Indian Nomes
In Indian spiritual tradition, Namavali refers to the "garland of names" — a sequence of divine names recited to glorify and meditate upon a deity. Each name reflects a specific attribute, quality, or story related to that god or goddess. The most common formats are the 108 names (Ashtottara Shatanamavali) and the 1000 names (Sahasranamavali).
These names are often chanted or read during daily prayers, festivals, or special rituals as a form of devotion and spiritual upliftment. The practice is a core part of Bhakti Yoga, the path of loving devotion.
For example:
- Vishnu Sahasranama – 1000 names praising Lord Vishnu.
- Lalita Sahasranama – 1000 names dedicated to Goddess Lalita Devi.
- Ganesha Ashtottara Namavali – 108 names of Lord Ganesha.
- Shiva Ashtottara Namavali – 108 names of Lord Shiva.
Each name typically ends with “
Namah,” meaning “I bow to,” such as
“Om Mahadevaya Namah” or
“Om Narayanaya Namah.”
In the Sahasra Nomavaliya section, you’ll find such name sequences for over 50 deities — including Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Subrahmanya, and the Navagrahas — representing a rich spiritual tradition that encourages remembrance of the divine in its many forms.
Indian Rituals
Ganapati
Ganapati rituals involve offerings and prayers to Lord Ganesha, especially before starting new ventures.
shivani
Shaivani rituals focus on the worship of Lord Shiva through abhishekam, chanting, and meditation.
strength
Strength rituals include prayers and practices aimed at inner resilience and spiritual fortitude.
Vaishnavism
Vaishnavism rituals emphasize devotion to Vishnu, including chanting the Vishnu Sahasranama.
Various
This includes a variety of traditional rituals from different regions and spiritual schools.
Eight Hundred and Fifty-Three Names
Compilation and explanation of 853 names used in spiritual traditions.
- Sri Venkatesa Sahasranamavali
- Sri Venkatesa Shatanamavali
- The Eighteenth Shatanamavali of Lord Vishnu
- Special names of Sri Vishnu
- Sri Vishnu Sahasranamavali
- Sri Krishnashtottara Shatanamavali
- Sri Lakshmashtottara Shatanamavali
- Sri Shiva Sahasra Namavali
- The Eighteen Names of Lord Shiva
- Sri Lalita Sahasranamavali
- Sri Lalita Ashtottar Shatanamavali
- Sri Ganapati Sahasra Namavali
- Sri Subrahmanya Ashtottar Shatanamavali
- Sri Subrahmanya Sahasranamavali
- Sri Valyashtottara Shatanamavali
- Sri Devasenashtottara Shatanamavali
- The Eighteenth Shatanamavali of Sri Rama
- Sri Rama Sahasranamavali
- Srimat Anjaneya Shatanamavali
- The Eightfold Shatanamavali of Sri Surya
- Sri Chandra Ashtottar Shatanamavali
- Sri Angaraka Ashtottara Shatanamavali
- The Eightfold Name of Lord Buddha
- The Eighteenth Shatanamavali of Lord Brihaspati
- The Eighteenth Shatanamavali of Sri Shukra
- The Eighteenth Shatanamavali of Lord Shani
- Sri Rahu Ashtottar Shatanamavali
- The Eighteenth Shatanamavali of Sri Ketu
Sahasra Nomavaliya: 50 Gods
Sahasra Namavali means a sacred list of 1000 names of a deity. The term is derived from:
“Sahasra” (thousand), “Nama” (name), and “Avali” (series). These names reflect divine attributes,
actions, and powers of the deity. Chanting Sahasranamas is a revered practice in Hinduism used during prayers,
rituals, and meditations to invoke blessings and spiritual upliftment.
Many Hindu deities have their own Sahasranamas, and texts like the Mahabharata, Puranas, and Tantras
contain these sacred recitations. Notable examples include Vishnu Sahasranama, Shiva Sahasranama,
Lalita Sahasranama, and Ganesha Sahasranama. These are structured with:
an invocation, the 1000 names, and a concluding verse explaining the benefits (Phalashruti).
Devotees may chant Sahasranamas of different deities such as:
Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Durga, Subrahmanya, Hanuman, Rama, Krishna, Ayyappa, Kali, Surya, and many more —
up to 50 divine forms. Each name is believed to bestow a specific spiritual benefit and is a path to divine connection.
Octaves
In Indian classical music, an octave is referred to as a Saptak, which includes seven basic musical notes: Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni, ending with a higher Sa (thus completing the 8-note scale). These octaves are used extensively in Vedic chanting and Indian music to express different moods and spiritual vibrations.
- Mandra Saptak: Lower octave, deeper tones used in meditative chants.
- Madhya Saptak: Middle octave, the normal range for singing and recitation.
- Tara Saptak: Higher octave, used for expressing devotion and intensity.
Octaves are more than just musical concepts—they are symbolic of different levels of consciousness and energy vibrations. Chanting mantras in various saptaks is believed to harmonize the body and mind and activate specific chakras (energy centers). In spiritual traditions, these octaves represent the layered nature of existence and can deepen meditative experiences.
Centuries
Chronological discussion of centuries in Indian history and spirituality.
Verses
Collection of sacred verses from Vedic and epic literature.
Devotion
Concept of Bhakti (devotion) and its role in spiritual practice.
Vedic mantras
Powerful mantras from the Vedas used in rituals and meditations.
New planets
Astrological insights on newly identified planetary influences.
Rudrakshas
Spiritual significance and usage of Rudraksha beads in meditation and healing.
Monthly special
Highlights of spiritual practices and festivals observed monthly.
Stars-Lords-Description
Descriptive profiles of stars and ruling deities in Vedic astrology.
Indian Ashram Dharmas
Duties and practices in the four stages of life in Hindu philosophy.
Sanskaras from birth to death
Overview of the 16 major Samskaras (sacraments) in a Hindu's life journey.
Hymns
- Shri Ganesha Stotras
- Sri Subrahmanya Stotras
- Lord Shiva Stotras
- Sri Dakshinamurthyli
- Sri Nataraja
- Sri Bhairava
- Sri Devi Stotras
- Shri Saraswati Stotras
- Sri Lakshmi Stotras
- Sri Gayatri Stotras
- Sri Lalita Stotras
- Sri Shyamala Stotras
- Shri Varahi Stotras
- Sri Bala Stotras
- Sri Durga Stotras
- Sri Pratyangira Stotras
- Sri Kalika Stotras
- Dasamahavidyas
- Shri Vishnu Stotras
- Sri Narasimha Stotras
- Sri Rama Stotras
- Sri Krishna Stotras
- Sri Venkateswara Stotras
- Sri Sudarshana Stotras
- Shri Dasha Avatar Stotras
- Sri Surya Stotrasl
- Sri Navagraha Stotras
- Sri Dattatreya Stotras
- Sri Shankaracharya Stotras
- Sri Ayyappa Stotras
- Hymns to Sri Nagadevata
Pancha Suktamu (Vedic Suktamu)
Purusha Suktam (from Rig Veda):
- Glorifies the cosmic form of the Supreme Being.
- Describes how the universe originated from the sacrifice of the Purusha (Cosmic Person).
- Recited in most Vedic rituals.
Narayana Suktam (from Yajur Veda):
- Declares Narayana as the Supreme Reality.
- Highly philosophical and devotional, identifying Him as the inner Self (Atman) and the Supreme Brahman.
Sri Suktam (from Rig Veda):
- Dedicated to Goddess Sri or Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu.
- Invokes blessings of wealth, prosperity, and purity.
Bhu Suktam (from Taittiriya Aranyaka):
- Praises Bhu Devi, the Earth Goddess and another consort of Vishnu.
- Symbolizes patience, nourishment, and support.
Nila Suktam (also called Neela Suktam):
- Addressed to Nila Devi, often associated with compassion and the blue hue of Vishnu.
- Though not as commonly found in the Vedas, it is accepted and recited in the Sri Vaishnava tradition.
Anushtanam
Daily spiritual discipline and practices in traditional Hindu life.
Devices
Tools and implements used in rituals and spiritual practices.
Devata Chalisa
Forty-verse hymns (Chalisa) dedicated to various deities.
Sri Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya Peetam
Information about the Peetams established by Adi Shankaracharya across India.
Sri Ramanujacharya Peetam
Details of the spiritual lineage and teachings of Sri Ramanujacharya.
108 Vaishnava divine places
List and significance of the 108 Divya Desams in Vaishnavism.
Yellamma Temples in Telangana State
Locations and history of Yellamma temples across Telangana.
Bhonalu in Telangana State
Cultural and religious significance of the Bonalu festival in Telangana.