Hari — 108 Names of Shiva

The inclusion of the name Hari in the Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali is a profound testament to the non-dual nature of the Divine in Hindu thought, specifically highlighting the synthesis of Shiva and Vishnu (Hari-Hara). Etymologically, 'Hari' comes from the root 'hri', meaning 'to take away' or 'to remove'. In this context, Shiva is Hari because He removes the sins (Papam), sufferings, and the ignorance (Avidya) of His devotees. He 'steals' the heart of the seeker, pulling them away from worldly attachments toward spiritual liberation. Symbolically, this name breaks down the sectarian barriers between Shaivism and Vaishnavism. It teaches that the supreme reality is one, though called by different names. When Shiva is addressed as Hari, it emphasizes His compassionate role as the redeemer who intervenes in the lives of His devotees to clear the path of obstacles. In contemplation, the name Hari invites a sense of total surrender. The practitioner asks Shiva to take away their ego, their pride, and their limited perceptions. It is a name of purification. By meditating on Shiva as the 'Remover', one prepares the internal vessel for the reception of divine grace. The name serves as a bridge, reminding us that the destructive power of Shiva is ultimately a creative act of removing what is no longer needed so that the soul can shine in its natural, pristine state.