Hariharaputra Ashtottara Shatanama: 108 Names of Ayyappa

Hariharaputra Ashtottara Shatanama Stotram - Sanskrit Text

ॐ। महाशास्ता विश्वशास्ता लोकशास्ता तथैव च।
धर्मशास्ता वेदशास्ता कालशास्ता गजाधिपः॥१॥

गजारूढो गणाध्यक्षो व्याघ्रारूढो महद्द्युतिः।
गोप्ता गीर्वाणसंसेव्यो गतातङ्को गणाग्रणीः॥२॥

ऋग्वेदरूपो नक्षत्रं चन्द्ररूपो बलाहकः।
दूर्वाश्यामो महारूपः क्रूरदृष्टिरनामयः॥३॥

त्रिनेत्र उत्पलकरः कालहन्ता नराधिपः।
खण्डेन्दुमौलितनयः कल्हारकुसुमप्रियः॥४॥

मदनो माधवसुतो मन्दारकुसुमार्चितः।
महाबलो महोत्साहो महापापविनाशनः॥५॥

महाशूरो महाधीरो महासर्पविभूषणः।
असिहस्तः शरधरो हालाहलधरात्मजः॥६॥

अर्जुनेशोऽग्निनयनश्चानङ्गमदनातुरः।
दुष्टग्रहाधिपः श्रीदः शिष्टरक्षणदीक्षितः॥७॥

कस्तूरीतिलको राजशेखरो राजसत्तमः।
राजराजार्चितो विष्णुपुत्रो वनजनाधिपः॥८॥

वर्चस्करो वररुचिर्वरदो वायुवाहनः।
वज्रकायः खड्गपाणिर्वज्रहस्तो बलोद्धतः॥९॥

त्रिलोकज्ञश्चातिबलः पुष्कलो वृत्तपावनः।
पूर्णाधवः पुष्कलेशः पाशहस्तो भयापहः॥१०॥

फट्काररूपः पापघ्नः पाषण्डरुधिराशनः।
पञ्चपाण्डवसन्त्राता परपञ्चाक्षराश्रितः॥११॥

पञ्चवक्त्रसुतः पूज्यः पण्डितः परमेश्वरः।
भवतापप्रशमनो भक्ताभीष्टप्रदायकः॥१२॥

कविः कवीनामधिपः कृपालुः क्लेशनाशनः।
समोऽरूपश्च सेनानीर्भक्तसम्पत्प्रदायकः॥१३॥

व्याघ्रचर्मधरः शूली कपाली वेणुवादनः।
कम्बुकण्ठः कलरवः किरीटादिविभूषणः॥१४॥

धूर्जटिर्वीरनिलयो वीरो वीरेन्दुवन्दितः।
विश्वरूपो वृषपतिर्विविधार्थफलप्रदः॥१५॥

दीर्घनासो महाबाहुश्चतुर्बाहुर्जटाधरः।
सनकादिमुनिश्रेष्ठस्तुत्यो हरिहरात्मजः॥१६॥

॥ इति श्रीहरिहरपुत्राष्टोत्तरशतनामस्तोत्रं सम्पूर्णम् ॥

Transliteration (Roman/IAST)

oṁ · mahāśāstā viśvaśāstā lokaśāstā tathaiva ca · dharmaśāstā vedaśāstā kālaśāstā gajādhipaḥ (1)
gajārūḍho gaṇādhyakṣo vyāghrārūḍho mahadyutiḥ ... (2) ·
(the sixteen verses string together 108 epithets, closing with) sanakādimuniśreṣṭhastutyo hariharātmajaḥ (16).

Meaning

This stotra praises Hariharaputra - Lord Ayyappa / Dharma Sastha, the divine son born of Hari (Vishnu, in his Mohini form) and Hara (Shiva). He is hailed as Mahashasta, the great teacher and ruler of the world and of dharma, lord of the Vedas and of time; rider of the elephant and tiger, of resplendent radiance; embodiment of the Rig Veda; three-eyed, bearing sword, arrow, and noose; the disciplined protector of the good (Shishta-rakshana-dikshita) and subduer of the wicked and of malefic planets (Dushtagrahadhipa); the destroyer of great sin, fulfiller of devotees' wishes, and son of Hari and Hara. The 108 names together evoke his sovereignty, his ascetic power, and his fierce protection of those who take refuge in him.

About this Stotra

Hariharaputra - known across South India as Ayyappa, Sastha, or Dharma Sastha - is the deity of the great Sabarimala pilgrimage in Kerala. Born of the union of Vishnu (as the enchantress Mohini) and Shiva, he unites the powers of both Hari and Hara, and is worshipped as a brahmachari yogi who upholds dharma. This Ashtottara Shatanama Stotram, composed in sixteen anushtubh verses, is among the central hymns recited by Ayyappa devotees, especially during the 41-day vratam and the Sabarimala pilgrimage season.

Significance & Spiritual Benefits

Because Sastha is named Dushtagrahadhipa - lord and subduer of evil planetary and unseen influences - his worship is especially sought for protection from malefic forces, black magic, fear, and obstacles. The stotra is held to destroy great sin, grant courage and self-control, bless devotees with prosperity (Bhakta-sampat-pradayaka), and fulfil sincere wishes. As the son of both Vishnu and Shiva, Ayyappa harmonises the energies of preservation and transformation, making his grace whole and balancing.

Astrological Relevance

The name Dushtagrahadhipa - "lord of the malefic grahas" - gives this stotra a direct astrological force: it is recited to pacify afflicting planets, especially the shadow planets Rahu and Ketu and a troubling Shani (Saturn), and to gain protection during difficult planetary periods and dashas. As Hariharaputra he carries the grace of both Guru (Jupiter, deity Vishnu) and the Shiva-tattva associated with Saturn, making him a powerful refuge for those facing grah-badha, fear, and sustained adversity. Worship during the Mandala vratam and on Saturdays is held to shield the devotee from negative planetary influence.

How to Chant (Vidhi)

Bathe, observe purity, and sit before an image of Ayyappa / Sastha, ideally wearing the traditional mala if under vow. Light a lamp, offer flowers and a coconut or jaggery, and recite the sixteen verses with discipline and devotion. During the 41-day Mandala vratam, daily recitation is especially meritorious, often concluding with "Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa."

Best Day & Time

Saturday - sacred to Sastha and to Saturn - is the most auspicious day, along with the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season (mid-November to mid-January) and the predawn hours. Each month's Sankranti and the day of one's birth-star are also favoured.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Hariharaputra?

He is Lord Ayyappa / Dharma Sastha, the divine son of Vishnu (as Mohini) and Shiva, the brahmachari deity of the Sabarimala pilgrimage who upholds dharma.

Why is this stotra recited for planetary problems?

One of his 108 names is Dushtagrahadhipa, "lord and subduer of malefic planets," so his worship is sought for protection from afflicting grahas, fear, and obstacles.

When is the best time to chant it?

Saturdays and the Mandala pilgrimage season are ideal, especially when observing the 41-day Ayyappa vratam.