108 Names of Lord Murugan - Ashtottara Shatanamavali
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Lord Murugan also known as Kartikeya, Subramanya, Skanda, and Shanmukha is one of the most beloved deities in the Hindu tradition, revered especially across South India, Sri Lanka, and Tamil diaspora communities worldwide. The son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, he is the commander of the divine armies, the embodiment of wisdom, and the eternal vanquisher of darkness and ego.
About Lord Murugan & the Sacred 108 Names
Chanting the 108 names of Lord Murugan known as the Ashtottara Shatanamavali is one of the most powerful devotional practices a Murugan devotee can undertake. Each of these sacred names reveals a distinct quality, a divine attribute, or a cosmic role of the Lord, offering the devotee a meditative doorway into his presence.
Why 108? The number 108 holds deep significance in Hinduism, Yoga, and Vedic cosmology. There are 108 Upanishads, 108 beads on a mala, and the Sun's diameter is approximately 108 times the Earth's. Chanting 108 names is considered a complete circuit of devotion aligning the devotee with cosmic harmony.
Whether you are preparing for Skanda Sashti, seeking blessings for health and success, or simply deepening your spiritual practice, this guide will walk you through all 108 names of Lord Murugan with their meanings in English, the correct way to chant them, and their spiritual significance.
How to Chant the 108 Names of Lord Murugan
Follow these steps for an effective and spiritually aligned chanting practice:
- Purification: Take a bath, wear clean clothes preferably red or saffron, colours associated with Murugan.
- Altar setup: Light a lamp with sesame oil or ghee in front of Lord Murugan's image or idol.
- Offering: Place flowers especially red roses or lotus along with fruits and incense.
- Mala chanting: Use a rudraksha or red coral mala of 108 beads to chant each name once per bead.
- Timing: Ideal times are dawn (Brahma Muhurta), dusk, or on Fridays and Karthigai Nakshatra days.
- Mantra prefix: Begin each name with 'Om' and end with 'Namah' as in Om Skandaya Namah.
108 Names of Lord Subrahmanya
Sanskrit, Transliteration & Meaning
| No. | Sanskrit | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ॐ स्कन्दाय नमः | Om Skandaya Namah | Vanquisher of mighty foes |
| 2 | ॐ गुहाय नमः | Om Guhaya Namah | Invisible Lord, who abides in devotees’ hearts |
| 3 | ॐ षण्मुखाय नमः | Om Shanmukhaya Namah | Six-faced one |
| 4 | ॐ फालनेत्रसुताय नमः | Om Phalanetrasutaya Namah | Son of three-eyed Lord Shiva |
| 5 | ॐ प्रभवे नमः | Om Prabhave Namah | Supreme Lord |
| 6 | ॐ पिङ्गलाय नमः | Om Pingalaya Namah | Golden-hued one |
| 7 | ॐ कृत्तिकासूनवे नमः | Om Krittikasunave Namah | Son of the Krittikas |
| 8 | ॐ शिखिवाहनाय नमः | Om Shikhivahanaya Namah | Rider of the peacock |
| 9 | ॐ द्विषड्भुजाय नमः | Om Dvishadbhujaya Namah | Lord with twelve hands |
| 10 | ॐ द्विषण्णेत्राय नमः | Om Dvishannetraya Namah | Lord with twelve eyes |
| 11 | ॐ शक्तिधराय नमः | Om Shaktidharaya Namah | Wielder of the divine lance |
| 12 | ॐ पिशिताशप्रभञ्जनाय नमः | Om Pishitashaprabhanjanaya Namah | Destroyer of Asuras |
| 13 | ॐ तारकासुरसंहर्त्रे नमः | Om Tarakasurasamhartre Namah | Slayer of Tarakasura |
| 14 | ॐ रक्षोबलविमर्दनाय नमः | Om Rakshobalavimardanaya Namah | Destroyer of demonic forces |
| 15 | ॐ मत्ताय नमः | Om Mattaya Namah | Lord of joy |
| 16 | ॐ प्रमत्ताय नमः | Om Pramattaya Namah | Lord of bliss |
| 17 | ॐ उन्मत्ताय नमः | Om Unmattaya Namah | Passionate divine one |
| 18 | ॐ सुरसैन्यसुरक्षकाय नमः | Om Surasainyasurakshakaya Namah | Protector of the Devas |
| 19 | ॐ देवसेनापतये नमः | Om Devasenapataye Namah | Commander of heavenly hosts |
| 20 | ॐ प्राज्ञाय नमः | Om Prajnaya Namah | Lord of wisdom |
| 21 | ॐ कृपालवे नमः | Om Kripalave Namah | Compassionate one |
| 22 | ॐ भक्तवत्सलाय नमः | Om Bhaktavatsalaya Namah | Lover of devotees |
| 23 | ॐ उमासुताय नमः | Om Umasutaya Namah | Son of Uma |
| 24 | ॐ शक्तिधराय नमः | Om Shaktidharaya Namah | Mighty Lord |
| 25 | ॐ कुमाराय नमः | Om Kumaraya Namah | Eternal youth |
| 26 | ॐ क्रौञ्चदारणाय नमः | Om Kraunchadaranaya Namah | Destroyer of Krauncha mountain |
| 27 | ॐ सेनानये नमः | Om Senaniye Namah | Army chief |
| 28 | ॐ अग्निजन्मने नमः | Om Agnijanmane Namah | Born of fire |
| 29 | ॐ विशाखाय नमः | Om Vishakhaya Namah | Associated with Visakha star |
| 30 | ॐ शङ्करात्मजाय नमः | Om Shankaratmajaya Namah | Son of Shankara |
| 31 | ॐ शिवस्वामिने नमः | Om Shivasvamine Namah | Preceptor of Shiva |
| 32 | ॐ गणस्वामिने नमः | Om Ganasvamine Namah | Lord of the Ganas |
| 33 | ॐ सर्वस्वामिने नमः | Om Sarvasvamine Namah | Lord of all |
| 34 | ॐ सनातनाय नमः | Om Sanatanaya Namah | Eternal lord |
| 35 | ॐ अनन्तशक्तये नमः | Om Anantashaktaye Namah | Lord of infinite power |
| 36 | ॐ अक्षोभ्याय नमः | Om Akshobhyaya Namah | Unshakable one |
| 37 | ॐ पार्वतीप्रियनन्दनाय नमः | Om Parvatipriyanandanaya Namah | Beloved son of Parvati |
| 38 | ॐ गङ्गासुताय नमः | Om Gangasutaya Namah | Son of Goddess Ganga |
| 39 | ॐ शरोद्भूताय नमः | Om Sharodbhutaya Namah | Born in Saravana lake |
| 40 | ॐ आहुताय नमः | Om Ahutaya Namah | Unborn lord |
| 41 | ॐ पावकात्मजाय नमः | Om Pavakatmajaya Namah | Born of fire |
| 42 | ॐ जृम्भाय नमः | Om Jrimbhaya Namah | Divine energy |
| 43 | ॐ प्रजृम्भाय नमः | Om Prajrimbhaya Namah | Auspicious one |
| 44 | ॐ उज्जृम्भाय नमः | Om Ujjrimbhaya Namah | Invincible one |
| 45 | ॐ कमलासनसंस्तुताय नमः | Om Kamalasanasamstutaya Namah | Praised by Brahma |
| 46 | ॐ एकवर्णाय नमः | Om Ekavarnaya Namah | The one sacred sound |
| 47 | ॐ द्विवर्णाय नमः | Om Dvivarnaya Namah | The two-fold one |
| 48 | ॐ त्रिवर्णाय नमः | Om Trivarnaya Namah | The three-fold one |
| 49 | ॐ सुमनोहराय नमः | Om Sumanoharaya Namah | Stealer of pure hearts |
| 50 | ॐ चतुर्वर्णाय नमः | Om Chaturvarnaya Namah | The four-fold one |
| 51 | ॐ पञ्चवर्णाय नमः | Om Panchavarnaya Namah | The five-lettered one |
| 52 | ॐ प्रजापतये नमः | Om Prajapataye Namah | Father of creation |
| 53 | ॐ अहस्पतये नमः | Om Ahaspataye Namah | Peerless one |
| 54 | ॐ अग्निगर्भाय नमः | Om Agnigarbhaya Namah | One who sustains fire |
| 55 | ॐ शमीगर्भाय नमः | Om Shamigarbhaya Namah | Born from sacred flame |
| 56 | ॐ विश्वरेतसे नमः | Om Vishvaretase Namah | Glory of the universal source |
| 57 | ॐ सुरारिघ्ने नमः | Om Surarighne Namah | Destroyer of enemies of Devas |
| 58 | ॐ हरिद्वर्णाय नमः | Om Haridvarnaya Namah | Resplendent one |
| 59 | ॐ शुभकराय नमः | Om Shubhakaraya Namah | Auspicious one |
| 60 | ॐ वसुमते नमः | Om Vasumate Namah | Splendour of the Vasus |
| 61 | ॐ वटुवेषभृते नमः | Om Vatuveshabhrite Namah | One in celibate form |
| 62 | ॐ पूष्णे नमः | Om Pushne Namah | Luminous like the sun |
| 63 | ॐ गभस्तये नमः | Om Gabhastaye Namah | Divine effulgence |
| 64 | ॐ गहनाय नमः | Om Gahanaya Namah | Omniscient one |
| 65 | ॐ चन्द्रवर्णाय नमः | Om Chandravarnaya Namah | Radiant like the moon |
| 66 | ॐ कलाधराय नमः | Om Kaladharaya Namah | Bearer of the crescent |
| 67 | ॐ मायाधराय नमः | Om Mayadharaya Namah | Holder of divine energy |
| 68 | ॐ महामायिने नमः | Om Mahamayine Namah | Great master of illusion |
| 69 | ॐ कैवल्याय नमः | Om Kaivalyaya Namah | Bestower of liberation |
| 70 | ॐ शङ्करात्मजाय नमः | Om Shankaratmajaya Namah | Son of Shankara |
| 71 | ॐ विश्वयोनये नमः | Om Vishvayonaye Namah | Source of all existence |
| 72 | ॐ अमेयात्मने नमः | Om Ameyatmane Namah | Supreme immeasurable soul |
| 73 | ॐ तेजोनिधये नमः | Om Tejonidhaye Namah | Treasure of divine light |
| 74 | ॐ अनामयाय नमः | Om Anamayaya Namah | Remover of all ills |
| 75 | ॐ परमेष्ठिने नमः | Om Parameshthine Namah | Supreme immaculate lord |
| 76 | ॐ परब्रह्मणे नमः | Om Parabrahmane Namah | Supreme absolute reality |
| 77 | ॐ वेदगर्भाय नमः | Om Vedagarbhaya Namah | Source of the Vedas |
| 78 | ॐ विराट्सुताय नमः | Om Viratsutaya Namah | Present in the universe |
| 79 | ॐ पुलिन्दकन्याभर्त्रे नमः | Om Pulindakanyabhartre Namah | Lord of Valli |
| 80 | ॐ महासारस्वतव्रताय नमः | Om Mahasarasvatavrataya Namah | Source of divine wisdom |
| 81 | ॐ आश्रिताखिलदात्रे नमः | Om Ashritakhiladatre Namah | Giver of grace to seekers |
| 82 | ॐ चोरघ्नाय नमः | Om Choraghnaya Namah | Destroyer of thieves |
| 83 | ॐ रोगनाशनाय नमः | Om Roganashanaya Namah | Divine healer |
| 84 | ॐ अनन्तमूर्तये नमः | Om Anantamurtaye Namah | One with endless forms |
| 85 | ॐ आनन्दाय नमः | Om Anandaya Namah | Embodiment of bliss |
| 86 | ॐ शिखण्डिकृतकेतनाय नमः | Om Shikhandikritaketanaya Namah | One whose banner bears the peacock |
| 87 | ॐ डम्भाय नमः | Om Dambhaya Namah | Lord of divine exuberance |
| 88 | ॐ परमडम्भाय नमः | Om Paramadambhaya Namah | Supreme exuberant one |
| 89 | ॐ महाडम्भाय नमः | Om Mahadambhaya Namah | Lord of magnificence |
| 90 | ॐ वृषाकपये नमः | Om Vrishakapaye Namah | Culmination of righteousness |
| 91 | ॐ कारणोपात्तदेहाय नमः | Om Karanopattadehaya Namah | One who took form for a divine cause |
| 92 | ॐ कारणातीतविग्रहाय नमः | Om Karanatitavigrahaya Namah | Form beyond causation |
| 93 | ॐ अनीश्वराय नमः | Om Anishvaraya Namah | Eternal peerless one |
| 94 | ॐ अमृताय नमः | Om Amritaya Namah | Nectar of life |
| 95 | ॐ प्राणाय नमः | Om Pranaya Namah | Life of all life |
| 96 | ॐ प्राणायामपरायणाय नमः | Om Pranayamaparayanaya Namah | Support of all beings |
| 97 | ॐ विरुद्धहन्त्रे नमः | Om Viruddhahantre Namah | Destroyer of hostile forces |
| 98 | ॐ वीरघ्नाय नमः | Om Viraghnaya Namah | Vanquisher of mighty opponents |
| 99 | ॐ रक्तश्यामगळाय नमः | Om Raktashyamagalaya Namah | Crimson and dark-hued divine beauty |
| 100 | ॐ श्यामकन्धराय नमः | Om Shyamakandharaya Namah | Dark-necked glorious one |
| 101 | ॐ महते नमः | Om Mahate Namah | Great radiant one |
| 102 | ॐ सुब्रह्मण्याय नमः | Om Subrahmanyaya Namah | Supreme goodness |
| 103 | ॐ गुहप्रीताय नमः | Om Guhapritaya Namah | Beloved Lord Guha |
| 104 | ॐ ब्रह्मण्याय नमः | Om Brahmanyaya Namah | Beloved of seers |
| 105 | ॐ ब्राह्मणप्रियाय नमः | Om Brahmanapriyaya Namah | Universal teacher |
| 106 | ॐ वेदवेद्याय नमः | Om Vedavedyaya Namah | Known through the Vedas |
| 107 | ॐ अक्षयफलप्रदाय नमः | Om Akshayaphalapradaya Namah | Bestower of imperishable results |
| 108 | ॐ वल्ली देवसेनासमेत श्री सुब्रह्मण्यस्वामिने नमः | Om Valli Devasena Sameta Shri Subrahmanya Swamine Namah | Salutations to Lord Subrahmanya with Valli and Devasena |
CONCLUSION
Invoke the Grace of Lord Murugan Through His Sacred Names
The 108 names of Lord Murugan are not merely words, they are living vibrations, each one a seed of divine energy planted in the consciousness of the devotee who chants them with faith and sincerity. Whether you seek protection from obstacles, victory in challenges, wisdom in confusion, or simply the peace of divine communion, the Ashtottara Shatanamavali of Lord Murugan is a timeless bridge between the human and the divine.
Make it a daily practice. Even chanting a handful of names each morning with full attention and a surrendered heart can transform the quality of your day and your life. As the scriptures remind us, Murugan is not distant. He abides in the hearts of true devotees (Om Guhaya Namah). The chant is not merely calling upon him it is remembering that he is already here.
Om Valli Devasenasameta Shri Subrahmanyasvamine Namah
May Lord Murugan bless all devotees with his infinite grace.
FAQs About the 108 Names of Lord Murugan
Q1. What is the significance of chanting 108 names of Lord Murugan?
Chanting the 108 names of Lord Murugan the Ashtottara Shatanamavali is believed to invoke his divine blessings for protection, wisdom, health, and liberation from karma. Each name reflects a unique attribute of the Lord, and chanting them completes a full spiritual circuit, symbolised by the sacred number 108 in Hindu tradition.
Q2. On which day should the 108 names of Murugan be chanted?
The most auspicious days to chant Murugan's 108 names are Fridays, Karthigai Nakshatra days, Skanda Sashti (the six-day festival dedicated to Murugan), and Thai Poosam. Dawn (Brahma Muhurta, around 4–6 AM) and dusk are the ideal times of day.
Q3. What is the difference between Murugan, Kartikeya, and Subramanya?
They are different regional names for the same deity. 'Murugan' is the Tamil name, widely used in South India and Sri Lanka. 'Kartikeya' is his Sanskrit/North Indian name, derived from his six divine mothers the Krittikas. 'Subramanya' means 'dear to the Brahmanas' and emphasises his role as the lord of spiritual wisdom.
Q4. What does 'Om Skandaya Namah' mean?
'Om Skandaya Namah' is the first of the 108 names. 'Skanda' derives from the Sanskrit root meaning 'to leap' or 'to attack', and refers to Lord Murugan as the one who vanquishes powerful foes specifically the demon Tarakasura. Chanting this name is said to remove obstacles and grant courage.
Q5. Can women chant the 108 names of Lord Murugan?
Yes, absolutely. The 108 names of Lord Murugan can be chanted by devotees of any gender. There are no gender-based restrictions in Murugan's worship. Devotion and sincerity of heart are the only prerequisites recognised in most Shaiva and Skanda traditions.
Q6. How long does it take to chant all 108 names?
Chanting all 108 names of Lord Murugan typically takes between 15 to 25 minutes depending on your pace. A slow, meditative pace is recommended for maximum spiritual benefit. Using a 108-bead mala (prayer rosary) helps maintain count and pace without mental distraction.
Q7. Is there a specific flower or offering associated with Murugan worship?
Lord Murugan is particularly associated with red flowers especially red lotus, red roses, and vilvam (bael) leaves. He is also offered fruits like bananas and coconuts, peacock feathers, and incense. The vel (divine spear) is his primary symbol and is always present at his temples.
