Pushadantabhide – Breaker of Pushan’s Teeth  
98. Dakshadhvaraharaya – Destroyer of Daksha’s Sacrifice  
99. Haraya – The Remover  
100. Bhaganetrabhide – Destroyer of Bhaga’s Eyes  
101. Avyaktaya – The Unmanifested One  
102. Sahasrakshaya – Thousand Eyed Lord  
103. Sahasrapade – Thousand Footed Lord  
104. Apavargapradaya – Giver of Liberation  
105. Anantaya – Endless One  
106. Tarakaya – Savior of Souls  
107. Parameshwaraya – Supreme Lord  
108. Omkaraya – Embodiment of Om

Benefits of Chanting Shiva’s 108 Names

Chanting these sacred names daily is believed to:
bring peace and positivity
remove fear and negativity
protect from evil influences
improve concentration and mental strength
help during difficult times
bring spiritual growth and inner calm
attract blessings of Lord Shiva

Devotees often chant these names:
during Brahma Muhurta
on Mondays
during Pradosh Vrat
on Mahashivratri
during Shravan month
while offering Bilva leaves to Shiva Lingam

Simple Way to Chant

Sit peacefully in front of Lord Shiva’s image or Shiva Lingam.
Light a diya or incense if possible.
Chant each name slowly with devotion.
You may use a Rudraksha mala for counting.
Even chanting with pure faith is enough to receive Lord Shiva’s grace.

Conclusion

Lord Shiva is known as Ashutosh, the one who gets pleased very easily. Even a small prayer offered with devotion reaches him. Chanting the 108 names of Shiva purifies the mind, fills the heart with peace, and connects the devotee to divine energy.

Har Har Mahadev

Ms. Swaati Mehrotra

Celebrated Vedic Astrologer, Tarot Master, Vastu Consultant & Spiritual Life Coach with over 15+ years of experience guiding thousands across the globe.