Archana / Ashtotaram

Archana is a significant Hindu ritual that involves the act of "praising" or "honoring" a deity through offerings and the recitation of divine names. It is both a physical and mental form of worship, where the devotee or the temple priest offers flowers and other items to the deity, accompanied by the chanting of the deity’s names, typically in a temple setting. Unlike the more elaborate puja, archana is often a brief, personalized ceremony performed on behalf of an individual, invoking their name, birth star, and lineage to seek blessings and guidance.

The ritual is believed to bring peace and prosperity to the devotee and can be performed on any day, though it holds special significance on important personal occasions such as birthdays or auspicious dates.

Ashtotaram, or Ashtottara Shatanamavali, refers specifically to the recitation of 108 names of a deity during worship. The term "Ashtottara" means "eight more than a hundred," i.e., 108 in Sanskrit. These names are not just titles but are meaningful epithets that describe the qualities, attributes, and stories associated with the deity.

The practice of chanting these 108 names is a form of devotional prayer, often performed during archana or other puja rituals. It is believed to invoke the deity’s blessings, help overcome difficulties, and foster a deeper spiritual connection. The number 108 is considered sacred in Hinduism, symbolizing completeness and spiritual fulfillment, and is also the number of beads in a traditional japa mala (prayer rosary).