108 Names of Skanda

The Śrī Subrahmaṇya Aṣṭottara Śata Nāmāvalī (108 Names of Lord Skanda) is a sacred litany that glorifies the divine qualities of Lord Subrahmaṇya, also known as Skanda, Kārtikeya, Murugan, and Kumāra. Revered as the son of Lord Śiva and Devī Pārvatī, Skanda is the celestial commander of the gods, the personification of valor, divine intelligence, and purity.
This powerful nāmāvalī was originally instructed by Nandikeśvara, the devoted attendant of Śiva, to the sage Agastya—making it a timeless spiritual teaching with deep scriptural roots. Each of the 108 names reflects a facet of Skanda’s divine personality: his supreme knowledge, his youthful beauty, his fearlessness in battle, and his role as the destroyer of ignorance and evil.
Reciting or meditating on the 108 names of Skanda is said to bestow strength, clarity, and spiritual protection. On this page, you’ll find each name presented with Sanskrit text, transliteration, English translation, and meaningful commentary, offering a devotional journey into the divine presence of Lord Subrahmaṇya.
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ॐ स्कन्दाय नमःOm Skandāya NamaḥSalutations to SkandaSkanda is another name for Lord Kartikeya, the god of war and victory, representing the embodiment of valor and leadership.
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ॐ गुहाय नमःOm Guhāya NamaḥSalutations to GuhaGuha means “the secret one,” referring to Kartikeya’s mysterious and divine nature, often residing in the hearts of devotees.
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ॐ षण्मुखाय नमःOm Ṣaṇmukhāya NamaḥSalutations to ShanmukhaṢaṇmukha means “six-faced,” highlighting Kartikeya’s six faces that represent his omniscience and ability to see in all directions.
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ॐ बालनेत्रसुताय नमःOm Bālanetrasutāya NamaḥSalutations to the Son of the Three-eyed LordThis name refers to Kartikeya as the son of Lord Shiva, who is depicted with a third eye symbolizing wisdom and destruction of evil.
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ॐ प्रभवे नमःOm Prabhave NamaḥSalutations to the Lord of PowerPrabhava denotes Kartikeya’s supreme power and authority, overseeing divine forces and maintaining cosmic order.
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ॐ पिङ्गलाय नमःOm Piṅgalāya NamaḥSalutations to the Tawny-hued OnePiṅgala refers to the tawny or golden hue, symbolizing Kartikeya’s radiant and dynamic energy.
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ॐ कृत्तिकासूनवे नमःOm Kṛttikāsūnave NamaḥSalutations to the Son of the KrittikasKṛttikāsūnu references Kartikeya’s birth from the constellation of the Pleiades, nurtured by the six Krittika stars.
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ॐ शिखिवाहनाय नमःOm Śikhivāhanāya NamaḥSalutations to the One who Rides the PeacockŚikhivāhana signifies Kartikeya’s vehicle, the peacock, which represents majesty and the destruction of harmful influences.
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ॐ द्विनद्भुजाय नमःOm Dvinadbhujāya NamaḥSalutations to the One with Twelve ArmsDvinadbhujā denotes Kartikeya’s twelve arms, symbolizing his capability to perform many tasks and protect the universe.
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ॐ द्विनन्नेत्राय नमःOm Dvinannetṛāya NamaḥSalutations to the One with Twelve EyesDvinannetṛa refers to Kartikeya’s twelve eyes, representing his vigilance and ability to oversee the cosmos.
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ॐ शक्तिधराय नमःOm Śaktidharāya NamaḥSalutations to the Bearer of the SpearŚaktidhara highlights Kartikeya’s role as the bearer of the divine spear, a symbol of power and the destruction of evil.
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ॐ पिसिदासप्रभजनाय नमःOm Pisidāsaprabhajanāya NamaḥSalutations to the Destroyer of DemonsPisidāsaprabhajana signifies Kartikeya’s role in vanquishing demons and protecting the righteous.
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ॐ तारकासुरसंहारिणे नमःOm Tārakāsurasamhāriṇe NamaḥSalutations to the Slayer of TārakāsuraTārakāsurasamhāri refers to Kartikeya’s triumph over the demon Tārakāsura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
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ॐ रक्षोबलविमर्दनाय नमःOm Rakṣobalavimardanāya NamaḥSalutations to the Crusher of Demon ForcesRakṣobalavimardana underscores Kartikeya’s ability to crush the forces of demons, ensuring peace and harmony.
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ॐ मत्ताय नमःOm Mattāya NamaḥSalutations to the Intoxicated OneMatta signifies Kartikeya’s ecstatic and blissful state, often associated with divine intoxication and spiritual fervor.
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ॐ प्रमत्ताय नमःOm Pramattāya NamaḥSalutations to the Overjoyed OnePramatta refers to Kartikeya’s overwhelming joy and enthusiasm, reflecting his divine playfulness and energy.
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ॐ उन्मत्ताय नमःOm Unmattāya NamaḥSalutations to the Frenzied OneUnmatta implies a state of divine frenzy or madness, symbolizing Kartikeya’s intense devotion and spiritual zeal.
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ॐ सुरसैन्यसुरक्षकाय नमःOm Surasainyasurakṣakāya NamaḥSalutations to the Protector of the Divine ArmySurasainyasurakṣaka emphasizes Kartikeya’s role as the protector and commander of the celestial armies.
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ॐ देवसेनापतये नमःOm Devasenāpataye NamaḥSalutations to the Commander of the Divine ForcesDevasenāpati denotes Kartikeya’s leadership as the commander-in-chief of the gods’ army, showcasing his martial prowess.
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ॐ प्रज्ञाय नमःOm Prajñāya NamaḥSalutations to the Wise OnePrajñā highlights Kartikeya’s wisdom and intelligence, guiding devotees on the path of knowledge and enlightenment.
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ॐ कृपालवे नमःOm Kṛpālave NamaḥSalutations to the Compassionate OneKṛpāla refers to one who is full of compassion and mercy, highlighting Skanda’s benevolent nature.
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ॐ भक्तवत्सलाय नमःOm Bhaktavatsalāya NamaḥSalutations to the Beloved of DevoteesBhaktavatsala means one who is affectionate and caring towards his devotees, emphasizing Skanda’s love and protection for his followers.
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ॐ उमासुताय नमःOm Umāsutāya NamaḥSalutations to the Son of UmaUmāsuta signifies Skanda as the son of Uma (another name for Parvati), linking him to his divine parentage.
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ॐ कुमाराय नमःOm Kumārāya NamaḥSalutations to the Youthful OneKumāra refers to a young boy or prince, highlighting Skanda’s eternal youth and vigor.
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ॐ क्रौञ्चधारणाय नमःOm Krauñcadhāraṇāya NamaḥSalutations to the Holder of the Krauñca MountainKrauñcadhāraṇa refers to the legendary act of Skanda breaking the Krauñca mountain, symbolizing his strength and valor.
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ॐ सेनान्ये नमःOm Senānye NamaḥSalutations to the CommanderSenāny means the commander of the army, reflecting Skanda’s role as the leader of divine forces.
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ॐ अग्निजन्मने नमःOm Agnijanmane NamaḥSalutations to the One Born of FireAgnijanma signifies Skanda’s birth from the sacred fire, representing purity and divine origin.
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ॐ विषाखाय नमःOm Viṣākhāya NamaḥSalutations to the Branch-like OneViṣākha refers to a branch, symbolizing Skanda’s ability to spread and support like a tree’s branches.
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ॐ शङ्करात्मजाय नमःOm Śaṅkarātmajāya NamaḥSalutations to the Son of ShankaraŚaṅkarātmaja highlights Skanda as the son of Śaṅkara (another name for Shiva), emphasizing his divine lineage.
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ॐ शिवस्वामिने नमःOm Śivasvāmine NamaḥSalutations to the Lord of ShivaŚivasvāmin suggests Skanda’s close association and supremacy even over Shiva, denoting his greatness.
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ॐ गणस्वामिने नमःOm Gaṇasvāmine NamaḥSalutations to the Lord of the GanasGaṇasvāmin refers to Skanda as the leader of the Gaṇas, the divine attendants of Shiva, underscoring his leadership.
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ॐ सर्वस्वामिने नमःOm Sarvasvāmine NamaḥSalutations to the Lord of AllSarvasvāmin denotes Skanda’s sovereignty over all beings and realms, highlighting his supreme authority.
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ॐ सनातनाय नमःOm Sanātanāya NamaḥSalutations to the Eternal OneSanātana means eternal, emphasizing Skanda’s timeless and unchanging nature.
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ॐ अनन्तशक्तये नमःOm Anantaśaktaye NamaḥSalutations to the One with Infinite PowerAnantaśakti indicates Skanda’s limitless power and capability, denoting his omnipotence.
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ॐ अक्षोभ्याय नमःOm Akṣobhyāya NamaḥSalutations to the Unperturbable OneAkṣobhya refers to one who is unshaken and calm, highlighting Skanda’s steadfastness and tranquility.
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ॐ पार्वतीप्रियनन्दनाय नमःOm Pārvatīpriyanandanāya NamaḥSalutations to the Delightful Son of ParvatiPārvatīpriyanandana emphasizes Skanda’s beloved status as Parvati’s son, reflecting maternal affection.
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ॐ गङ्गासुताय नमःOm Gaṅgāsutāya NamaḥSalutations to the Son of GangaGaṅgāsuta signifies Skanda’s connection to the sacred river Ganga, symbolizing purity and divine descent.
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ॐ सरोद्भूताय नमःOm Sarodbhūtāya NamaḥSalutations to the One Born from the LakeSarodbhūta refers to Skanda’s birth from the lake, an event symbolizing his miraculous and divine origin.
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ॐ आत्मभुवे नमःOm Ātmabhuve NamaḥSalutations to the Self-Existent OneĀtmabhu indicates one who is self-manifested, denoting Skanda’s self-originating nature.
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ॐ पावकात्मजाय नमःOm Pāvakātmajāya NamaḥSalutations to the Son of the Purifier (Fire)Pāvakātmaja signifies Skanda’s birth from the purifying fire, symbolizing his purity and divine origin.
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ॐ मायाधराय नमःOṁ Māyādharāya NamaḥSalutations to the Bearer of IllusionMāyādhara refers to the one who holds or supports the cosmic illusion, symbolizing the divine power to create and sustain the universe.
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ॐ प्रजृम्भाय नमःOṁ Prajṛmbhāya NamaḥSalutations to the Expanding OnePrajṛmbha signifies the act of expansion or unfolding, representing the divine force that causes the universe to expand and evolve.
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ॐ उज्जृम्भाय नमःOṁ Ujjṛmbhāya NamaḥSalutations to the One who Expands ExceedinglyUjjṛmbha indicates a greater or more intense form of expansion, emphasizing the divine capability to manifest beyond limits.
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ॐ कमलासनसंस्तुताय नमःOṁ Kamalāsanasaṁstutāya NamaḥSalutations to the One Praised by the Lotus-SeatedKamalāsanasaṁstuta refers to being praised by Brahma, who is often depicted seated on a lotus, highlighting divine veneration by the creator.
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ॐ एकवर्णाय नमःOṁ Ekavarṇāya NamaḥSalutations to the One of Single ColorEkavarṇa signifies the uniformity and purity of a single color, symbolizing simplicity and divine unity.
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ॐ द्विवर्णाय नमःOṁ Dvivarṇāya NamaḥSalutations to the One of Two ColorsDvivarṇa represents duality and balance, often symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of contrasting aspects.
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ॐ त्रिवर्णाय नमःOṁ Trivarṇāya NamaḥSalutations to the One of Three ColorsTrivarṇa alludes to the three fundamental qualities or gunas, representing the balanced nature of creation, preservation, and destruction.
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ॐ सुमनोहराय नमःOṁ Sumanoharāya NamaḥSalutations to the One who is Extremely PleasingSumanohara denotes an enchanting and delightful presence, capturing the divine charm and attractiveness.
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ॐ चतुर्वर्णाय नमःOṁ Caturvarṇāya NamaḥSalutations to the One of Four ColorsCaturvarṇa signifies the fourfold division, often associated with the varna system, symbolizing the diversity and completeness of creation.
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ॐ पञ्चवर्णाय नमःOṁ Pañcavarṇāya NamaḥSalutations to the One of Five ColorsPañcavarṇa represents the five elements or the five senses, symbolizing the all-encompassing nature of the divine.
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ॐ प्रजापतये नमःOṁ Prajāpataye NamaḥSalutations to the Lord of CreaturesPrajāpati is a title for the creator deity, emphasizing the role of the divine as the progenitor of all life forms.
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ॐ त्रुम्बाय नमःOṁ Trumbāya NamaḥSalutations to the Thunderous OneTrumba refers to a loud, thunderous sound, symbolizing the powerful and awe-inspiring aspect of the divine.
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ॐ अग्निगर्भाय नमःOṁ Agnigarbāya NamaḥSalutations to the One who Holds Fire in the WombAgnigarbha denotes the divine ability to contain and nurture fire, representing transformative energy and purification.
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ॐ समिगर्भाय नमःOṁ Samigarbāya NamaḥSalutations to the One who Holds the Sacrificial FireSamigarbha signifies the divine presence within the sacred fire of rituals, symbolizing spiritual nourishment and sustenance.
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ॐ विश्वरेतसे नमःOṁ Viśvaretase NamaḥSalutations to the Seed of the UniverseViśvaretas refers to the creative energy or seed of the universe, highlighting the divine as the source of all creation.
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ॐ सुरारिघ्ने नमःOṁ Surārighne NamaḥSalutations to the Slayer of the Enemies of the GodsSurārighna signifies the divine power to vanquish the foes of the celestial beings, emphasizing protection and righteousness.
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ॐ हिरण्यवर्णाय नमःOṁ Hiraṇyavarṇāya NamaḥSalutations to the Golden-Hued OneHiraṇyavarṇa refers to the golden color, symbolizing purity, prosperity, and divine radiance.
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ॐ शुभकृते नमःOṁ Śubhakṛte NamaḥSalutations to the Doer of GoodŚubhakṛt signifies the divine as the source of all auspiciousness and benevolence.
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ॐ वसुमते नमःOṁ Vasumate NamaḥSalutations to the Wealthy OneVasumat denotes richness and abundance, symbolizing the divine as the bestower of material and spiritual wealth.
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ॐ वटुवेषभृते नमःOṁ Vaṭuveṣabhṛte NamaḥSalutations to the One who Assumes the Form of a YouthVaṭuveṣabhṛt refers to the divine taking on the guise of a young student or ascetic, symbolizing humility and the pursuit of knowledge.
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ॐ भूषणाय नमःOm Bhūṣaṇāya NamaḥSalutations to the OrnamentSkanda is revered as the divine ornament, symbolizing beauty and adornment in spiritual and material realms.
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ॐ कपिष्टाय नमःOm Kapiṣṭāya NamaḥSalutations to the One who is BrownThis name refers to the hue of Skanda, symbolizing earthiness and connection to nature.
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ॐ गहनाय नमःOm Gahanāya NamaḥSalutations to the InaccessibleSkanda is profound and mysterious, embodying the depth of spiritual wisdom.
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ॐ चन्द्रवर्णाय नमःOm Candravarṇāya NamaḥSalutations to the Moon-Colored OneSkanda’s complexion is likened to the soothing and serene light of the moon.
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ॐ कालधराय नमःOm Kāladharāya NamaḥSalutations to the Bearer of TimeSkanda holds the essence of time, representing the eternal cycle of creation and destruction.
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ॐ महामायिने नमःOm Mahāmāyine NamaḥSalutations to the Great IllusionistSkanda is the master of māyā, the divine play of illusion that governs the universe.
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ॐ कैवल्याय नमःOm Kaivalyāya NamaḥSalutations to the AbsoluteSkanda signifies ultimate liberation and the state of absolute oneness.
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ॐ सहात्मकाय नमःOm Sahātmakāya NamaḥSalutations to the One with All SoulsSkanda embodies the unity of all souls, emphasizing interconnectedness.
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ॐ विश्वयोनये नमःOm Viśvayonaye NamaḥSalutations to the Source of the UniverseSkanda is the origin of all creation, the cosmic womb from which everything emerges.
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ॐ अमेयात्मने नमःOm Ameyātmane NamaḥSalutations to the Immeasurable SoulSkanda’s essence is boundless and beyond measure, representing infinite potential.
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ॐ तेजोनिधये नमःOm Tejonidhaye NamaḥSalutations to the Abode of LightSkanda is the repository of divine light, illuminating the path of righteousness.
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ॐ अनामयाय नमःOm Anāmayāya NamaḥSalutations to the One Free from AfflictionSkanda is untouched by disease or suffering, embodying perfect health and well-being.
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ॐ परमेष्ठिने नमःOm Parameṣṭhine NamaḥSalutations to the Supreme LordSkanda is revered as the highest deity, overseeing the cosmic order.
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ॐ परब्रह्मणे नमःOm Parabrahmaṇe NamaḥSalutations to the Supreme RealitySkanda symbolizes the ultimate truth, transcending all dualities.
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ॐ वेदगर्भाय नमःOm Vedagarbhāya NamaḥSalutations to the Essence of the VedasSkanda embodies the core knowledge and wisdom contained in the Vedas.
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ॐ विराट्सुताय नमःOm Virāṭsutāya NamaḥSalutations to the Son of the Cosmic FormSkanda is the offspring of the universal form, representing the manifestation of cosmic energy.
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ॐ पुलिन्दकन्याभर्त्रे नमःOm Pulindakanyābhartre NamaḥSalutations to the Husband of the Tribal MaidenSkanda is married to Valli, a tribal maiden, symbolizing the union of diverse cultures and traditions.
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ॐ महासरस्वतव्रदाय नमःOm Mahāsarasvatavradāya NamaḥSalutations to the Bestower of Great WisdomSkanda grants profound knowledge and insight, akin to the wisdom of Sarasvati.
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ॐ आश्रिताकिलधात्रे नमःOm Āśritākiladhātre NamaḥSalutations to the Supporter of All DependentsSkanda provides refuge and sustenance to all who seek his protection.
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ॐ चोरघ्नाय नमःOm Coraghnāya NamaḥSalutations to the Destroyer of ThievesSkanda protects his devotees by eliminating thieves and negative influences.
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ॐ रोगनाशनाय नमःOm Roganāśanāya NamaḥSalutations to the Destroyer of DiseasesThis name signifies Skanda’s power to eradicate illnesses and promote health and well-being.
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ॐ अनन्तमूर्तये नमःOm Anantamūrtaye NamaḥSalutations to the One of Infinite FormsSkanda is described as having limitless forms, symbolizing his omnipresence and boundless nature.
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ॐ आनन्दाय नमःOm Ānandāya NamaḥSalutations to the Embodiment of BlissSkanda is the source of supreme joy and bliss, representing spiritual happiness.
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ॐ शिखण्डीकृतकेदनाय नमःOm Śikhaṇḍīkṛtakedanāya NamaḥSalutations to the One Crowned with Peacock FeathersSkanda is often depicted with a peacock, symbolizing beauty and majesty.
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ॐ दम्भाय नमःOm Dambhāya NamaḥSalutations to the DeceiverThis name refers to Skanda’s ability to outwit and overcome his enemies through strategic deception.
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ॐ परदम्भाय नमःOm Paradambhāya NamaḥSalutations to the Supreme DeceiverSkanda is acknowledged for his supreme ability to deceive evil forces for the greater good.
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ॐ महादम्भाय नमःOm Mahādambhāya NamaḥSalutations to the Great DeceiverThis name highlights Skanda’s prowess in employing deception as a strategy in battles.
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ॐ वृषकापये नमःOm Vṛṣakāpaye NamaḥSalutations to the Protector of DharmaSkanda is seen as a guardian of righteousness, represented by the bull (Vṛṣa), which symbolizes dharma.
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ॐ करणोपातदेहाय नमःOm Karaṇopātadehāya NamaḥSalutations to the One Whose Body is the Cause of AllThis name emphasizes Skanda’s role as the fundamental cause behind creation and cosmic functions.
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ॐ कारणातीतविग्रहाय नमःOm Kāraṇātīta Vigrahāya NamaḥSalutations to the One Beyond all CausesSkanda transcends all causal relationships, symbolizing his divine and unbounded nature.
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ॐ अनीश्वराय नमःOm Anīśvarāya NamaḥSalutations to the One Without a SuperiorThis name signifies Skanda’s supreme status as one who has no overlord or master.
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ॐ अमृताय नमःOm Amṛtāya NamaḥSalutations to the Immortal OneSkanda is eternal and immortal, representing the undying essence of divinity.
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ॐ प्राणाय नमःOm Prāṇāya NamaḥSalutations to the Life ForceSkanda is identified with the vital life force that sustains all beings.
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ॐ प्राणायामपरायणाय नमःOm Prāṇāyāmaparāyaṇāya NamaḥSalutations to the One Dedicated to Breath ControlThis name highlights Skanda’s mastery over prāṇāyāma, the practice of controlling the breath for spiritual growth.
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ॐ वृत्तकन्दरे नमःOm Vṛttakandare NamaḥSalutations to the One with a Round NeckThis name describes a physical attribute of Skanda, emphasizing his divine form.
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ॐ विरघ्नाय नमःOm Viraghnāya NamaḥSalutations to the Slayer of HeroesSkanda is known for his prowess in battle, capable of defeating mighty warriors and heroes.
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ॐ रक्तश्यामगलाय नमःOm Raktaśyāmagalāya NamaḥSalutations to the One with a Red-Black NeckThis name refers to a distinctive feature of Skanda’s appearance, symbolizing his unique and divine form.
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ॐ महते नमःOm Mahate NamaḥSalutations to the Great OneSkanda is revered as a great and majestic deity, embodying power and grandeur.
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ॐ सुब्रह्मण्याय नमःOm Subrahmaṇyāya NamaḥSalutations to the Auspicious BrahmanSubrahmanya is another name for Skanda, reflecting his auspicious and divine nature.
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ॐ परावराय नमःOm Parāvarāya NamaḥSalutations to the One Who is Beyond the Near and FarSkanda transcends all spatial limitations, indicating his omnipresence and transcendental nature.
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ॐ ब्रह्मण्याय नमःOm Brahmaṇyāya NamaḥSalutations to the Protector of DharmaBrahmaṇya refers to one who is devoted to Brahman, the ultimate reality or cosmic spirit. In this context, it signifies the protector or supporter of righteousness and Vedic knowledge.
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ॐ ब्रह्मणप्रियाय नमःOm Brahmaṇapriyāya NamaḥSalutations to the Beloved of the VedasBrahmaṇapriya means one who is dear to Brahman or the Vedas. It signifies a deep connection and reverence for sacred knowledge and spiritual wisdom.
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ॐ लोकगुरवे नमःOm Loka Gurave NamaḥSalutations to the Teacher of the WorldLoka Guru refers to a universal teacher or guide. It signifies the role of imparting wisdom and guidance to all beings, transcending boundaries and cultures.
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ॐ गुहप्रियाय नमःOm Guhapriyāya NamaḥSalutations to the Beloved of GuhaGuha is another name for Skanda, meaning ‘cave’ or ‘hidden’. Guhapriya signifies the one who is dear to the hidden or secretive aspects of divine wisdom.
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ॐ अक्षयफलप्रदाय नमःOm Akṣayaphalapradāya NamaḥSalutations to the Bestower of Imperishable FruitsAkṣayaphalaprada means the one who grants eternal or imperishable results. It signifies the bestowment of lasting spiritual benefits and rewards.
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ॐ श्रीसुब्रह्मण्याय नमःOm Śrī Subrahmaṇyāya NamaḥSalutations to the Auspicious SubrahmanyaŚrī Subrahmaṇya is a revered name of Skanda, emphasizing his auspiciousness and divine qualities. It signifies his role as a divine warrior and protector.
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ॐ शरवणभवाय नमःOm Śaravaṇabhavāya NamaḥSalutations to the One Born in a Reed ForestŚaravaṇabhava refers to Skanda’s birth in a reed forest (Śaravaṇa). It highlights the divine and miraculous nature of his birth and his connection to nature.