Indian Arts and Culture Hinduism 108 Names of the Goddess Durga Share Flipboard Email Print Sharell Cook Hinduism Hindu Gods India Past and Present Important Texts Temples and Organizations Indian Arts and Culture Hindu Gurus and Saints By Subhamoy Das Subhamoy Das M.A., English Literature, University of North Bengal Subhamoy Das is the co-author of "Applied Hinduism: Ancient Wisdom for Today's World." He has written several books about Hinduism for children and young adults. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on September 09, 2018 Goddess Durga is the mother of the universe according to Hindu belief. There are many incarnations of Durga: Kali, Bhagvati, Bhavani, Ambika, Lalita, Gauri, Kandalini, Java, Rajeswari, et al. Her nine appellations are Skondamata, Kusumanda, Shailaputri, Kaalratri, Brahmacharini, Maha Gauri, Katyayani, Chandraghanta, and Siddhidatri. 108 Names From the Devi Mahatmya (Chandi) According to the scriptures, Lord Shiva called the Mother Goddess Durga in 108 names in order to please her. During Navaratri and Durga Puja, devotees utter prayers in the 108 names of the Goddess. These names appear in the Purana called Devi Mahatmyam or Devi Mahatmya (The Glory of the Goddess) that narrates the story of Goddess Durga's battle and eventual victory over the demon king Mahishasura. Composed around 400–500 CE in Sanskrit by the ancient Indian sage Markandeya, this Hindu scripture is also known as the Durga Saptashat or simply the Chandi. Aadya: The primordial reality Aarya: The Goddess Abhavya: The fearful Goddess Aeindri: The one who is powered Lord Indra Agnijwala: The one who is capable of spewing fire Ahankara: The one who is full of pride Ameyaa: The one who is beyond any measure Anantaa: The one who is infinite and immeasurable Aja: The one who has no birth Anekashastrahasta: The possessor of a many weaponed hand AnekastraDhaarini: The one who holds multiple weapons Anekavarna: The one who has multiple complexions Aparna: The one who abstains from eating even leaves while fasting Apraudha: The one who never ages Bahula: The one who has diverse forms and manifestations Bahulaprema: The one who is loved by all Balaprada: The giver of strength Bhavini: The beautiful one Bhavya: The one who stands for the future Bhadrakaali: The gentle form of Goddess Kali Bhavani: The mother of the universe Bhavamochani: The one who is the liberator of the universe Bhavaprita: The one who is adored by the entire universe Bhavya: The one who has magnificence Brahmi: The one who has the power of Lord Brahma Brahmavadini: The one who is omnipresent Buddhi: The embodiment of intelligence Buddhida: The one who bestows wisdom Chamunda: The killer of the demons called Chanda and Munda Chandi: The fearful form of Durga Chandraghanta: The one who has mighty bells Chinta: The one who takes care of tension Chita: The one who prepares the death-bed Chiti: The one who has a mind that thinks Chitra: The one with the quality of being picturesque Chittarupa: The one who is in a state of thought Dakshakanya: The one known to be the daughter of Daksha Dakshayajñavinaashini: The one who interrupts the sacrifice of Daksha Devamata: The one who is known as the Mother Goddess Durga: The one who is unconquerable Ekakanya: The one who is known to be the girl child Ghorarupa: The one who has an aggressive outlook Gyaana: The one who is the embodiment of knowledge Jalodari: The one who is the abode of the ethereal universe Jaya: The one who emerges as the victorious Kaalaratri: The Goddess who is black like night Kaishori : The one who is an adolescent Kalamanjiiraranjini: The one who wears a musical anklet Karaali: The one who is violent Katyayani: The one who is worshipped by sage Katyanan Kaumaari: The one who is an adolescent Komaari: The one known to be a beautiful adolescent Kriya: The one who is in action Krooraa: The one who is murderous on demons Lakshmi: The Goddess of Wealth Maheshwari: The one who possesses the power of Lord Mahesha Maatangi: The Goddess of Matanga MadhuKaitabhaHantri: The one who killed the demon-duo Madhu and Kaitabha Mahaabala: The one who has immense strength Mahatapa: The one with severe penance MahishasuraMardini: The destroyer of the bull-demon Mahishaasura Mahodari: The one who has a huge belly which stores the universe Manah: The one with a mind Matangamunipujita: The one who is worshipped by the Sage Matanga Muktakesha: The one who flaunts open tresses Narayani: The one known to be the destructive aspect of Lord Narayana (Brahma) NishumbhaShumbhaHanani: The killer of the demon-brothers Shumbha Nishumbha Nitya: The one known as The Eternal Paatala: The one with the color red Paatalavati: The one who is clothed in red Parameshvari: The one known as the Ultimate Goddess Pattaambaraparidhaana: The one who wears a dress made out of leather Pinaakadharini: The one who holds the trident of Shiva Pratyaksha: The one who is original Praudha: The one who is old Purushaakriti: The one who takes the shape of a man Ratnapriya: The one who is adorned or loved by jewels Raudramukhi: The one who has a frightening face like the destroyer Rudra Saadhvi: The one who is self-confident Sadagati: The one who is always in motion, bestowing Moksha (salvation) Sarvaastradhaarini: The one who possesses all the missile weapons Sarvadaanavaghaatini: The one who possesses the power to kill all the demons Sarvamantramayi: The one who possesses all the instruments of thought Sarvashaastramayi: The one who is skillful in all theories Sarvasuravinasha: The one who is the destroyer of all demons Sarvavahanavahana: The one who rides all vehicles Sarvavidya: The one who is knowledgeable Sati: The one who got burned alive Satta: The one who is above all beings Satya: The one who resembles truth Satyanandasvarupini: The one who has the form of eternal bliss Savitri: The one who is the daughter of the Sun God Savitri Shaambhavi: The one who is the companion of Shambhu Shivadooti: The one who is the ambassador of Lord Shiva Shooldharini: The one who holds a monodent Sundari: The one who is gorgeous Sursundari: The one who is extremely beautiful Tapasvini: The one who is engaged in repentance Trinetra: The one who has three-eyes Vaarahi: The one who rides on Varaah Vaishnavi: The one who is invincible Vandurga: The one known as the Goddess of Forests Vikrama: The one who is violent Vimalauttkarshini: The one who provides joy Vishnumaya: The one who is the charm of Lord Vishnu Vriddhamaata: The one known as the old mother Yati: The one who renounces the world or the ascetic Yuvati: The one who is a young woman Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Das, Subhamoy. "108 Names of the Goddess Durga." Learn Religions, Feb. 8, 2021, learnreligions.com/names-of-durga-1770366. Das, Subhamoy. (2021, February 8). 108 Names of the Goddess Durga. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/names-of-durga-1770366 Das, Subhamoy. "108 Names of the Goddess Durga." Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/names-of-durga-1770366 (accessed May 29, 2023). copy citation