Patanjali - Dharmavidya

śrīmat-patañjalyaṣṭottaraśatanāmāvalīḥ
The 108 Names of the Venerable Sage Patañjali

śrīmat-patañjali-mahāmunaye namaḥ
Salutations to the venerable great sage Patañjali.

॥ atha śrīmad-bhagavat-patañjalyaṣṭottaraśatanāmāvalīḥ ॥

Now begins the 108 Names of the Blessed Lord Patañjali

Dhyānam (Meditation Verse):

yogaśāstra-praṇetāraṁ śabda-vidyā-prakāśakam |
āyurvidyā-pravaktāraṁ praṇamāmi patañjalim ||
I bow to Patañjali, the author of the science of Yoga,
the illuminator of the science of language (grammar),
and the expounder of the science of Ayurveda.

cetaḥ-śabda-śarīrāṇāṁ śodhakaṁ deśikottamam |
bhaktyā natvā muniṁ nāmnām aṣṭottaraśataṁ bruve ||
Having bowed with devotion to the sage, the supreme teacher,
who purifies the mind, speech, and body,
I now recite his 108 names.

ॐ श्रीमत्पतञ्जलिमहामुनये नमः

oṁ śrīmatpatañjalimahāmunaye namaḥ

Salutations to the great sage Patañjali.

Patañjali is revered as a sage who compiled the Yoga Sutras, a foundational text on Yoga philosophy.
ॐ योगिवर्याय नमः

oṁ yogivaryāya namaḥ

Salutations to the supreme among yogis.

This name honors Patañjali as the foremost among practitioners and teachers of Yoga.
ॐ योगोपदेशकाय नमः

oṁ yogopadeśakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the instructor of Yoga.

Patañjali is acknowledged for providing the teachings and guidance on the practice of Yoga.
ॐ योगपदव्याख्यात्रे नमः

oṁ yogapadavyākhyātre namaḥ

Salutations to the commentator on the path of Yoga.

This refers to Patañjali's role in explaining the stages and practices of Yoga.
ॐ वृत्तिभेदबोधकाय नमः

oṁ vṛttibhedabodhakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the one who enlightens on the distinctions of mental modifications.

Patañjali's teachings elucidate the various mental states and how to transcend them through Yoga.
ॐ ईश्वरप्रणिहितचित्ताय नमः

oṁ īśvarapraṇihitacittāya namaḥ

Salutations to the one whose mind is surrendered to God.

This signifies the practice of dedicating one's thoughts and actions to a higher power in Yoga.
ॐ प्रणवोपासकाय नमः

oṁ praṇavopāsakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the worshiper of the sacred syllable Om.

Patañjali emphasizes the significance of Om as a tool for meditation and spiritual growth.
ॐ प्रणवतत्त्वदर्शिने नमः

oṁ praṇavatattvadarśine namaḥ

Salutations to the seer of the essence of Om.

This acknowledges Patañjali's deep understanding of the spiritual and philosophical essence of Om.
ॐ जपविधायिने नमः

oṁ japavidhāyine namaḥ

Salutations to the one who prescribes the method of chanting.

Patañjali provides guidance on the practice of japa, the repetition of mantras, as a means of focusing the mind.
ॐ योगसाधनोपदेशकाय नमः

oṁ yogasādhanopadeśakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the teacher of the practice of Yoga.

This name honors Patañjali for his teachings on the disciplined practice required for success in Yoga.
ॐ शब्दतत्त्वप्रकाशकाय नमः

oṁ śabdattvaprakāśakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the one who illuminates the essence of sound.

Patañjali sheds light on the significance and power of sound, particularly in the form of mantras.
ॐ शब्दविद्याफलवक्त्रे नमः

oṁ śabdavidyāphalavaktre namaḥ

Salutations to the one who speaks of the fruits of the science of sound.

This refers to Patañjali's teachings on the outcomes of mastering the knowledge of sound and speech.
ॐ वाग्योगविदे नमः

oṁ vāgyogavide namaḥ

Salutations to the knower of the Yoga of speech.

Patañjali is recognized for understanding the integration of speech and Yoga, emphasizing the power of words.
ॐ श्रुत्यर्थानुग्राहकाय नमः

oṁ śrutyarthānugrāhakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the one who supports the meaning of the scriptures.

This highlights Patañjali's role in interpreting and elucidating the meanings of sacred texts.
ॐ सूत्रवाक्यार्थसेतवे नमः

oṁ sūtravākyārthasetave namaḥ

Salutations to the bridge to the meaning of the aphorisms.

Patañjali is seen as a connector who helps practitioners understand the deeper meanings of the Yoga Sutras.
ॐ धर्मनियमावगमकाय नमः

oṁ dharmaniyamāvagamakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the one who understands the rules of righteousness.

This name acknowledges Patañjali's comprehension of dharma and the ethical guidelines in Yoga.
ॐ शब्दोपलब्धिदर्शकाय नमः

oṁ śabdopalabdhidarśakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the one who shows the perception of sound.

Patañjali provides insight into how sound can be perceived and utilized in spiritual practice.
ॐ दृष्टान्तोपकल्पकाय नमः

oṁ dṛṣṭāntopakalpakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the one who creates examples.

This refers to Patañjali's use of analogies and examples to clarify complex concepts in Yoga.
ॐ न्यायकदम्बाख्यात्रे नमः

oṁ nyāyakadambākhyātre namaḥ

Salutations to the one who explains the multitude of logic.

Patañjali is recognized for his logical and systematic approach to explaining Yoga philosophy.
ॐ सूत्राक्षरमर्मविदे नमः

oṁ sūtrākṣaramarmavide namaḥ

Salutations to the knower of the essence of the aphoristic letters.

This acknowledges Patañjali's deep understanding of the concise and profound aphorisms of the Yoga Sutras.
ॐ आयुर्विद्यादेशिकाय नमः

oṁ āyurvidyādeśikāya namaḥ

Salutations to the Teacher of the Science of Life.

This name refers to one who imparts knowledge of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of life and health.
ॐ क्लेशपञ्चकविदूराय नमः

oṁ kleśapañcakavidūrāya namaḥ

Salutations to the One who is far from the Five Afflictions.

This name signifies someone who transcends the five kleshas (afflictions) described in Yoga philosophy: ignorance, egoism, attachment, aversion, and clinging to life.
ॐ अविद्यापदशोधकाय नमः

oṁ avidyāpadaśodhakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the Purifier of the State of Ignorance.

This name highlights the ability to cleanse or remove ignorance, a key obstacle on the spiritual path.
ॐ कर्मफलनिवृत्त्यै नमः

oṁ karmaphalanivṛttye namaḥ

Salutations to the One who nullifies the Fruits of Actions.

This name refers to the capability to transcend the cycle of karma by negating the effects of actions.
ॐ हेयोपादेयज्ञात्रे नमः

oṁ heyopādeyajñātre namaḥ

Salutations to the Knower of What Should be Rejected and Accepted.

This name signifies discernment in understanding what is beneficial and what is harmful on the spiritual path.
ॐ योगाङ्गोपदेशकाय नमः

oṁ yogāṅgopadeśakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the Teacher of the Limbs of Yoga.

This refers to one who instructs others in the eight limbs of Yoga, as outlined by Patanjali.
ॐ योगाङ्गफलवक्त्रे नमः

oṁ yogāṅgaphalavaktre namaḥ

Salutations to the Speaker of the Fruits of the Limbs of Yoga.

This name denotes the ability to explain the outcomes and benefits of practicing the limbs of Yoga.
ॐ योगसाधनसन्देशाय नमः

oṁ yogasādhanasandeśāya namaḥ

Salutations to the Messenger of the Means of Yoga.

This name highlights the role of conveying the practices and methods of achieving Yoga.
ॐ योगपथानुवृत्ताय नमः

oṁ yogapathānuvṛttāya namaḥ

Salutations to the Follower of the Path of Yoga.

This name indicates a dedicated practitioner who adheres to the spiritual path of Yoga.
ॐ योगीश्वराय नमः

oṁ yogīśvarāya namaḥ

Salutations to the Lord of Yogis.

This name refers to a supreme master or deity of Yoga, often associated with divine figures like Shiva.
ॐ वाग्दोषविदे नमः

oṁ vāgdoṣavide namaḥ

Salutations to the Knower of the Faults of Speech.

This name signifies the understanding of errors or imperfections in communication and speech.
ॐ पाणिन्याहितभावाय नमः

oṁ pāṇinyāhitabhāvāya namaḥ

Salutations to the One with the Essence Bestowed by Pāṇini.

This name acknowledges the influence or teachings of Pāṇini, the ancient Sanskrit grammarian.
ॐ लोकभाषणविदुषे नमः

oṁ lokabhāṣaṇaviduṣe namaḥ

Salutations to the Expert in Worldly Speech.

This name signifies mastery in the art of communication and understanding different languages or dialects.
ॐ श्रुत्यर्थाभिधात्रे नमः

oṁ śrutyarthābhidhātre namaḥ

Salutations to the One who Conveys the Meaning of the Vedas.

This name highlights the ability to interpret and explain the teachings of the Vedic scriptures.
ॐ शब्दलक्षणवक्त्रे नमः

oṁ śabdalakṣaṇavaktre namaḥ

Salutations to the Speaker of the Characteristics of Words.

This name refers to someone who can describe the nature and attributes of words, possibly in a grammatical or philosophical context.
ॐ गुरुलाघवविदे नमः

oṁ gurulāghavavide namaḥ

Salutations to the Knower of the Heavy and the Light.

This name signifies the understanding of what is profound and what is trivial, often in a spiritual or philosophical sense.
ॐ सर्वशाखाविज्ञात्रे नमः

oṁ sarvaśākhāvijñātre namaḥ

Salutations to the Knower of All Branches.

This name suggests comprehensive knowledge across different fields or branches of learning.
ॐ सूत्रविवेचकाय नमः

oṁ sūtravivecakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the Discerner of Aphorisms.

This name refers to someone who can interpret and explain the concise aphorisms or sutras, often found in philosophical texts.
ॐ शब्दग्रन्तोपजीव्याय नमः

oṁ śabdagrantopajīvyāya namaḥ

Salutations to the One Sustained by the Scriptures.

This name indicates reliance on or nourishment from sacred texts or scriptures, emphasizing scholarly or spiritual engagement.
ॐ अक्षरानुव्याख्यात्रे नमः

oṁ akṣarānuvyākhyātre namaḥ

Salutations to the Expounder of the Imperishable.

This name signifies one who elucidates the eternal truths, often associated with the Vedas or ultimate reality.
ॐ सूत्रानर्थक्यनिराकर्त्रे नमः

oṁ sūtrānarthakyanirākartre namaḥ

Salutations to the One who resolves the purposelessness of the aphorisms

This name refers to the ability to elucidate and give meaningful interpretation to seemingly purposeless or complex texts, particularly sutras (aphorisms) in philosophical contexts.
ॐ विशेषप्रतिपत्तिहेतुदर्शिने नमः

oṁ viśeṣapratipattihetudarśine namaḥ

Salutations to the One who perceives the cause of specific realization

This name signifies the insight into the causes or conditions that lead to specific realizations or understandings, especially in spiritual or philosophical contexts.
ॐ पदसम्बन्धज्ञाय नमः

oṁ padasambandhajñāya namaḥ

Salutations to the Knower of the connection between words

This name highlights the understanding of the relationships and connections between words, crucial for interpreting texts and conveying meaning.
ॐ बहुकल्पप्रदर्शकाय नमः

oṁ bahukalpapradarśakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the One who reveals many possibilities

This name represents the ability to show various possibilities or interpretations, especially in philosophical or spiritual teachings.
ॐ सर्वलक्ष्याभिज्ञाय नमः

oṁ sarvalakṣyābhijñāya namaḥ

Salutations to the Knower of all goals

This name signifies omniscience regarding the ultimate goals or aims of life and spiritual practice.
ॐ वाक्याशयवर्णनपराय नमः

oṁ vākyāśayavarṇanaparāya namaḥ

Salutations to the One devoted to explaining the intent of sentences

This name highlights the dedication to clarifying the deeper meanings and intentions behind spoken or written sentences.
ॐ सहस्रजिह्वाय नमः

oṁ sahasrajihvāya namaḥ

Salutations to the One with a thousand tongues

This name metaphorically represents the ability to speak or convey infinite knowledge, often attributed to divine beings.
ॐ आदिशेषावताराय नमः

oṁ ādiśeṣāvatārāya namaḥ

Salutations to the Incarnation of Ādiśeṣa

Ādiśeṣa is the primordial serpent and a significant figure in Hindu mythology, often associated with Vishnu. This name denotes an incarnation of Ādiśeṣa.
ॐ विचारधाराधराय नमः

oṁ vicāradhārādharāya namaḥ

Salutations to the Supporter of the stream of thought

This name emphasizes the role of sustaining and nurturing the flow of thought or contemplation, essential for deep understanding and wisdom.
ॐ शब्दार्थभेदाभेददर्शिने नमः

oṁ śabdārthabhedābhedadarśine namaḥ

Salutations to the One who sees the distinction and non-distinction between words and meanings

This name refers to the insight into both the differences and the unity between words and their meanings, a critical skill in linguistic and philosophical analysis.
ॐ समाधिभेदभृते नमः

oṁ samādhibhedabhṛte namaḥ

Salutations to the Bearer of the different types of Samādhi

This name signifies the mastery and support of various states of Samādhi, the deep meditative absorption in spiritual practice.
ॐ प्रशान्तसिद्धिदायकाय नमः

oṁ praśāntasiddhidāyakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the Giver of the accomplishment of tranquility

This name highlights the ability to bestow the achievement of profound peace and tranquility, a significant goal in spiritual practices.
ॐ चित्तैकाग्रतापरिणामवक्त्रे नमः

oṁ cittaikāgratāpariṇāmavaktre namaḥ

Salutations to the One who speaks of the transformation leading to one-pointedness of mind

This name emphasizes the teaching or explanation of the process that leads to achieving a focused and concentrated mind.
ॐ अध्यासभेदनिरूपकाय नमः

oṁ adhyāsabhedanirūpakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the One who defines the distinction of superimposition

This name refers to the ability to discern and explain the differences in superimposition, a concept in Vedanta philosophy concerning mistaken identity or illusion.
ॐ योगभेदोपबृंहकाय नमः

oṁ yogabhedopabṛṁhakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the One who strengthens the distinctions in Yoga

This name signifies enhancing and clarifying the different paths and practices within the discipline of Yoga.
ॐ योगविभूतये नमः

oṁ yogavibhūtaye namaḥ

Salutations to the Glory of Yoga

This name denotes the supreme excellence and divine attributes that manifest through the practice of Yoga.
ॐ योगसोपानकल्पकाय नमः

oṁ yogasopānakalpakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the One who creates the steps of Yoga

This name refers to the ability to design or establish the progressive steps or stages in the practice of Yoga.
ॐ अणिमादिसिद्धिदाय नमः

oṁ aṇimādisiddhidaya namaḥ

Salutations to the Giver of powers like Aṇimā

This name refers to the bestowal of supernatural powers (siddhis) such as Aṇimā, the ability to become minute or small.
ॐ कैवल्यपथदर्शिने नमः

oṁ kaivalyapathadarśine namaḥ

Salutations to the One who shows the path to liberation

This name signifies guidance on the path to Kaivalya, the ultimate liberation or isolation of the self in spiritual traditions.
ॐ वैराग्यहेतुबोधकाय नमः

oṁ vairāgyahetubodhakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the One who enlightens the cause of detachment

This name highlights the ability to impart understanding of the reasons or causes leading to detachment or dispassion, an essential aspect of spiritual growth.
ॐ मुनिश्रेष्ठाय नमः

oṁ muniśreṣṭhāya namaḥ

Salutations to the Best among Sages.

This name refers to someone who is considered the foremost or most excellent among sages, highlighting their wisdom and spiritual stature.
ॐ मुनिवन्दिताय नमः

oṁ munivanditāya namaḥ

Salutations to the One Worshipped by Sages.

This name signifies someone revered and honored by other sages, indicating their high spiritual status and respect.
ॐ दोषत्रयापहर्त्रे नमः

oṁ doṣatrayāpahartre namaḥ

Salutations to the Remover of the Three Defects.

This name refers to the one who eliminates the three principal defects or impurities, often associated with ignorance, ego, and attachment.
ॐ गोनर्दीयाय नमः

oṁ gonardīyāya namaḥ

Salutations to the One from Gonarda.

Gonarda is a historical or geographical reference, indicating the origin or association with a place named Gonarda.
ॐ गोणिकापुत्राय नमः

oṁ goṇikāputrāya namaḥ

Salutations to the Son of Goṇikā.

This name identifies the person as the son of Goṇikā, who is traditionally known as the mother of the sage Patañjali.
ॐ योगसूत्रकृते नमः

oṁ yogasūtrakṛte namaḥ

Salutations to the Author of the Yoga Sutras.

This name honors the individual credited with composing the Yoga Sutras, a foundational text in the philosophy and practice of Yoga.
ॐ महाभाष्यनिर्मात्रे नमः

oṁ mahābhāṣyanirmātre namaḥ

Salutations to the Composer of the Great Commentary.

This name refers to the author of the "Mahābhāṣya," a significant commentary on Pāṇini's grammar.
ॐ वैद्यशास्त्रप्रवर्तकाय नमः

oṁ vaidyaśāstrapravartakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the Promoter of Medical Science.

This name acknowledges the contribution to the advancement or promotion of medical science or Ayurveda.
ॐ व्याख्यानिपुणाय नमः

oṁ vyākhyānipuṇāya namaḥ

Salutations to the Expert in Exposition.

This name highlights expertise in explaining or interpreting texts, showcasing a deep understanding and ability to elucidate complex ideas.
ॐ योगिगम्याय नमः

oṁ yogigamyāya namaḥ

Salutations to the One Accessible to Yogis.

This name signifies that the entity is attainable or approachable through yogic practices, emphasizing spiritual reachability.
ॐ अखण्डार्थविदे नमः

oṁ akhaṇḍārthavide namaḥ

Salutations to the Knower of the Unbroken Meaning.

This name refers to one who comprehends the continuous or undivided essence of truth or reality.
ॐ क्रियास्वरूपबोधकाय नमः

oṁ kriyāsvarūpabodhakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the One Who Reveals the Nature of Actions.

This name signifies the ability to elucidate the true nature and essence of actions or karma.
ॐ सङ्ख्यातत्त्वविदे नमः

oṁ saṅkhyātattvavide namaḥ

Salutations to the Knower of the Principles of Sāṅkhya.

This name refers to an understanding of the fundamental principles of the Sāṅkhya philosophy, which deals with enumeration and categorization of reality.
ॐ कालविभागदर्शकाय नमः

oṁ kālavibhāgadarśakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the One Who Shows the Division of Time.

This name highlights the ability to understand and explain the divisions and cycles of time.
ॐ सूक्ष्मकालवेदिने नमः

oṁ sūkṣmakālavedine namaḥ

Salutations to the Knower of Subtle Time.

This name refers to an awareness or understanding of the finer, subtle aspects of time, beyond ordinary perception.
ॐ कारकपदव्याख्यात्रे नमः

oṁ kārakapadavyākhyātre namaḥ

Salutations to the Interpreter of Grammatical Cases.

This name refers to expertise in explaining the roles and functions of grammatical cases in language.
ॐ द्रव्यपदनिर्वाचकाय नमः

oṁ dravyapadanirvācakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the Definer of Substance Terms.

This name highlights the ability to define and elucidate terms related to substances or material entities.
ॐ स्फोटभेदाभिधायिने नमः

oṁ sphoṭabhedābhidhāyine namaḥ

Salutations to the Expounder of the Distinctions of Sphoṭa.

This name refers to someone who explains the concept of "sphoṭa," which in Indian linguistics is the idea of the indivisible sound or word-essence, and its distinctions.
ॐ शब्दगुणवक्त्रे नमः

oṁ śabdaguṇavaktre namaḥ

Salutations to the Speaker of the Qualities of Sound.

This name indicates the ability to articulate the qualities and attributes of sound or words.
ॐ ध्वनिभेददर्शकाय नमः

oṁ dhvanibhedadarśakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the One Who Shows the Differences in Sound.

This name refers to someone who understands and explains the nuances and variations in sound, particularly in linguistic contexts.
ॐ कुणिदर्शनाश्रिताय नमः

oṁ kuṇidarśanāśritāya namaḥ

Salutations to the one who is sought by those with a vision like a sage.

This name implies a divine being who is followed or sought after by those who have a profound spiritual insight, akin to that of a wise sage.
ॐ विधिनिपातार्थवक्त्रे नमः

oṁ vidhinipātārthavaktre namaḥ

Salutations to the one who speaks the meaning of destiny.

This name refers to a divine entity who articulates or explains the purpose or meaning behind destiny and fate.
ॐ सूक्ष्मविचारशीलाय नमः

oṁ sūkṣmavicāraśīlāya namaḥ

Salutations to the one who is inclined to subtle contemplation.

This name signifies a divine being who is deeply engaged in subtle and profound contemplation or analysis.
ॐ लोकवाक्यविशारदाय नमः

oṁ lokavākyaviśāradāya namaḥ

Salutations to the expert in worldly expressions.

This name highlights a divine figure who is an expert in understanding and interpreting worldly sayings or expressions.
ॐ लोकवन्दिताय नमः

oṁ lokavanditāya namaḥ

Salutations to the one who is revered by the world.

This name denotes a divine being who is honored and respected by people all over the world.
ॐ ध्यानमग्नाय नमः

oṁ dhyānamagnāya namaḥ

Salutations to the one who is absorbed in meditation.

This name describes a divine entity who is deeply immersed in meditation, indicating a state of profound concentration and tranquility.
ॐ प्रसन्नचित्ताय नमः

oṁ prasannacittāya namaḥ

Salutations to the one with a serene mind.

This name refers to a divine being whose mind is calm, clear, and content, reflecting inner peace and joy.
ॐ प्रसन्नवदनाय नमः

oṁ prasannavadanāya namaḥ

Salutations to the one with a pleasant face.

This name signifies a divine being who has a joyful and welcoming appearance, symbolizing benevolence and friendliness.
ॐ प्रसन्नवपुषे नमः

oṁ prasannavapuṣe namaḥ

Salutations to the one with a pleasing form.

This name describes a divine entity whose presence is delightful and comforting, evoking a sense of peace and grace.
ॐ पूतान्तःकरणाय नमः

oṁ pūtāntaḥkaraṇāya namaḥ

Salutations to the one with a pure inner being.

This name refers to a divine being whose inner self is pure and untainted, symbolizing spiritual purity and integrity.
ॐ कैवल्यदर्शिने नमः

oṁ kaivalyadarśine namaḥ

Salutations to the one who perceives liberation.

This name signifies a divine entity who has the vision of ultimate liberation or moksha, representing the ultimate goal of spiritual practice.
ॐ सिद्धिभेददर्शिने नमः

oṁ siddhibhedadarśine namaḥ

Salutations to the one who discerns the distinctions of spiritual powers.

This name describes a divine being who understands the various aspects and distinctions of spiritual attainments or siddhis.
ॐ ध्यानस्वरूपाभिधायकाय नमः

oṁ dhyānasvarūpābhidhāyakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the one who signifies the essence of meditation.

This name refers to a divine entity who embodies or signifies the true essence and purpose of meditation.
ॐ चित्तसङ्करविदूराय नमः

oṁ cittasaṅkaravidūrāya namaḥ

Salutations to the one who is far from the confusion of the mind.

This name indicates a divine being who is beyond the disturbances and confusions of the mind, symbolizing clarity and mental peace.
ॐ चित्तप्रसादनदर्शकाय नमः

oṁ cittaprasādanadarśakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the one who shows the way to mental tranquility.

This name represents a divine figure who guides others towards achieving mental peace and contentment.
ॐ योगपटलाभिधात्रे नमः

oṁ yogapaṭalābhidhātre namaḥ

Salutations to the one who names the compendium of yoga.

This name refers to a divine entity who identifies or names the comprehensive teachings and practices of yoga.
ॐ क्लेशकर्मनिवर्तकाय नमः

oṁ kleśakarmanivartakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the one who removes afflictions and actions.

This name signifies a divine being who alleviates suffering and neutralizes the effects of karma or actions.
ॐ स्वरूपस्थिताय नमः

oṁ svarūpasthitāya namaḥ

Salutations to the one who is established in their true nature.

This name describes a divine being who remains firmly rooted in their essential nature or true self.
ॐ परमकारुणिकाय नमः

oṁ paramakāruṇikāya namaḥ

Salutations to the one who is supremely compassionate.

This name highlights a divine entity who embodies the highest form of compassion and mercy.
ॐ विवेकख्यातये नमः

oṁ vivekakhyātaye namaḥ

Salutations to the one known for discernment.

This name refers to a divine being recognized for their ability to discern or differentiate between truth and illusion.
ॐ महर्षये नमः

oṁ maharṣaye namaḥ

Salutations to the Great Sage.

This title refers to someone who is a great sage or seer, possessing profound spiritual insight and wisdom.
ॐ महायोगिने नमः

oṁ mahāyogine namaḥ

Salutations to the Great Yogi.

This name signifies a master of yoga, someone who has achieved a high state of spiritual discipline and union with the divine.
ॐ मोक्षपथदर्शकाय नमः

oṁ mokṣapathadarśakāya namaḥ

Salutations to the One who shows the path to liberation.

This title is given to a spiritual guide who illuminates the path to moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
ॐ मुमुक्षुजनवन्दिताय नमः

oṁ mumukṣujanavanditāya namaḥ

Salutations to the One revered by seekers of liberation.

This name is for one who is honored by those who desire liberation, indicating respect from serious spiritual aspirants.
ॐ अमोघफलदात्रे नमः

oṁ amoghaphaladātre namaḥ

Salutations to the Giver of unfailing fruits.

This title refers to one who grants results that are certain and never in vain, symbolizing the power of assured blessings.
ॐ अतिजनवत्सलाय नमः

oṁ atijanavatsalāya namaḥ

Salutations to the One exceedingly affectionate to people.

This name highlights a deep compassion and love for humanity, emphasizing benevolence and care.
ॐ त्रिकरणशुद्धिदाय नमः

oṁ trikaraṇaśuddhidāya namaḥ

Salutations to the One who purifies the three instruments.

This refers to the purification of mind, speech, and body, essential for spiritual advancement.
ॐ महायोगीश्वरेश्वराय नमः

oṁ mahāyogīśvareśvarāya namaḥ

Salutations to the Lord of the Great Lords of Yoga.

This name signifies the supreme authority and mastery over all yogic powers and the spiritual hierarchy.

ॐ श्रीपातञ्जलमिदं नाम्नामष्टोत्तरशतं तु ये ।
भक्त्या युक्ताः पठेयुस्ते प्राप्नुवन्ति परं पदम् ॥

oṁ śrī-pātañjalam idaṁ nāmnām aṣṭottara-śataṁ tu ye
bhaktyā yuktāḥ paṭheyus te prāpnuvanti paraṁ padam ||

Whoever recites these 108 sacred names of the revered Patañjali with devotion and sincerity,
they shall attain the supreme state (the highest spiritual goal or liberation).

॥ iti śrīmad-bhagavat-patañjaly-aṣṭottaraśata-nāmāvalīḥ ॥
Thus ends the 108 Names of the Blessed Lord Patañjali.

॥ oṁ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ ॥
Om Peace Peace Peace

Threefold peace for the body, mind, and spirit, for peace in the world, the environment, and within oneself.

Commentary on 108 names of Patanjali from Siddhartha Krishna

In his commentary on Panini's Ashtadhyayi, Lord Patanjali denies the worthlessness of even a single aphorism and says, "Acarya Panini, the greatest authority, used to compose these aphorisms with great effort in the peaceful morning hours while sitting in an immaculate place, facing the east, (i.e. praying to the rising Sun which is the abode of life, light and knowledge, and transcends all darkness, ignorance and impurity) and holding Kusha (i.e. the purifying grass) in his hand. In such a case, when a single letter ought not to be worthless, how can a complete aphorism be worthless?"

In ancient times it was a custom to hold the purifying Kusha grass while performing any divine ritual or worship. However, the custom is still practiced in some very ancient temples even today. The razor-like sharp and pointed Kusha grass symbolizes a pure, subtle intellect and intelligence that can pierce through the subtlest of subjects, the Supreme Truth. Thus, the holy Upanishads quote, "That Supreme Truth can only be perceived through a subtle and sharp intellect." To make it clearer I would like to mention that such subtlety and sharpness of intellect can only be acquired by purifying it through ardent Yoga practice.

Mythologically, Lord Patanjali is considered an incarnation of the primordial mythical thousand-headed serpent Shesha, who was considered to bear the earth on his heads and forms the couch of Lord Vishnu, the Omnipresent Supreme Godhead. Because he has a thousand heads, he is also occasionally mentioned as having a thousand tongues. Indeed, there is a tale related to this particular description. It is said that in ancient times some sentences in Lord Patanjali's Mahabhashyam were incomprehensible and unintelligible even amongst the greatest of scholars. Thus, the teachers of the text used to circle those sentences and they were not taught to the students. An explanation provided for this was that because Lord Patanjali was the incarnation of the thousand-tongued serpent, some of his tongues would prattle or babble, hence such meaningless sentences came into existence. However, a very great grammarian and the most authoritative commentator on the Mahabhashyam, named Kaiyyata, a resident of Kashmir probably in the 11th century AC, deciphered all those sentences and thus broke all those Kundalis, the circles that were in the Mahabhashyam.

Shesha symbolizes the law of Karma or the collective good and bad Karmas of entire humanity, which are considered to sustain and maintain creation.

According to Sanskrit grammar, all the different terms are considered to ultimately denote the Supreme Brahman, the substratum of the universe, the one single entity manifested in the form of the whole of creation. Therefore, even though there are endless words in so many languages, they all eventually describe the same Ultimate Existence. This is indeed a great concept that has the potential to eradicate all the conflicts that exist among various linguistic groups.

The eight superhuman powers are:

• Aṇimā, the power to become as small as an atom;

• Laghimā, the power to assume excessive lightness at will;

• Prāptiḥ, the power to obtain anything;

• Prākāmyam, irresistible will or freedom of will;

• Mahimā, the power to increase size at will;

• Īšitvam, superiority or greatness;

• Vaś itvam, the power to subjugate;

• Kāmāvasāyitā, the power to suppress passion.

However, Lord Patanjali believes that these superhuman powers are hindrances in Samadhi. Thus, an ardent practitioner of Yoga should completely forsake the desire to acquire them.

Lord Patanjali says, "Kriyayoga is self-discipline (austerity), self-study and the total surrender to God " (Yoga Sutra 2/1).

Lord Patanjali quotes, "By the practice of Samyama (i.e. concentration, contemplation and meditation combined) on moments and their continuous succession the Yogi gains supreme knowledge born of discrimination". (Yoga Sutra 3/53)

The three Gunas are Sattvaguna (the quality of light or knowledge), Rajoguna (the quality of action) and Tamoguna (the quality of darkness, ignorance and inertia).

When by ardent practice a Yogi reaches the state of Dharma-megha Samādhi(i.e. the Samadhi in which there is the showering of Dharma [ultimate righteousness as the law that bears the Universe]) the flow of the three Gunas terminates. Indeed, this flow is the cause of all pain and suffering in this world. While explaining the flow of the three Gunas, Lord Patanjali describes the uninterrupted sequence of subtle moments that leads towards and only terminates into the transformation of an object or a Guna, thus creating all that has been created. This uninterrupted flow of time is the Subtle Time that continuously transforms objects. This transformation leads to the continuous process of creation, sustenance and destruction. All this is mentioned in the Yoga Sutras 4/29–33.

Yoga Sutras is the roof of Yoga protecting us from the scorching heat and hailstorms of worldly grief, agony and suffering.

The Sanskrit root "rish" means to reach, perceive and know; hence the term "Rishi" means a Yogi who has reached and perceives or knows the Ultimate Truth, the substratum and the essence of the Universe. Rishis were highly purified souls that obtained the highest level of purification through ardent practice of Yoga and to whom the holiest of the Holy Scriptures, viz. the four Vedas were revealed. Rishis also developed the Vedic teachings into the highly mystical Vedic culture. Yoga is the practical aspect and Vedanta is the theoretical aspect of this universal Vedic culture, which encompasses and welcomes all the basic concepts of every religion and theology.

Patañjali Invocation Mantra

योगेन चित्तस्य पदेन वाचां
मलम् शरीरस्य च वैद्यकेन ।
योऽपाकरोत्तम् प्रवरं मुनीनां
पतञ्जलिं प्राञ्जलिरानतोऽस्मि ॥

yogena cittasya padena vācāṁ
malam śarīrasya ca vaidyakena |
yo'pākarottaṁ pravaraṁ munīnāṁ
patañjaliṁ prāñjalir ānato'smi ||

I respectfully bow with folded hands to Sage Patañjali,
who purified the mind through Yoga,
the speech through grammar,
and the body through medicine —
the greatest of sages.

Mind: Patañjali offered the system of Yoga to purify the mind and achieve self-mastery.
Speech: Through Pāṇini’s grammar tradition, Patañjali contributed a major commentary (Mahābhāṣya) that refined Sanskrit language and expression.
Body: He is also linked with Āyurveda (traditional Indian medicine), showing his mastery in healing the body.

Thus, Patañjali is revered as a triple benefactor — uplifting human beings at all three levels:

Mental (Yoga),
Verbal (Grammar),
Physical (Medicine).

Patañjali Gāyatrī Mantra

ॐ पतञ्जलये विद्महे
योगसिद्धये धीमहि
तन्नः योगीः प्रचोदयात्॥

Om Patañjalaye Vidmahe
Yoga-siddhaye Dhīmahi
Tanno Yogīḥ Prachodayāt

Om! Let us contemplate Sage Patañjali.
We meditate upon the accomplished master of Yoga.
May that great yogi inspire and illumine our intellect.

This Gāyatrī honors Patañjali as a perfected yogi and invokes his blessings to achieve success and realization on the yogic path.
It is chanted by yoga practitioners seeking inspiration, wisdom, purity of mind, and mastery over the self.

The Sacred Story of Sage Patañjali – Incarnation of Divine Wisdom and Grace

Long ago, in the celestial realms where truth flows like nectar and wisdom shines like the sun, the gods and sages witnessed a growing need in the world below. Humanity, though ever seeking peace, was increasingly tangled in the snares of ignorance, restlessness, and suffering. The body grew weary, the mind scattered, and the soul longed for liberation. Seeing this, the divine serpent Ādiśeṣa, the eternal companion and couch of Lord Viṣṇu, resolved to descend to Earth—to help guide humanity back to the source of eternal joy and equilibrium.

In a rare divine decision, Ādiśeṣa incarnated in human form, born to the sage Atri and his wife Anasūyā, as the great sage Patañjali. His very name holds symbolic meaning: "Pata" means "fallen" or "descended", and "añjali" is the gesture of reverence, the folded palms. Thus, Patañjali is "the one who fell down in the gesture of offering"—a divine being sent down to Earth as a gift of grace.

Master of Yoga, Grammar, and Medicine

Sage Patañjali is revered as a polymathic master, with deep contributions in three sacred fields of Indian knowledge:

Yoga – He systematized and compiled the teachings of the ancient sages into the Yoga Sūtras, a short but immensely powerful text of 196 aphorisms. These verses lay out the eightfold path of Aṣṭāṅga Yoga—beginning with ethical disciplines (yama and niyama), through physical postures (āsana), breath control (prāṇāyāma), inner withdrawal (pratyāhāra), and culminating in concentration (dhāraṇā), meditation (dhyāna), and absorption (samādhi). The Yoga Sūtras are not mere instructions for flexibility or peace of mind—they are a divine manual for spiritual liberation (kaivalya). Patañjali taught that the modifications of the mind (citta-vṛtti) must be stilled in order to realize the self as pure consciousness (puruṣa), eternally free and luminous.
Vyākaraṇa (Grammar) – Patañjali authored the Mahābhāṣya, the “Great Commentary” on Pāṇini’s foundational grammar of Sanskrit. In doing so, he preserved the structure and purity of the language of the Vedas. For him, language was not just communication—it was a sacred bridge to divine knowledge, a carrier of mantras and spiritual truths.
Āyurveda (Medicine) – Though some traditions attribute separate authorship, many regard Patañjali as a master physician, who gave teachings on maintaining physical health as a support for yogic and spiritual progress. His approach linked body, mind, and breath, emphasizing purification, balance, and sattva (purity).

A Serpent Sage of Divine Origin

Devotees visualize Patañjali as a part-human, part-serpent deity: his upper body human, his lower body coiled like a serpent, often surrounded by five or more hoods of a nāga (cobra). This form symbolizes not only his origin from Ādiśeṣa, but also the rising of kuṇḍalinī energy, the coiled spiritual power at the base of the spine that ascends during deep yogic practice.

In the yogic tradition, Patañjali is not merely a scholar—he is a r̥ṣi (seer), whose teachings arise from direct realization. He is invoked at the beginning of many classical dance and yoga performances through the verse:

yogena cittasya padena vācaṁ | malaṁ śarīrasya ca vaidyakena ||
yo'pākarottaṁ pravaraṁ munīnāṁ | patañjaliṁ prāñjalirānato'smi ||

“I bow with folded hands to Patañjali, the greatest among sages, who gave us yoga for the purification of the mind, grammar for the purity of speech, and medicine for the health of the body.”

Devotional Significance

In a deeper sense, Patañjali’s life and work are a living expression of divine compassion. The mind, when disturbed, becomes the root of all suffering. By offering a structured path to still the mind, Patañjali offered a ladder from pain to bliss, from confusion to clarity, from ego to the Self.

Yogis see him as the silent guide seated in the heart, gently nudging the practitioner to practice, to refine, to return again and again to the sacred stillness within. His eightfold path is not only about practice but about surrender—Iśvarapraṇidhāna, surrender to the Divine, is the golden thread running through the Yoga Sūtras.

Legacy and Eternal Presence

To this day, Patañjali’s influence continues. From Himalayan ashrams to global yoga studios, his words echo in the minds of seekers. Each repetition of a sūtra is an invocation of his presence. He is worshipped as a guru of wisdom and discipline, a representative of Nārāyaṇa himself, guiding humanity back to dharma.

In art, in thought, and in the silent breath of meditation, Patañjali remains present, like the subtle energy of kuṇḍalinī waiting to awaken—ready to transform the seeker into the seer.