Surya Ashtottara Shatanamavali — Benefits & How to Chant
सूर्य अष्टोत्तर शतनामावली
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting Surya Ashtottara Shatanamavali
Chanting the 108 names (Ashtottara Shatanamavali) of Surya invokes the divine grace, blessings and protection of the deity.
Each name is a meditation on a sacred quality; reciting all 108 with devotion purifies the mind and fulfils sincere prayers.
Traditionally offered as an archana
one name at a time with a flower or kumkum — especially on Sundays.
Most auspicious during Ratha Saptami and Makar Sankranti; suitable for daily recitation with faith.
How to Chant Surya Ashtottara Shatanamavali
Instructions
Bathe and sit facing east, towards the rising sun before an image of the deity. Recite each name beginning with “Om” (ॐ) and ending with “namaḥ” (नमः), offering a flower, tulsi leaf, bilva leaf or a pinch of kumkum at the Lord’s feet for each name (archana). The full garland of 108 names may be chanted daily, or especially on Sundays and during Ratha Saptami and Makar Sankranti.
Spiritual Significance
It is said that to offer the 108 names of Surya with a sincere and devoted heart — a flower at each name — is to draw the lasting grace of the divine, which never forsakes those who lovingly call upon it.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional
Author: Traditional
The Surya Ashtottara Shatanamavali is a traditional garland of the 108 names of Surya. The 108 names of Surya, the Sun god — the visible deity, source of light, health and life, dispeller of darkness — each chanted with “Om” and “namaḥ”, recited at dawn (especially Sundays) for health, vitality and the pacifying of solar afflictions.