Surya 108 Names (Ashtottara) - Meaning & Benefits

The Surya Ashtottara Shatanamavali is a sacred list of 108 names of Surya Dev, the sun god who is the source of light, life, energy and good health. Each name praises a quality or form of the sun, from the radiant Aditya to the all-illuminating Bhaskara. Chanting these names at sunrise, ideally facing east while offering arghya (water), is a luminous daily devotion that aligns body, mind and spirit with the rising sun.

The number 108 carries deep meaning, and it has a special link to the sun. The diameter of the sun is roughly 108 times that of the earth, and the distance from the earth to the sun is about 108 sun-diameters. In tradition, 9 planets times 12 zodiac signs equals 108, and a japa mala has 108 beads. Chanting the sun's 108 names is thus a beautifully fitting full circle of light and gratitude.

Each name is traditionally chanted as Om Adityaya Namah, with Om before and Namah after. To perform the daily vidhi: 1. Rise early, bathe, and stand facing east at sunrise. 2. Offer arghya by pouring water from a copper vessel toward the sun. 3. Recite the 108 names slowly while watching the light through the falling water. 4. Conclude with Om Suryaya Namah and the Gayatri or Surya mantra. Even a daily offering of arghya with a few names recited with love is deeply auspicious.

Here is a representative set of well-loved names from the 108: Aditya (Adityaya) - son of Aditi, the radiant one. Bhaskara (Bhaskaraya) - the maker of light. Surya (Suryaya) - the supreme giver and inspirer. Ravi (Ravaye) - the one who is praised and brings the day. Martanda (Martandaya) - born of the cosmic egg, the life-bringer. Mitra (Mitraya) - the friend of all beings. Savitri - the divine vivifier who awakens all life.

A few more cherished names and their meanings: Bhanu - the shining one. Divakara - the maker of the day. Prabhakara - the giver of brilliance and light. Pushan - the nourisher who feeds and sustains. Arka - the radiant ray, worshipped with the Arka plant. Hiranyagarbha - the golden womb, source of creation. Sahasrakirana - the one of a thousand rays. Each name brings warmth, vitality and clarity to the heart.

Chanting the Surya Ashtottara is believed to bless good health, vitality and strong eyesight, boost confidence, leadership and willpower, and remove negativity, laziness and disease. It is especially recited to ease Surya dosh in the horoscope and to bring success, fame and recognition. Greeting the sun each morning with these names fills the day with energy, clarity and a grateful, positive spirit.

Sunday is Surya Dev's day, and offering arghya at sunrise from a copper vessel with a little red sandalwood and red flowers is especially auspicious. Face east, keep the water flow thin so the sunlight passes through it, and avoid offering arghya after the sun has risen too high. Wheat, jaggery and red items can be donated on Sundays to strengthen the sun's blessing in your life.