Ganesh 108 Names (Ashtottara) - Meaning & Benefits

The Ganesh Ashtottara Shatanamavali is a sacred list of 108 names of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and beginnings. Each name describes a quality, form or deed of Ganesha. Chanting these names is a beloved form of archana, where each name is offered with flowers, durva grass or kumkum. It is recited daily, on Wednesdays, on Sankashti and Vinayaka Chaturthi, and especially during Ganesh Chaturthi.

The number 108 is considered deeply sacred in Hindu tradition. It is said to represent the wholeness of creation - 9 planets times 12 zodiac signs equals 108, and there are traditionally 108 sacred beads on a japa mala. The number also points to the union of the self with the cosmos: 1 for the one truth, 0 for emptiness or completeness, and 8 for infinity. Chanting 108 names is thus a complete circle of remembrance and devotion.

Each name is traditionally chanted in the form Om Vakratundaya Namah, adding Om before and Namah after the name. To perform an archana: 1. Bathe and sit before a Ganesha idol or picture facing east. 2. Light a lamp and keep durva grass, red flowers and modak ready. 3. Recite each of the 108 names, offering durva or a flower at the feet of Ganesha with each name. 4. End with the aarti and pray for the removal of obstacles. You may also chant the names softly on a japa mala.

Here is a representative set of well-loved names from the 108: Vakratunda (Vakratundaya) - the one with a curved trunk. Ekadanta (Ekadantaya) - the single-tusked lord. Gajanana (Gajananaya) - the elephant-faced one. Lambodara (Lambodaraya) - the one with a large belly that holds the universe. Vighnaraja (Vighnarajaya) - the king who rules over all obstacles. Vinayaka - the supreme leader and guide. Gajakarna - the one with elephant ears. Each name is a doorway into one of Ganesha's many graces.

A few more cherished names and their meanings: Sumukha - the one with a beautiful, pleasant face. Kapila - the tawny-coloured lord. Heramba - the protector of the weak and beloved of his mother. Ganadhyaksha - the chief of the ganas (Shiva's hosts). Vighneshwara - the lord of all obstacles, who places and removes them. Siddhi Vinayaka - the giver of success and accomplishment. Vighnavinashaka - the destroyer of impediments. Reciting them aloud fills the mind with Ganesha's calm, joyful strength.

Reciting the Ganesh Ashtottara is believed to remove obstacles from new ventures, studies, marriage and travel, and to bless the home with wisdom, prosperity and harmony. It calms the mind, sharpens focus and is especially recited before exams, interviews and important beginnings. As Ganesha is the first deity worshipped in any ritual, his 108 names are a perfect way to start the day with a clear and steady heart.

Wednesday is Ganesha's day, and durva grass and modak are his most beloved offerings. Offer red flowers and apply a tilak of red sandalwood or kumkum. Begin every chant with a clean body and a calm mind, and avoid offering tulsi leaves to Ganesha, as tradition reserves them for Vishnu. For a daily habit, a soft recitation of even a few names with sincere love is more valued than a rushed full reading.