What Is the Kali Ashtottara Shatanamavali?
An Ashtottara Shatanamavali is a 'garland of one hundred and eight names' (ashtottara shata = 108). The Kali Ashtottara Shatanamavali is a litany of 108 sacred names of Goddess Kali, recited one after another, each usually prefixed with Om and followed by Namah ('salutations').
Kali is the fierce yet deeply compassionate form of the Divine Mother. Dark as the night sky, garlanded with skulls and standing upon Shiva, she is the destroyer of time, ego and ignorance, and the giver of fearlessness and liberation. Her many names describe her power, her forms, her cosmic role and her boundless grace. Chanting all 108 is a complete act of devotion to Shakti.
A Selection from the 108 Names
The full litany contains 108 names. Below is a representative selection of about twenty-five of these names, with transliteration and meaning, to give a sense of the whole:
1. ॐ कालिकायै नमः - Om Kalikayai Namah (the dark Goddess Kali) 2. ॐ कालरात्र्यै नमः - Om Kalaratryai Namah (the dark night of dissolution) 3. ॐ कङ्कालिन्यै नमः - Om Kankalinyai Namah (she of the skeletal garland) 4. ॐ कमलायै नमः - Om Kamalayai Namah (the lotus-like, auspicious one) 5. ॐ कलिदर्पघ्न्यै नमः - Om Kalidarpaghnyai Namah (destroyer of the pride of Kali Yuga) 6. ॐ कपालिन्यै नमः - Om Kapalinyai Namah (bearer of the skull) 7. ॐ कमलाक्षिण्यै नमः - Om Kamalakshinyai Namah (lotus-eyed) 8. ॐ कारुण्यर्द्रायै नमः - Om Karunyardrayai Namah (moist with compassion) 9. ॐ कलावत्यै नमः - Om Kalavatyai Namah (full of arts and digits) 10. ॐ कमलासनवासिन्यै नमः - Om Kamalasanavasinyai Namah (seated on the lotus) 11. ॐ चामुण्डायै नमः - Om Chamundayai Namah (slayer of Chanda and Munda) 12. ॐ चण्डिकायै नमः - Om Chandikayai Namah (the fierce one) 13. ॐ जगन्मात्रे नमः - Om Jaganmatre Namah (mother of the universe) 14. ॐ भद्रकाल्यै नमः - Om Bhadrakalyai Namah (the auspicious Kali) 15. ॐ भयानकायै नमः - Om Bhayanakayai Namah (the terrifying one to evil) 16. ॐ दक्षिणायै नमः - Om Dakshinayai Namah (Dakshina Kali, the gracious) 17. ॐ शिवायै नमः - Om Shivayai Namah (the auspicious, consort of Shiva) 18. ॐ शिवप्रियायै नमः - Om Shivapriyayai Namah (beloved of Shiva) 19. ॐ महामायायै नमः - Om Mahamayayai Namah (the great cosmic illusion) 20. ॐ मुक्तकेश्यै नमः - Om Muktakeshyai Namah (she of free-flowing hair) 21. ॐ घोररूपायै नमः - Om Ghorarupayai Namah (of awesome form) 22. ॐ करालिकायै नमः - Om Karalikayai Namah (the fearsome one) 23. ॐ विद्यायै नमः - Om Vidyayai Namah (sacred knowledge itself) 24. ॐ ब्रह्मविद्यायै नमः - Om Brahmavidyayai Namah (knowledge of the Absolute) 25. ॐ अभयायै नमः - Om Abhayayai Namah (the giver of fearlessness)
These are only a part of the full 108. Together, the complete namavali paints the Goddess as both the fierce destroyer of evil and the loving mother who grants knowledge and liberation.
Benefits of Chanting the 108 Names
Reciting the Kali Ashtottara is a cherished Shakti sadhana:
- Fearlessness: Kali is the giver of abhaya (fearlessness); her names dissolve fear of difficulties, enemies and even death.
- Destruction of negativity: Calling her many forms is believed to burn away negative energy, evil influences and inner darkness.
- Removal of ego and ignorance: As the destroyer of kala (time) and the ego, Kali clears the path to self-knowledge.
- Protection: Devotees seek her fierce, motherly protection over themselves and their families.
- Liberation (moksha): In Tantra and Vedanta alike, Kali is honoured as the bestower of liberation.
- Inner strength and peace: The litany steadies the mind and awakens devotion to the Divine Mother.
Kali's fierceness is never cruelty - it is a mother's fierce love that destroys whatever stands between the soul and freedom.
How to Chant the Namavali
1. Best time: Early morning or night, especially on Tuesdays, Fridays, Amavasya (new moon), and during Navratri and Kali Puja. 2. Setup: Sit on a clean asana before an image of Maa Kali, light a lamp (oil or ghee) and offer red flowers, especially hibiscus, which is dear to her. 3. Begin: Bow to the Goddess and to your guru, then chant 'Om' and the names one by one, each ending in 'Namah'. 4. Mala: Many recite the full 108 names as a count of 108, naturally suited to one round of a mala. 5. Reverence: Kali's worship calls for sincerity, purity and humility. Chant with a calm, devoted heart, free of fear, knowing her fierceness is a mother's love. 6. Close: End with the Goddess's aarti, a prayer for fearlessness and grace, and offer the prasad. If you do not know all 108, you may recite the names you know with devotion and learn the rest over time.
What People Ask Most
What is the Kali Ashtottara Shatanamavali?+
It is the litany of the 108 sacred names of Goddess Kali, recited one after another, each usually prefixed with 'Om' and ending in 'Namah'. Chanting it is a complete act of devotion to the Divine Mother.
Why does Kali have so many names?+
Each name describes a different aspect of the Goddess - her power, her forms, her cosmic role and her grace. Together the 108 names express that she is both the fierce destroyer of evil and the loving mother who grants knowledge and liberation.
Is it true that all 108 names are listed here?+
No. The names shown here are a representative selection of about twenty-five from the full Kali Ashtottara Shatanamavali, given to convey its spirit. The complete litany contains all 108 names.
Is it safe for ordinary devotees to worship Kali?+
Yes. Though Kali appears fierce, she is a deeply loving mother. Worship her with sincerity, purity and humility, and a calm, fearless heart. Her fierceness destroys only ego and negativity, never her devotees.
About the author
Acharya Vinaya Kapoor · M.A. Sanskrit, Mantra & Stotra Studies
Acharya Vinaya holds an M.A. in Sanskrit from Banaras Hindu University and writes the mantra and stotra commentary on Vandnaa. Her focus is on accurate pronunciation, traditional context, and helping modern readers connect with classical texts.
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