Ashtotharam - Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
About
Ashtotharam, or the chanting of the 108 names of a deity, is a sacred and devotional practice performed at the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple with great reverence. In this ritual, the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Ashtottara Shatanamavali (108 names of the Lord) is recited by priests or devotees to invoke the divine attributes and blessings of Lord Narasimha, the fierce yet compassionate avatar of Lord Vishnu. Each name glorifies a unique quality of the deity, such as his protective nature, his victory over evil, and his mercy toward devotees. As each name is chanted, flowers or akshata (turmeric rice) are offered at the Lord's feet, symbolizing surrender and devotion. This chanting is usually part of daily or special pujas and helps to cleanse the mind, develop spiritual focus, and draw divine grace. It is believed to bring protection, courage, prosperity, and removal of fear from the lives of devotees.
The Ashtotharam puja vidhi at Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple begins with cleaning the puja area and lighting a ghee lamp. The devotee sits facing east or north and performs Sankalpam, stating their name, gotra, and purpose of the puja. A photo or idol of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy is placed on a clean altar, decorated with flowers. After invoking Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles, Dhyana (meditation) on Lord Narasimha is done. The 108 names (Ashtottara Shatanamavali) of the Lord are chanted slowly and reverently. With each name, akshata (turmeric rice) or flowers are offered at the deity’s feet. After completing all 108 names, Naivedyam (sweets/fruits) is offered, followed by deepa aarti and prarthana (prayers) seeking protection, strength, and blessings. Finally, prasadam is distributed. This puja is considered highly beneficial for overcoming fear, health issues, enemies, and for invoking Lord Narasimha’s grace and divine protection.
Book Ashtotharam - Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
Benefits of Puja
Chanting the Ashtottara Shatanamavali of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy offers immense spiritual and material benefits to devotees. Each of the 108 names represents a divine quality or power of Lord Narasimha, and reciting them with devotion invokes his grace and blessings. This puja is especially beneficial for removing fear, anxiety, and obstacles caused by negative forces or planetary doshas. It is believed to bring protection, courage, inner peace, and relief from health issues. Regular chanting of Ashtotharam purifies the mind, enhances concentration, and strengthens one's connection with the divine. For devotees facing difficulties, performing this puja helps in overcoming enemies, achieving success in endeavors, and attracting positive energy. At the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, this ritual holds special significance, as the powerful presence of the Lord amplifies the effects of the chanting, bringing divine protection, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment to all who perform or attend the Ashtotharam seva.
Place of Puja
At Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
Required Things (Puja Samagri)
The puja samagri is included in the Dakshina
photo or idol of the deity (भगवान की मूर्ति या चित्र), Ganga water or clean water (गंगाजल या स्वच्छ जल), turmeric powder (हल्दी), kumkum (कुमकुम), sandalwood paste (चंदन), akshata – turmeric-mixed rice (अक्षत – हल्दी मिले चावल) or fresh flowers (ताजे फूल) for offering with each of the 108 names. You also need incense sticks (अगरबत्ती), camphor (कपूर), ghee/oil lamp with cotton wicks (घी या तेल का दीपक और रुई की बत्ती), fruits and sweets for naivedyam (फल और मिठाई नैवेद्य हेतु), betel leaves and nuts (पान और सुपारी), a bell (घंटी), and a plate for aarti (आरती की थाली). A clean cloth or vastram (वस्त्र) for the deity and a book or printout of the Ashtottara Shatanamavali (अष्टोत्तर शतनामावली की पुस्तक)
When to Perform Ashtotharam - Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple?
This puja is performed every day
Puja Duration
1 To 1.30 hours
Yajman Details
- Total Yajman: 2