The Surya Ashtottara Shatanamavali is a revered hymn comprising 108 names of the Sun god, Surya. Its textual origin is found in the Bhavishya Purana, where it is prescribed for worship to invoke Surya's blessings. Each name encapsulates a distinct attribute or episode from Surya's mythology, such as 'Mitra' (friend of all), 'Ravi' (radiant one), and 'Bhaskara' (illuminator). The mantra is primarily associated with Surya as the supreme solar deity, who is considered the visible form of the divine (Pratyaksha Brahman) in Vedic tradition. The 108 names are chanted as a stotra, often preceded by the beej mantra 'Om Hram Hreem Hraum Sah Suryay Namah' as per the Mantra Mahodadhi.
The number 108 is sacred, representing the wholeness of the cosmos. The purpose of chanting this ashtottara is multifaceted: it is believed to bestow health, vitality, prosperity, and spiritual illumination. According to the Surya Ashtottara itself, regular recitation removes obstacles, cures diseases, and grants longevity. It is also said to pacify the malefic effects of a weak Sun in one's horoscope. The recommended chanting context is during sunrise, facing east, preferably on a Sunday.
The count is typically one mala (108 repetitions) using a crystal or lotus seed rosary. Ritual setting includes offering water (arghya) to the Sun while chanting. Cautions: Those with high pitta or fever should avoid excessive chanting, as Surya represents fire energy. The mantra should not be chanted during eclipses or after sunset. The Devi Mahatmya also references the Sun's glory, though the ashtottara is specifically detailed in the Bhavishya Purana.
Om, salutations to Surya, the radiant sun, with the seed syllables hrāṁ hrīṁ hrauṁ saḥ.
The mantra contains the beej-aksharas hrāṁ, hrīṁ, hrauṁ, and saḥ, which are specific to Surya. These seed syllables invoke the solar energy and are prescribed in the Mantra Mahodadhi for Surya worship.