चन्द्र अष्टोत्तर शतनामावली — Word-by-Word Meaning
चन्द्र अष्टोत्तर शतनामावली
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
श्रीमते नमः
śrīmate namaḥ
Salutations to the glorious and auspicious one (Shrimat)
शशधराय नमः
śaśadharāya namaḥ
to the bearer of the hare-mark, the moon (Shashadhara)
चन्द्राय नमः
candrāya namaḥ
to Chandra, the bright shining moon
ताराधीशाय नमः
tārādhīśāya namaḥ
to the lord of the stars (Taradhisha)
निशाकराय नमः
niśākarāya namaḥ
to the maker of the night (Nishakara)
सुधानिधये नमः
sudhānidhaye namaḥ
to the treasure-house of nectar (Sudhanidhi)
सदाराध्याय नमः
sadārādhyāya namaḥ
to one ever worthy of worship (Sadaradhya)
सत्पतये नमः
satpataye namaḥ
to the lord of the good and true (Satpati)
साधुपूजिताय नमः
sādhupūjitāya namaḥ
to one worshipped by the virtuous (Sadhupujita)
जितेन्द्रियाय नमः
jitendriyāya namaḥ
to one who has mastered the senses (Jitendriya)
जगद्योनये नमः
jagadyonaye namaḥ
to the source/womb of the world (Jagadyoni)
ज्योतिश्चक्रप्रवर्तकाय नमः
jyotiścakrapravartakāya namaḥ
to the one who sets the wheel of lights (stars) in motion (Jyotishchakrapravartaka)
विकर्तनानुजाय नमः
vikartanānujāya namaḥ
to the younger brother of the Sun (Vikartanānuja)
वीराय नमः
vīrāya namaḥ
to the heroic one (Vira)
विश्वेशाय नमः
viśveśāya namaḥ
to the lord of the universe (Vishvesha)
विदुषां पतये नमः
viduṣāṃ pataye namaḥ
to the lord of the learned (Vidushampati)
Complete Translation
चन्द्र अष्टोत्तर शतनामावली चन्द्र (सोम) — चन्द्रदेव, नक्षत्रों के स्वामी एवं अमृत व मन के शीतल कोश — के १०८ नामों की माला है। नवग्रहों में वे मन व भावनाओं, जीवन की जल-तत्त्व व पोषक शक्तियों तथा रात्रि के शीतल प्रकाश के अधिपति हैं। 'ॐ' व 'नमः' सहित, विशेषतः सोमवार को, इस नामावली का पाठ मनःशान्ति, भावनात्मक सन्तुलन, आरोग्य एवं चन्द्र की शीतल पोषक कृपा प्रदान करता है तथा दुर्बल या पीड़ित चन्द्र के दोषों को शान्त करता है।
Origin & History
Source: Traditional (Navagraha / Puranic tradition)
Author: Traditional
Period: Classical
Chandra, also called Soma, is the Moon-god, born (in one account) from the churning of the ocean of milk and bearer of the nectar of immortality, and (in another) the son of the sage Atri. As one of the Navagrahas he is the lord of the mind and of the watery, nourishing forces of life. This garland of his 108 names is recited within the Navagraha worship to strengthen a weak Moon and to draw his cooling, peace-bestowing grace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chandra Ashtottara Shatanamavali?▼
It is the garland of the 108 names of Chandra (Soma), the Moon-god, one of the Navagrahas. Each name is chanted with 'Om' before and 'namaha' after, and is offered as an archana, especially on Mondays, to invoke the Moon's cooling, peace-giving grace.
Why is the Moon worshipped for peace of mind?▼
In Vedic tradition Chandra rules the manas — the mind and emotions — and is the lord of nectar (amrita) and the cool night. A strong, well-propitiated Moon is associated with calm, contentment and emotional balance, so his 108 names are chanted for mental peace.
What should I offer while chanting?▼
White is the colour of the Moon: white flowers, unbroken white rice (akshata), milk or kheer are offered, one offering for each of the 108 names, ideally with a white lamp.
When is the best time to chant?▼
Monday, the day ruled by Chandra, and the full-moon night (Purnima) are the most auspicious times, especially in the evening when the Moon is visible.
Ready to start chanting?
See Benefits & How to Chant →