Andhakasura Sudana — 108 Names of Shiva

This name commemorates Shiva’s victory over the demon Andhaka, whose name literally means 'he who is blind.' According to the Puranas, Andhaka was born from a drop of sweat when Parvati playfully covered Shiva’s eyes, plunging the universe into darkness. Despite being born of the divine, Andhaka became a powerful demon who sought to kidnap Parvati, representing the ego trying to possess the divine energy (Shakti). Because a new demon would arise from every drop of his blood that touched the ground, Shiva had to lift him high on his trident (Trishula) and prevent the blood from falling, while Chamunda drank the blood. Symbolically, Andhaka represents the spiritual blindness caused by ignorance and the ego. His 'multiplication' through blood represents how one selfish desire leads to many more. Sudana means the destroyer or slayer. Contemplating this name helps the seeker recognize that ignorance is not just a lack of data but a fundamental blindness to one's own divine nature. By lifting the demon on his trident, Shiva shows that the ego must be elevated and pierced by the three-fold powers of will, knowledge, and action (Iccha, Jnana, Kriya). To meditate on Andhakasura Sudana is to ask for the removal of the 'darkness' that prevents us from seeing the light of the Self.