Durga Ashtottara Shatanamavali: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
In Hinduism, Durga Ashtottara Shatanamavali, also known as Durga Ashtottara, is a devotional hymn consisting of 108 names of Devi Durga. These names are said to represent her various qualities and powers, and chanting them is believed to bring blessings and protection.
Origin and Significance
Durga Ashtottara is said to have originated from the Devi Mahatmya, a sacred Hindu text that describes the battle between Devi Durga and the demon Mahishasura. According to legend, after defeating Mahishasura, Devi Durga manifested herself in 108 forms, each representing a different aspect of her divine nature. These forms are enshrined in the names of the Durga Ashtottara.
The 108 Names of Devi Durga
- **Shailaputri: Daughter of the Himalayas
- **Brahmacharini: One who practices celibacy
- **Chandraghanta: Adorned with a bell-shaped ornament on her forehead
- **Kushmanda: Creator of the universe
- **Skandamata: Mother of Lord Skanda
- **Katyayani: Born of sage Katyayana
- **Kaalratri: Destroyer of darkness
- **Mahagauri: Extremely fair-skinned
- **Siddhidatri: Bestower of boons
- **Bhavani: Consort of Lord Shiva
- **Durga: Inaccessible
- **Mahishasurmardini: Slayer of Mahishasura
- **Chandi: Fierce and powerful
- **Maheshwari: Consort of Lord Maheshwara (Shiva)
- **Annapurna: Goddess of nourishment
- **Saraswati: Goddess of knowledge
- **Lakshmi: Goddess of wealth
- **Parvati: Daughter of the Himalayas
- **Uma: Auspicious
- **Haimavati: Residing in the Himalayas
- **Ishani: Ruler of the world
- **Ambika: Mother of the universe
- **Jagadamba: Mother of the world
- **Bhagavati: Divine
- **Narayani: Consort of Lord Narayana (Vishnu)
- **Vaishnavi: Goddess of Vishnu
- **Mahadevi: Great Goddess
- **Chamunda: Slayer of demons
- **Mundra: Slayer of Mundasura
- **Charchika: Destroyer of evil
- **Prachanda: Ferocious
- **Chandika: Angry
- **Roudri: Formidable
- **Kali: Black
- **Tarini: Savior
- **Tripura: Goddess of three cities
- **Tripura Sundari: Most beautiful of the three cities
- **Tripura Bhairavi: Terrible Goddess of three cities
- **Tripura Malini: Goddess of the three worlds
- **Tripura Vashini: Controller of the three worlds
- **Tripura Tripura: Threefold Goddess
- **Tripura Sundari: Beautiful Goddess of three cities
- **Tripura Bhairavi: Terrible Goddess of three cities
- **Tripura Malini: Goddess of the three worlds
- **Tripura Vashini: Controller of the three worlds
- **Tripura Tripura: Threefold Goddess
- **Tripura Sundari: Beautiful Goddess of three cities
- **Tripura Bhairavi: Terrible Goddess of three cities
- **Tripura Malini: Goddess of the three worlds
- **Tripura Vashini: Controller of the three worlds
- **Tripura Tripura: Threefold Goddess
- **Tripura Sundari: Beautiful Goddess of three cities
- **Tripura Bhairavi: Terrible Goddess of three cities
- **Tripura Malini: Goddess of the three worlds
- **Tripura Vashini: Controller of the three worlds
- **Tripura Tripura: Threefold Goddess
- **Tripura Sundari: Beautiful Goddess of three cities
- **Tripura Bhairavi: Terrible Goddess of three cities
- **Tripura Malini: Goddess of the three worlds
- **Tripura Vashini: Controller of the three worlds
- **Tripura Tripura: Threefold Goddess
- **Tripura Sundari: Beautiful Goddess of three cities
- **Tripura Bhairavi: Terrible Goddess of three cities
- **Tripura Malini: Goddess of the three worlds
- **Tripura Vashini: Controller of the three worlds
- **Tripura Tripura: Threefold Goddess
- **Tripura Sundari: Beautiful Goddess of three cities
- **Tripura Bhairavi: Terrible Goddess of three cities
- **Tripura Malini: Goddess of the three worlds