श्री अय्यप्प अष्टोत्तरशतनामावली — Benefits & How to Chant
श्री अय्यप्प अष्टोत्तरशतनामावली
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting श्री अय्यप्प अष्टोत्तरशतनामावली
Invokes the full protective grace of Lord Ayyappa, protector of the three worlds
Each of the 108 names meditates on a distinct divine quality, making for complete worship
Recited during the 41-day Mandala vratam and Sabarimala pilgrimage for the deity's blessings
Believed to destroy disease (Rogahantre) and the torments of worldly life (Samsara-tapa-vichchhetre)
Used for flower archana (offering each name with a flower or tulsi leaf at the Lord's feet)
Removes obstacles and inner enemies, granting courage for the difficult pilgrimage
Brings the grace of one who unites the powers of both Vishnu and Shiva (Hariharaputra)
How to Chant श्री अय्यप्प अष्टोत्तरशतनामावली
Instructions
After bathing and wearing the irumudi or simply with a pure mind, recite the 108 names with devotion. For archana, offer a flower, tulsi leaf or a little sandal paste at the feet of the deity with each name, beginning each with 'Om' and ending with 'Namah.' Pilgrims observing the 41-day vratam recite it daily. It is customary to begin with a prostration chanting 'Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa.'
Spiritual Significance
Devotees of Sabarimala recount that Lord Ayyappa, hailed in these names as Rogahantre (destroyer of disease) and Samsara-tapa-vichchhetre (severer of worldly torment), grants safe passage and fulfilment to those who complete the arduous 41-day vratam and the forest pilgrimage with the 108 names on their lips, his protecting grace as Trilokarakshaka shielding them on the way.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Shasta / Ayyappa devotional liturgy (South Indian temple tradition)
Author: Traditional (composer unknown)
The Ashtottara Shatanamavali of Lord Ayyappa belongs to the temple liturgy of Dharma-Shasta worship, centred on the famous hill-shrine of Sabarimala in Kerala. Ayyappa is venerated as Hariharaputra, born of the union of Vishnu's Mohini form and Shiva, embodying the harmony of the Vaishnava and Shaiva traditions — a theme reflected in names such as Mahashaiva, Vaishnava and Vishnupujaka. The 108 names are recited as archana, each name offered with a flower at the deity's feet, and form a central part of the devotions undertaken by pilgrims during the rigorous 41-day vratam that precedes the journey to Sabarimala.