Category: Ashtottara Shatanamavali

Ashta means number 8, and Shata means 100 in the Sanskrit numbering system. So Ashtottara Shatanamavali literally means 108 names in an ordered list. Ashtottara Shatanamavali is there for all the major Gods and Goddesses. So Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali means 108 names corresponding to Lord Shiva.

Generally, the 108 names of deities are explanations of their Physical appearance, their forms, special powers, characteristics, and what that particular god or goddess is associated with—witness, power, wealth, etc.—what is their Vahana or vehicle, some mythological incident that happened, their role, special powers, flags, the weapons they carry, their dressing, the ornaments they wear, who their son or daughter or husband or wife is, and the demons they killed as per their avatar.