Bhuvaneshwari Ashtottara Shatnamavali

The Bhuvaneshwari Ashtottara Shatnamavali (भुवनेश्वरी अष्टोत्तरशतनामावली) is the sacred litany of the 108 names of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, the Queen of the Universe. Bhuvaneshwari (भुवनेश्वरी — "Queen of the Worlds") is one of the Dasha Mahavidyas (दश महाविद्या), the ten great forms of the Divine Mother, and embodies the cosmic space in which all creation lives, moves and has its being. Chanting her names with devotion is a powerful practice of nama japa — the recitation of divine names — that calms the mind, removes obstacles and draws the devotee closer to the Divine Mother.

॥ श्रीभुवनेश्वरीअष्टोत्तरशतनामावली ॥

Each name ends with the phrase "नमः" (namah), meaning "salutation" or "I bow." The first 100 names are grouped here in sets of ten, followed by the concluding eight, making the auspicious total of 108. The source litany is also traditionally printed in Kannada, Telugu and Tamil scripts for regional recitation.

Names 1–10

Names 11–20

Names 21–30

Names 31–40

Names 41–50

Names 51–60

Names 61–70

Names 71–80

Names 81–90

Names 91–100

Names 101–108

Key Attributes

• Deity: Goddess Bhuvaneshwari (भुवनेश्वरी), the Queen of the Universe
• Number of Names: 108 (Ashtottara Shatnamavali — अष्टोत्तरशतनामावली)
• Tradition: One of the Dasha Mahavidyas (दश महाविद्या), the ten great forms of the Divine Mother
• Form of Worship: Nama japa — the recitation of the Divine Mother's names, each ending in "namah" (salutation)
• Notable Names Within the Litany: Mahamaya, Mahavidya, Mahayoga, Bhuvaneshwari, Saraswati, Gayatri, Savitri, Chandi, Uma, Bhavani

Practical / Modern Context

Reciting the Ashtottara Shatnamavali is a beautiful daily practice for devotees of the Divine Mother. Traditionally, one may chant it in the morning after bathing, seated facing east or north, using a rosary of 108 beads (akshamala) to count the names. Even a few minutes of unhurried, attentive recitation — focusing the mind on each name — brings peace, concentration and a sense of the Mother's presence.

The litany is also chanted during Bhuvaneshwari Puja and Yajna, and on auspicious days devoted to the Goddess. For those who cannot master the full Sanskrit text immediately, following a written copy with devotion is equally meritorious — the heart's sincerity matters more than memorisation.

Common Misconceptions

1. "The Ashtottara is only for tantric initiates." While the Dasha Mahavidyas are associated with esoteric traditions, the recitation of these 108 names is a purely devotional nama japa open to all sincere seekers who approach with faith and reverence.
2. "You must chant all 108 names from memory at once." Beginners may chant from a text, in short sessions. Consistency and devotion are valued over speed or perfect recall.
3. "Only elaborate rituals are effective." The essence of the practice is the sincere repetition of the Mother's names; elaborate ritual is helpful but never a substitute for loving devotion.

Conclusion

The Bhuvaneshwari Ashtottara Shatnamavali is a precious gift of the Divine Mother — 108 sacred names that praise her as Mahamaya, as Bhuvaneshwari, as Gayatri and as Shubha. By chanting these names with faith, devotees open their hearts to the Queen of the Universe, who dissolves fears, grants peace and carries the soul toward liberation. May the Divine Mother bless all who chant with devotion.

Related Prabhukedwar Guides

• Complete Guide to Chanting Gayatri Mantra
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple & Sacred Banaras
• Meaning of Om Namah Shivaya Mantra

For more authentic Hindu temple guides, pilgrimage routes, mantras, and Vedic insights, visit Prabhukedwar.