Significance of 108 Names of Hindu Gods & Goddess

In Hinduism, reciting the 108 names of a particular deity is a common spiritual practice. These 108 names are known as “Ashtottara Shatanamavali” and are considered sacred and powerful. Here are some of the reasons why the recitation of the 108 God names is considered significant:

  1. The recitation of the 108 God names is believed to help the devotee develop a deeper connection with the deity and experience their divine qualities.
  2. Each of the 108 God names is believed to represent a different aspect of the deity’s personality, power, and grace. Reciting these names is believed to help the devotee develop a deeper understanding of the deity’s nature and cultivate the same qualities within themselves.
  3. In Hinduism, the number 108 is considered sacred and represents the entire universe. It is believed to be the number of deities in Hinduism, the number of beads in a mala, the number of Upanishads in the Vedas, and the number of energy lines converging to form the heart chakra.
  4. In Buddhism, the number 108 is believed to represent the 108 delusions or earthly desires that a person must overcome to achieve enlightenment..
  5. It is believed to represent the entire universe, with 1 representing the unity of the universe, 0 representing emptiness or completeness, and 8 representing infinity or eternity.
  6. The recitation of the 108 God names is believed to purify the mind, body, and soul of the devotee and bring them closer to the divine. It is believed to be a powerful tool for spiritual growth and transformation.
  7. The practice of reciting the 108 God names is often accompanied by the use of a mala, or prayer beads, which can help the devotee maintain focus and concentration during the recitation.
  8. In yoga, the number 108 is associated with the 108 nadis or energy channels in the body, which are believed to converge at the heart chakra.
  9. In astrology, the distance between the Earth and the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Sun.
  10. In mathematics, the number 108 is divisible by the sum of its digits, making it a Harshad number. It is also a semiperfect number and a hyperfactorial.
  11. In martial arts, the number 108 is considered significant and is often used as a reference for the number of moves or forms in a particular style.
  12. The number 108 is considered significant in many spiritual traditions and has been used in various contexts, including religion, philosophy, mathematics, and science.

Overall, the recitation of the 108 God names is considered a powerful spiritual practice in Hinduism, with the potential to deepen one’s connection with the divine, cultivate divine qualities within oneself, and promote spiritual growth and transformation.