Durga 108 Names (Ashtottara) - Meaning & Benefits

The Durga Ashtottara Shatanamavali is a sacred list of 108 names of Maa Durga, the supreme mother goddess and slayer of evil. Each name reveals one of her many forms, powers and graces, from the gentle daughter of the mountains to the fierce destroyer of demons. Chanting these names as an archana, offering kumkum or flowers with each, is a powerful devotion, especially loved during Navratri and on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The number 108 is among the most sacred in Hindu tradition. It is linked to the cosmos - 9 planets times 12 zodiac signs equals 108 - and a japa mala holds 108 beads for a complete round of chanting. The number also signifies the whole: 1 the one Shakti, 0 the void from which all arises, and 8 infinity. To chant Maa Durga's 108 names is to circle the Mother with a full, unbroken garland of remembrance and surrender.

Each name is traditionally chanted as Om Shailaputryai Namah, with Om before and Namah after. To perform an archana: 1. Bathe and sit before an image of Maa Durga, facing east or north. 2. Light a ghee or sesame lamp and keep red flowers, kumkum and red chunari ready. 3. Recite each of the 108 names, offering kumkum or a red flower at her feet with every name. 4. End with the Durga aarti and a heartfelt prayer for strength and protection. During Navratri this archana is especially fruitful.

Here is a representative set of beloved names from the 108: Shailaputri (Shailaputryai) - daughter of the mountains (Himalaya). Bhavani (Bhavanyai) - the giver of life and consort of Bhava (Shiva). Katyayani (Katyayanyai) - born to sage Katyayana, a fierce warrior form. Mahishasuramardini (Mahishasuramardinyai) - the slayer of the demon Mahishasura. Durga (Durgayai) - she who is hard to reach, remover of all difficulty. Ambika - the divine mother of all. Each name is a different face of the one Shakti.

A few more cherished names and their meanings: Kaali - the dark, fierce remover of fear and time. Bhadrakali - the auspicious and protective form of Kali. Chandika - the fierce one who destroys evil. Jagadamba - the mother of the whole universe. Kaushiki - the radiant goddess born from Parvati's sheath. Sarvamangala - the source of all that is auspicious. Shivaduti - she who made Shiva her messenger. Reciting them awakens courage, devotion and inner strength.

Reciting the Durga Ashtottara is believed to grant courage and protection, destroy fear, enemies and negative energy, and remove obstacles to health, family and prosperity. It is said to invoke the Mother's blessing for victory in struggles, peace at home and the inner strength to face hardship. Chanting during the nine nights of Navratri is considered especially powerful for fulfilling sincere wishes.

Red is Maa Durga's colour - offer red flowers (especially hibiscus), red chunari and kumkum, and a sweet bhog. Tuesdays and Fridays are her weekly days, and Navratri is her greatest festival. Keep a clean, lit space and a calm, focused mind. A single name chanted with true love and surrender reaches the Mother more surely than many names recited in haste.