Lord Shiva, the enigmatic deity of Hinduism, holds a special place as the destroyer in the Trimurti, alongside Brahma the creator and Vishnu the preserver. Yet, Shiva is more than destruction—he’s a paradox of calm and chaos, asceticism and love. One of the most sacred ways to connect with him is through 108 Names of Shiva , each a window into his divine essence.
Let’s dive into their meaning and explore the full list.
Why 108?
In Hindu tradition, 108 is a sacred number—symbolizing unity (1), emptiness (0), and infinity (8). Chanting Shiva’s 108 names purifies the soul and aligns us with the universe. From mala beads to cosmic measurements, this number echoes through spirituality.
The Names and Their Power
The 108 names, rooted in texts like the Shiva Purana, reveal Shiva’s many facets. Here are a few highlights:
- Mahadeva – The Great God, showcasing his supremacy.
- Nataraja – Lord of Dance, weaving creation and destruction in his cosmic Tandava.
- Nilakantha – Blue-Throated One, from when he drank poison to save the world.
- Pashupati – Lord of Beasts, protector of all life.
- Bhairava – The Fierce One, banishing fear and ignorance.
Below is the complete list of Shiva’s 108 names—chant them, reflect on them, or simply marvel at their depth.

The 108 Names of Shiva
S.No | Name (English) | नाम (हिंदी) | Meaning (English) |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Shiva | शिव | The Auspicious One |
2 | Maheshwara | महेश्वर | The Great Lord |
3 | Shambhu | शंभु | Giver of Happiness |
4 | Pinakin | पिनाकिन | Bow-Wielder |
5 | Shashi Shekhara | शशि शेखर | Moon-Crowned |
6 | Vamadeva | वामदेव | Beautiful Lord |
7 | Virupaksha | विरूपाक्ष | Odd-Eyed |
8 | Kapardi | कपर्दी | Matted-Haired |
9 | Nilakantha | नीलकंठ | Blue-Throated |
10 | Shankara | शंकर | Joy-Giver |
11 | Shoolapani | शूलपाणि | Trident-Bearer |
12 | Khatvangi | खट्वांगी | Staff-Holder |
13 | Vishnudharmottara | विष्णुधर्मोत्तर | Supreme in Vishnu’s Devotion |
14 | Sambhava | संभव | Source of All |
15 | Havyavahana | हव्यवादन | Offering-Carrier |
16 | Devendra | देवेन्द्र | God of Gods |
17 | Sthanu | स्थाणु | The Steady |
18 | Nareshwara | नरेश्वर | Lord of Men |
19 | Bhagavan | भगवान | Divine Lord |
20 | Sarvagna | सर्वज्ञ | All-Knowing |
21 | Sarva | सर्व | The All |
22 | Kapali | कपाली | Skull-Wearer |
23 | Kamari | कामारी | Desire-Destroyer |
24 | Rudra | रुद्र | The Roarer |
25 | Girisha | गिरिश | Mountain Lord |
26 | Bhima | भीम | Mighty One |
27 | Parameshvara | परमेश्वर | Supreme Lord |
28 | Mrityunjaya | मृत्युंजय | Death-Conqueror |
29 | Krittivasa | कृतिवासा | Skin-Wearer |
30 | Subhaga | सुभगा | Fortunate One |
31 | Bhavya | भव्य | Magnificent |
32 | Pushkara | पुष्कर | Nourisher |
33 | Sthapati | स्थापति | Architect |
34 | Sthira | स्थिर | Firm One |
35 | Bijadhyaksha | बीजाध्यक्ष | Creation’s Seed |
36 | Dinakara | दिनकर | Sun-Like |
37 | Dhurjati | धूर्जटी | Dreadlocked |
38 | Khandaparashu | खंडपरशु | Axe-Wielder |
39 | Hara | हर | Destroyer |
40 | Pashupati | पशुपति | Beast-Lord |
41 | Mahayogi | महायोगी | Great Yogi |
42 | Avyaya | अव्यय | Immutable |
43 | Daksha | दक्ष | Skillful |
44 | Tapomaya | तपोमय | Austerity-Filled |
45 | Satyaparakrama | सत्यपराक्रम | Truly Valiant |
46 | Mahamaya | महामाया | Great Illusionist |
47 | Sukshma | सूक्ष्म | Subtle One |
48 | Vishveshwara | विश्वेश्वर | Universe-Lord |
49 | Jatin | जातिन | Matted-Locked |
50 | Kalakala | कालकला | Time’s Sound |
51 | Trilochana | त्रिलोचन | Three-Eyed |
52 | Bhuta | भूत | Element-Lord |
53 | Vrishabha | वृषभ | The Bull |
54 | Bhairava | भैरव | Fierce One |
55 | Aja | अज | Unborn |
56 | Ekapaada | एकपाद | One-Footed |
57 | Maharupa | महारूप | Great Form |
58 | Nataraja | नटराज | Dance-Lord |
59 | Tryambaka | त्र्यम्बक | Three-Eyed Lord |
60 | Madhyama | मध्यम | Central One |
61 | Sthoola | स्थूल | Gross One |
62 | Vishwarupa | विश्वरूप | Universal Form |
63 | Agnivarna | अग्निवर्ण | Fire-Colored |
64 | Vajrahasta | वज्रहस्त | Thunderbolt-Handed |
65 | Mahabala | महाबल | Immensely Strong |
66 | Trikalagna | त्रिकालज्ञ | Three-Time Knower |
67 | Kalanemi | कालनेमि | Time’s Rim |
68 | Someshwara | सोमेश्वर | Moon-Lord |
69 | Gangadhara | गंगाधर | Ganges-Bearer |
70 | Shoolin | शूलिन | Trident-Holder |
71 | Yati | यति | Ascetic |
72 | Vishnuvallabha | विष्णुवल्लभ | Vishnu’s Beloved |
73 | Jangama | जंगम | Moving One |
74 | Vedakarta | वेदकर्ता | Veda-Creator |
75 | Dyumani | द्युमणि | Sky-Jewel |
76 | Jaleshwara | जलेश्वर | Water-Lord |
77 | Kantaka | कांटक | Radiant |
78 | Pavitra | पवित्र | Pure |
79 | Nityasundara | नित्यसुंदर | Eternally Beautiful |
80 | Dhyanadeep | ध्यानदीप | Meditation-Light |
81 | Bhasmabhushita | भस्मभूषित | Ash-Adorned |
82 | Ananta | अनंत | Infinite |
83 | Gunatita | गुणातीत | Beyond Qualities |
84 | Sarveshwara | सर्वेश्वर | All-Lord |
85 | Sahasrabahu | सहस्रबाहु | Thousand-Armed |
86 | Vyomakesha | व्योमकेश | Sky-Haired |
87 | Achyuta | अच्युत | Infallible |
88 | Chandrashekhara | चंद्रशेखर | Moon-Crested |
89 | Bhuteshwara | भूतश्वर | Spirit-Lord |
90 | Andhakasura Sudana | अंधकासुर सुदन | Andhaka-Slayer |
91 | Umamaheshwara | उमामहेश्वर | With Uma |
92 | Yogeshwara | योगेश्वर | Yoga-Lord |
93 | Mahaprabhu | महाप्रभु | Great Master |
94 | Brahmacharin | ब्रह्मचारी | Celibate |
95 | Siddheshwara | सिद्धेश्वर | Siddha-Lord |
96 | Gyaneshwara | ज्ञानेश्वर | Knowledge-Lord |
97 | Kailasavasin | कैलासवासी | Kailasa-Dweller |
98 | Purusha | पुरुष | Cosmic Being |
99 | Pranava | प्रणव | Sacred Om |
100 | Shuddha | शुद्ध | Pure One |
101 | Smarahara | स्मरहर | Cupid-Destroyer |
102 | Vrishanka | वृषांक | Bull-Marked |
103 | Vedapriya | वेदप्रिय | Veda-Lover |
104 | Sadashiva | सदाशिव | Eternal Shiva |
105 | Virabhadra | वीरभद्र | Heroic Warrior |
106 | Bholenath | भोलेनाथ | Simple Lord |
107 | Pushpadanta | पुष्पदंत | Flower-Toothed |
108 | Aparichchinna | अपरिच्छिन्न | Indivisible |
What is Shiva’s 5 Faces Names?
Shiva’s five faces are known as the Panchavaktra (पञ्चवक्त्र), each representing a different aspect of his nature. These five faces are:
- Sadyojata (सद्योजात) – The face of creation, representing the aspect of creation. It is associated with the beginning of the universe.
- Vamadeva (वामदेव) – The face of preservation, representing the nurturing aspect of Shiva. It is linked to the maintenance and protection of the universe.
- Aghora (अघोर) – The face of destruction, symbolizing the destructive aspect of Shiva. It represents dissolution, destruction, and the removal of obstacles.
- Ishana (ईशान) – The face of knowledge, associated with spiritual wisdom and enlightenment. It represents the supreme consciousness and is linked to the knowledge of the universe.
- Tatpurusha (तत्पुरुष) – The face of transformation, signifying the aspect of transformation and renewal. It is related to the cosmic process of change and evolution.
Together, these five faces represent the different roles that Shiva plays in the cosmic cycle of creation, preservation, destruction, knowledge, and transformation.
Modern Names of Shiva
Here are some modern names for Lord Shiva that are popularly used today, blending traditional reverence with contemporary relevance:
Cyber Shiva – Representing the modern, digital age while maintaining spiritual significance.
Techno Mahadev – Symbolizing Lord Shiva as the controller of all aspects of life, including technology.
Virtual Rudra – A name reflecting Lord Shiva’s omnipresence in both physical and virtual realms.
Quantum Shankar – Signifying Lord Shiva’s connection to the mysteries of the universe, like quantum physics.
Eco Shiva – A name that connects Lord Shiva to environmental preservation and sustainability.
Global Mahakal – Reflecting Lord Shiva’s timeless and universal presence across the globe.
Digital Bholenath – Emphasizing Lord Shiva’s simplicity and purity even in the digital world.
Innovation Rudra – Representing Lord Shiva as the force of change and innovation in the modern world.
Energy Bhairav – Depicting Lord Shiva’s essence as a limitless source of energy and power.
Neo Shambhu – Combining the ancient with the modern, showcasing Shiva as a timeless protector and guide.
These names reflect Lord Shiva’s relevance in modern contexts while honoring his ancient roots.
Sacred & Stylish: Use Shiva Name Insta Captions to Shine
Here are some Sacred & Stylish Shiva Name Insta Captions to make your posts shine:
“Har Har Mahadev! The only vibe I need. 🔱🔥 #ShivaName”
“Lost in the rhythm of Nataraja’s dance. 💃🕉️ #ShivaVibes”
“Om Namah Shivaya – the mantra that moves my soul. 🕉️✨ #ShivaName”
“Mahakal’s blessing is my power. ⚡🔥 #ShivaNameInstaCaption”
“Trilochana’s gaze pierces through all illusions. 👁️🔱 #SacredShiva”
“Bholenath’s simplicity, Rudra’s strength – my inspiration! 💙🕉️ #StylishShiva”
“Wrapped in the energy of Neelkanth – fearless and free. 💙🔱 #ShivaName”
“Tatpurusha within, Aghora outside – the perfect balance. ⚖️🕉️ #ShivaVibes”
“Under the moonlit sky, chanting Chandrashekhara’s name. 🌙🔱 #ShivaCaption”
“From ashes to infinity – just like Bhasmabhushita. 🔥💀 #ShivaSwag”
A Living Practice
These names aren’t just words—they’re a bridge to Shiva’s energy. Chant them during Maha Shivaratri or daily with a mala, and feel their resonance. Whether it’s Yogeshwara for meditation or Shankara for joy, there’s a name for every heart. Which one calls to you?
Shiva’s Names in Today’s World
Beyond temples and rituals, the 108 names of Shiva ripple into modern life. Artists depict Nataraja in sculptures and dance, while yogis invoke Mahayogi in their practice. Even pop culture nods to Shiva—think of his trident or third eye in films and comics. In a fast-paced world, names like Bholenath (the Simple Lord) remind us of his approachable nature, offering solace to anyone seeking peace. This timeless tradition continues to inspire, proving Shiva’s relevance spans centuries.