Known for his playful antics, divine love, and profound wisdom, Lord Krishna has captivated hearts for centuries. His life and teachings have inspired countless devotees across the world. Chanting the 108 names of Lord Krishna, also known as the Ashtottara Shata Namavali, is a powerful spiritual practice that allows one to connect with the different aspects of his divine persona. Herein, each name reflects a unique attribute or a divine quality of the Lord.
In this blog, we’ll learn about the 108 names of Lord Krishna and understand the meanings behind them.
108 Names of Lord Krishna & their Meanings
|
S.No. |
Names |
Meaning |
|
1. |
Krishna |
The Lord with a dark complexion |
|
2. |
Kamalanatha |
The consort of Goddess Lakshmi. |
|
3. |
Vasudeva |
The Lord of Vasudeva. |
|
4. |
Sanatan |
The one who is eternal. |
|
5. |
Vasudevatmaja |
The son of Vasudeva. |
|
6. |
Punya |
The one who is supremely pure. |
|
7. |
Lila-Manush-Vigraha |
The one who assumes human form to perform divine pastimes. |
|
8. |
Shrivatsa Kausthubadharya |
The one who adorns Shri Vatsa and Kaustubha gem. |
|
9. |
Yashoda Vatsala |
The lovable child of Yashoda. |
|
10. |
Hari |
The Lord of Nature. |
|
11. |
Chaturbujat Chakrasigada |
The one with four arms, carrying weapons, a disc, and a club. |
|
12. |
Shakhambuja Ayudhaya |
The one who holds a conch shell, lotus flower, and other weapons. |
|
13. |
Devakinandana |
The son of Maa Devaki. |
|
14. |
Shrisay |
The abode of Shri Lakshmi. |
|
15. |
Nandagopa Priyatmaja |
The dear child of Nandagopal. |
|
16. |
Yamunavega Samhar |
The one who controlled the speed of the river Yamuna. |
|
17. |
Balabhadra Priyanuja |
The younger brother of Balram. |
|
18. |
Putanajivitahara |
The one who ended the life of demoness Putana. |
|
19. |
Shakatasura Bhanjana |
The one who destroyed the demon Shakatasur. |
|
20. |
Nandavraja Jananandin |
The one who brought joy to Nand and Brajwasi (people of Brajbhoomi) |
|
21. |
Sachidanand Vigraha |
The true embodiment of presence, awareness, and joy. |
|
22. |
Navanit Viliptanga |
The Lord who has butter smeared all over his body. |
|
23. |
Navanita-Natana |
The one who dances with joy for butter. |
|
24. |
Muchukunda Prasadaka |
The Lord who graced Muchukunda. |
|
25. |
Shodashastri Sahasresha |
The Lord who rescued 16,000 women and married them |
|
26. |
Tribhangi |
The one who has a threefold bending form. |
|
27. |
Madhurakrut |
The one with a charming form. |
|
28. |
Shukavagamritabdindave |
The ocean of nectar as per Shukadeva. |
|
29. |
Govinda |
The one who pleases the cows, the land, and nature. |
|
30. |
Yoginampati |
The Lord of the Yogis |
|
31. |
Vatsavaata Charaya |
The one who takes calves out for grazing. |
|
32. |
Ananta |
The infinite Lord |
|
33. |
Dhenukasura-Bhanjanaya |
The Lord who killed Dhenukasura, the donkey-shaped demon |
|
34. |
Trni-Krta-Trnavarta |
The Lord who killed the whirlwind demon, Trinavarta. |
|
35. |
Yamalarjuna Bhanjana |
The Lord who broke the twin Arjuna trees named Yamalarjuna. |
|
36. |
Uttalottalabhetre |
The Lord who broke all the big Tala trees |
|
37. |
Tamala-Shyamala-Kruta |
The Lord who is black like a Tamala tree |
|
38. |
Gopa Gopishwara |
Lord of the Gopas and Gopis |
|
39. |
Yogi |
The Supreme Master |
|
40. |
Koti-Surya-Samaprabha |
One who is as lustrous as a million suns |
|
41. |
Ilapati |
The Master of Knowledge |
|
42. |
Parasmai Jyotish |
The one with a supreme light |
|
43. |
Yadavendra |
The lord of the Yadav Clan |
|
44. |
Yadudvahaya |
The leader of Yadus |
|
45. |
Vanamaline |
The one wearing a sylvan garland |
|
46. |
Pita Vasase |
The one wearing yellow robes |
|
47. |
Parijatapa Harakaya |
The one who removes Parijath flower |
|
48. |
Govardhanchalo Dhartreya |
The one who lifted the Govardhan hill. |
|
49. |
Gopala |
The protector of cows |
|
50. |
Sarva Palakaya |
The protector of all beings |
|
51. |
Ajaya |
The conqueror of life and death |
|
52. |
Niranjana |
The unblemished lord |
|
53. |
Kamajanaka |
The one who creates desires in the worldly mind |
|
54. |
Kanjalochana |
The one with beautiful eyes. |
|
55. |
Madhughne |
The slayer of the demon Madhu. |
|
56. |
Mathuranatha |
The Lord of Mathura |
|
57. |
Dvarakanayaka |
The Hero of Dvaraka |
|
58. |
Bali |
The Lord of Strength |
|
59. |
Vrindavananta Sancharine |
The one who lingers around the outskirts of Vrindavana. |
|
60. |
Tulasidama Bhushanaya |
The one who wears a Tulasi garland. |
|
61. |
Syamantaka-Maner-Hartre |
The one who lifted the Syamantaka jewel. |
|
62. |
Narnarayanatmakaya |
The selfsame Nara and Narayana. |
|
63. |
Kubja Krishnambaradharaya |
The Lord who presented Kubja with Krishna's clothes. |
|
64. |
Mayine |
The wielder of divine magic. |
|
65. |
Paramapurusha |
The Supreme Ancestor |
|
66. |
Mushtikasura Chanura Mallayuddha Visharadaya |
The One Who Expertly Fought the Wrestlers Mushtika and Chanura |
|
67. |
Samsara-Vairi |
The Enemy of Material Existence |
|
68. |
Kamsarir |
The Enemy of King Kamsa |
|
69. |
Murara |
The Enemy of Demon Mura |
|
70. |
Narakantakah |
The Destroyer of Demon Naraka |
|
71. |
Anadi Brahmacharika |
The Beginning of the Less Absolute |
|
72. |
Krishnavyasana-Karshakah |
The Remover of Draupadi's Distress |
|
73. |
Shishupala-Shirashchetta |
The Remover of Shishupal's Head |
|
74. |
Duryodhana-Kulantakrit |
The Destroyer of Duryodhana's Dynasty |
|
75. |
Vidurakrura-Varada |
The One Who Blessed Vidura and Akrura |
|
76. |
Vishvarupa-Pradarshakah |
The Revealer of Vishwasrupa (Universal Form) |
|
77. |
Satyavache |
The Speaker of Truth |
|
78. |
Satya Sankalpah |
The Lord of True Resolve |
|
79. |
Satyabhamarata |
The Lover of Satyabhama |
|
80. |
Jayi |
The Ever Victorious Lord |
|
81. |
Subhadra Purvajah |
The Brother of Subhadra |
|
82. |
Vishnu |
Lord Vishnu |
|
83. |
Bhishma Mukti Pradayaka |
The One Who Bestowed Salvation to Bhishma |
|
84. |
Jagadguru |
The Preceptor of the Universe |
|
85. |
Jagannatha |
The Lord of the Universe |
|
86. |
Venu-Nada-Visharada |
One Expert in Playing the Flute |
|
87. |
Vrishabhasura Vidhvamsi |
The Destroyer of Demon Vrishbasura |
|
88. |
Banasura Karantakrit |
The Lord Who Vanquished Banasura's Arms |
|
89. |
Yudhishthira Pratishthatre |
One Who Established Yudhisthira as King |
|
90. |
Barhi Barhavatamsaka |
One Who Adorns Peacock Feathers |
|
91. |
Parthasarthi |
Chariot Driver of Arjuna |
|
92. |
Avyakta |
The Unmanifested |
|
93. |
Gitamrita Mahodadhi |
An Ocean Containing Nectar of Bhagwad Gita |
|
94. |
Kaliyaphani-Manikya-Ranjita-Sri-Padambuja |
The Lord Whose Lotus Feet Adorn Gems From Hood of Kaliya Serpent |
|
95. |
Damodara |
The One Tied Up With a Rope at the Waist |
|
96. |
Yajnabhokta |
The One Who Consumes Sacrificial Offerings |
|
97. |
Danavendra Vinashaka |
The Destroyer of Lord of Asuras |
|
98. |
Narayana |
The One Who is Lord Vishnu |
|
99. |
Parabrahma |
The Supreme Brahman |
|
100. |
Pannagashana Vahana |
Whose Carrier (Garuda) Devours Snakes |
|
101. |
Jalakrida Samasakta Gopivastra Pararaka |
The Lord Who Hid Gopis’ Clothes While They Were Playing in River Yamuna |
|
102. |
Punya-Shloka |
The Lord Whose Praise Bestows Merit |
|
103. |
Tirthakara |
The Creator of Holy Places |
|
104. |
Vedvedya |
The Source of Vedas |
|
105. |
Dayanidhi |
The One Who is the Reservoir of Compassion |
|
106. |
Sarvabhutatmaka |
The Soul of Elements |
|
107. |
Sarvagraharupi |
The All-Formed One |
|
108. |
Paratpara |
The One Who is Greater Than the Greatest |
Also Read: Dhanteras 2024
Takeaway
Each name of Lord Krishna carries profound significance and reveals a facet of his divine personality. Chanting these names with devotion can deepen one's spiritual connection and bring divine blessings into their life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Why are there exactly 108 names?
In Hinduism, the number 108 is considered sacred and significant. It is believed to represent the universe's entirety, including everything from spirituality to mathematics. There are 108 energy lines (Nadis) converging to form the heart chakra, symbolizing completeness and spiritual unity.
What are some of the most popular names of Lord Krishna?
Some of the most beloved names of Krishna include Govinda, Gopala, Madhava, Keshava, and Hari. These names are often chanted in prayers and bhajans, to invoke the divine presence and grace of Krishna.
What is the benefit of reciting the 108 names of Lord Krishna?
Reciting the 108 names of Krishna is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and protection. It helps devotees focus their minds on the divine, purifying their thoughts and actions. This practice also fosters a deep spiritual connection with Krishna, invoking his blessings and guidance.
Are the 108 names of Krishna found in any scripture?
Yes, the 108 names of Krishna, also known as Ashtottara Shata Namavali, are mentioned in various scriptures, including the Mahabharata, the Bhagavata Purana, and the Vishnu Purana. These texts mark the many aspects of Krishna’s divine personality.
Is there a specific time or method to chant these names?
While there is no strict rule, it is traditionally recommended to chant these names during the early morning hours or during auspicious occasions and festivals like Janmashtami. Using a mala (prayer beads) with 108 beads can help keep count and maintain focus during the chanting.
Can anyone chant the 108 names of Krishna
Yes! Anyone trying to connect with the divine can practice chanting these names with faith and devotion.
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