Harihara Ashtottara Shatanama Stotram From Kashi Khanda of Skanda Purana

This hymn is a conversation between Shiva sharman and the attendants of yama, which is retold by sage Agastya. The essence is those who chant the names of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva will not be touched by the attendants of Yama, they will reach the higher planes of existence after leaving their body and finally be liberated from the cycle of birth and death.

In this book, we will discuss the meanins of these holy names based on kashi khanda commentary.

This hymn is found in the eighth chapter of kashi Khanda’s first part.

The arrangement of this hymn is in such a way that alternate lines praise the names of lord Vishnu and and shiva and each shloka ends with the line ‘tyājyā bhaṭā ya iti santatamāmananti’ – those who chant these names constantly must be left alone O warriors. These are the words of Yama. The attendants of Yama pass this on to Shiva sharma, a virtuous and pious Brahmin.

The phalashruti says one who recites regularly, the list of names of the one who bears the kaustubha jewel (Lord Vishnu) and one who has the crescent moon as his ornament (Lord Shivathat is capable of destroying all the seeds of all sins, composed by dharmaraja (yama the king of righteousness ans justice) shall drink not, mother’s milk. This means he will be liberated from the cycle of birth and death.