What Is the Sita Ashtottara Shatanamavali?
An Ashtottara Shatanamavali is a garland of 108 names of a deity, each name praising one quality, form or glory. The Sita Ashtottara Shatanamavali sings 108 names of Mata Sita, the consort of Lord Rama and the ideal of devotion, purity and patience.
Born as the daughter of King Janaka and discovered in a furrow of the earth, Sita is revered as a form of Mahalakshmi and as Mother Earth's own child. Reciting her names is a way to invoke her grace for a happy home, faithful love and inner strength.
Below is a representative selection of these names (not the complete list of 108) with their meanings.
Selected Names (Part 1)
A selection from the 108 names, with meaning:
1. सीता (Sita) - she who was found in the furrow of the earth 2. जानकी (Janaki) - daughter of King Janaka 3. वैदेही (Vaidehi) - princess of the Videha kingdom 4. मैथिली (Maithili) - princess of Mithila 5. रामप्रिया (Rama-priya) - the beloved of Rama 6. भूमिजा (Bhumija) - daughter of Bhumi, Mother Earth 7. रमा (Rama) - a form of Mahalakshmi 8. पद्माक्षी (Padmakshi) - she with lotus-like eyes 9. जनकात्मजा (Janakatmaja) - the soul-born daughter of Janaka 10. रघुवंशप्रिया (Raghuvansha-priya) - dear to the Raghu dynasty 11. पतिव्रता (Pativrata) - the supremely devoted wife 12. साध्वी (Sadhvi) - the chaste and virtuous one 13. शुभा (Shubha) - the auspicious one 14. कमला (Kamala) - the lotus, a name of Lakshmi
Selected Names (Part 2)
Continuing the selection from the 108 names:
15. देवी (Devi) - the radiant Goddess 16. लक्ष्मीस्वरूपिणी (Lakshmi-swarupini) - she who is the very form of Lakshmi 17. सर्वमंगला (Sarvamangala) - she who grants all that is auspicious 18. क्षमा (Kshama) - the embodiment of forgiveness and patience 19. धैर्यशीला (Dhairyashila) - the steadfast and courageous one 20. सती (Sati) - the pure and devoted one 21. रघुनाथप्रिया (Raghunatha-priya) - the beloved of Raghunatha (Rama) 22. अयोध्यावासिनी (Ayodhya-vasini) - she who dwells in Ayodhya 23. वनवासिनी (Vanavasini) - she who lived in the forest 24. करुणामयी (Karunamayi) - full of compassion 25. त्रिलोकजननी (Triloka-janani) - mother of the three worlds 26. पवित्रा (Pavitra) - the ever-pure 27. शान्ता (Shanta) - the peaceful one 28. भक्तप्रिया (Bhakta-priya) - dear to her devotees
These names are recited softly as Om ... Namayai Namah (for example Om Sitayai Namah), forming a loving garland of remembrance.
Significance, Benefits & How to Recite
Significance: Each of the 108 names reveals a facet of Sita - daughter of Janaka, child of the earth, form of Lakshmi, ideal of patience and devotion. Reciting them is a meditation on her virtue and grace.
Benefits (devotional beliefs):
- Blessing of a happy, harmonious married life
- Strength, patience and dignity in hardship, as Sita showed
- The grace of Lakshmi for prosperity and a peaceful home
- Deepening of faith, purity and devotion
How to recite: 1. Bathe and sit before an image of Sita-Rama with a ghee lamp, flowers and tulsi. 2. Recite the names in the Om ... Namah form, ideally alongside Rama's name (Sita-Ram). 3. Sita Navami (Janaki Jayanti) and Ram Navami are the most auspicious days; Tuesdays and the month of Chaitra are also dear. 4. Conclude with the Ram Raksha Stotram or a Sita-Ram bhajan and aarti.
This is a representative selection; the complete Ashtottara Shatanamavali contains all 108 names in sequence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sita Ashtottara Shatanamavali?+
It is a garland of 108 sacred names of Mata Sita, the consort of Lord Rama, each praising one of her qualities, forms or glories. Reciting them in the form 'Om ... Namah' is a meditative way to worship her.
Why is Sita called Janaki and Vaidehi?+
She is called Janaki as the daughter of King Janaka, Vaidehi as the princess of the Videha kingdom, and Maithili as the princess of Mithila. The name Sita itself means 'furrow', as she was found in the earth by Janaka.
When is the best day to recite Sita's 108 names?+
Sita Navami (Janaki Jayanti) and Ram Navami are the most auspicious. Tuesdays and the month of Chaitra are also dear. Reciting them alongside Rama's name, as Sita-Ram, is especially loved.
What are the benefits of reciting Sita's names?+
Devotees believe it blesses a happy married life, brings patience and dignity in hardship, and invokes Lakshmi's grace for a peaceful, prosperous home. These are devotional beliefs that nurture faith and inner strength.
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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