Sahasranama position 958 of the 1,072 names

Ashvini

अश्विनी

Aśvinī

What Ashvini means

Ashvini is name 958 in the Adya Mahakali Sahasranama, the 1,072-name devotional text to Maa Kali. The divine energy that pervades and rides upon the cosmic horse of creation, symbolizing speed, healing, and light.

Also spelled

  • Asvini
  • Ashwini
  • Source transliteration: ASHHVINI

Sanskrit names travel into English in several romanizations. This page keeps the common spelling, the IAST form, and the source transliteration together so the same name is discoverable under each spelling readers use.

Meaning and elaboration

Meaning: The divine energy that pervades and rides upon the cosmic horse of creation, symbolizing speed, healing, and light.

Elaboration

Ashhvini evokes the Vedic image of the Ashvins, divine physicians and riders of cosmic power. From *ashva* (horse), the name points to one who possesses and rides that force—She who moves with swiftness, healing, and radiance.

The Cosmic Steed In Vedic symbolism, the horse (ashva) is a force of speed, vitality, and creative power. It also represents the stream of cosmic time and energy. As Ashhvini, Kali is understood as Shakti who does not merely create and abandon, but rides these currents, directing them with precise and immediate intention.

Speed and Efficacy In this name, Kali appears as unstoppable, immediate divine momentum. She acts as a quick remover of darkness and delusion, cutting through obstacles and accelerating transformation. Her intervention is direct and decisive, not delayed.

Healing and Light Linked to the Ashvin twins—mythic healers and bringers of illumination—Ashhvini Kali becomes a complete healing force. She heals not only bodily distress but the root confusion of avidyā. Her presence traverses ignorance, restoring light (jñāna), and can bring relief across physical, mental, and spiritual layers, leading toward restoration and awakening.

Text and sources

The name list follows the Adya Mahakali Sahasranama as compiled for this project. The English meaning and elaboration are interpretive notes for devotional study, not a translation of a single critical edition.

Read the editorial method and source notes →

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