Ashtottarshatnamawali

About Ashtottarashatanamavali

Ashtottarashatanamavali (अष्टोत्तरशतनामावलिः), often shortened to Ashtottarashata Namavali or simply Ashtottaram, is a Sanskrit term that literally means "a garland of 108 names."

Here's a breakdown:

• Ashtottara (अष्टोत्तर): "Ashta" means eight (8), and "uttara" means after or exceeding. So, "Ashtottara" essentially means "eight more" or "plus eight."
• Shata (शत): Means hundred (100).
• Namavali (नामावलिः): Means a garland or list of names.

Therefore, Ashtottarashatanamavali refers to a collection or hymn comprising 108 names of a particular deity, a revered saint, or a divine concept.

Key Aspects and Significance:

1. 108 Names: The number 108 is considered sacred in Hinduism for various reasons:

   • It's a multiple of 12 (number of zodiac signs) and 9 (number of planets in Vedic astrology).
   • It represents the total number of marmas (vital energy points) in the body according to Ayurveda.
   • It's roughly the average distance between the Sun and Earth (108 times the Sun's diameter) and the Moon and Earth (108 times the Moon's diameter), linking it to cosmic cycles.

   • In Japa Mala (rosary beads), there are typically 108 beads, making it easy to keep count during repetitions of a mantra or name.

2. Praise and Glorification: Each name in an Ashtottarashatanamavali describes a specific attribute, quality, deed, form, or manifestation of the deity. Chanting these names is a way of intensely glorifying and meditating on the divine.

3. Spiritual Connection: Reciting the Ashtottarashatanamavali helps devotees connect deeply with the divine. By focusing on the various aspects of the deity, one can understand their multifaceted nature and absorb their virtues.

4. Part of Puja (Worship): Ashtottarashatanamavalis are frequently chanted during daily puja (worship rituals). As each name is recited, devotees often offer a flower, a pinch of rice (akshata), or other auspicious items to the deity's idol or image. This is known as archana.

5. Overcoming Obstacles and Seeking Blessings: It is believed that chanting the names of a deity helps in removing obstacles, purifying the mind, attracting positive energy, and fulfilling desires. For example, the Ganapati Ashtottarashatanamavali is chanted to invoke Lord Ganesha's blessings for obstacle removal and new beginnings.

6. Meditation and Focus: The repetitive chanting of the names helps to focus the mind, calm inner turmoil, and lead to a meditative state.

7. Examples: There are Ashtottarashatanamavalis for almost every major Hindu deity, including:

   • Vishnu Ashtottarashatanamavali
   • Shiva Ashtottarashatanamavali
   • Lakshmi Ashtottarashatanamavali
   • Durga Ashtottarashatanamavali
   • Saraswati Ashtottarashatanamavali
   • Krishna Ashtottarashatanamavali
   • And many more for other deities, as well as for revered gurus like Adi Shankaracharya.

In summary, an Ashtottarashatanamavali is a powerful devotional tool in Hinduism, used for praising and connecting with the divine through the systematic recitation of 108 sacred names.