108 Names of Lord Krishna With Their Meanings

The 108 names of Lord Krishna reflect his divine qualities, childhood pastimes, relationships, and role in the Mahabharata. Each name has a special meaning, from Govinda and Gopala to Damodara and Parthasarathi. Known as Sri Krishna Ashtottara Shatanamavali, these names are recited by devotees during prayers, meditation, and festivals such as Janmashtami.

We have listened to many names of Lord Krishna, such as Govinda, Murli Manohar, or Damodar, in temples, during bhajans, or at home. But have you ever wondered what these names mean?

Every name reveals a different aspect of Lord Krishna. Some are associated with his childhood in Gokul, others with his loved ones, and many reflect his divine qualities and role in the Mahabharata.

Exploring the 108 names of Lord Krishna and their meanings helps us understand the stories, relationships, and qualities associated with him.

Table of Contents

• Connection Between Lord Krishna's Names and the Number 108

• 108 Names of Lord Krishna With Their Meanings

• Significance of Chanting Krishna’s 108 Names

• How to Chant the 108 Names of Lord Krishna

• Frequently Asked Questions

Connection Between Lord Krishna's Names and the Number "108"

108 is regarded as an auspicious and holy number in Hindu traditions; therefore, a traditional japa mala contains 108 beads. They are used by devotees to keep count of repetitions of mantras and the sacred names or forms of their god. Thus, the recital of Lord Krishna's names is called Sri Krishna Ashtottara Shatanamavali.

The combination of these names gives a beautiful way to understand Lord Krishna because they reflect his characteristics, divine deeds, and innumerable stories associated with him. Let’s explore the 108 names associated with Lord Krishna and their meanings.

108 Names of Lord Krishna With Their Meanings

The following table lists 108 names associated with Lord Krishna along with their simple meanings. You can use it to learn what each name represents and understand the different aspects of Krishna's life and divine stories.

No.	Names of Lord Krishna	Simple Meaning
1	Krishna	The all-attractive one
2	Kamalanatha	Lord of Goddess Lakshmi
3	Vasudeva	Son of Vasudeva
4	Sanatana	The eternal one
5	Vasudevatmaja	Son of Vasudeva
6	Punya	The pure and sacred one
7	Lilamanushavigraha	One who took a human form for divine play
8	Shrivatsakaustubhadhara	One who bears the Shrivatsa mark and Kaustubha jewel
9	Yashodavatsala	Beloved of Mother Yashoda
10	Haraye	One who removes suffering
11	Devakinandana	Son of Devaki
12	Chaturbhujattachakrasi	One who appeared with four arms and divine weapons
13	Shankhadigadayudhadhara	One who holds the conch, mace and other weapons
14	Devakinandana	Joy of Devaki
15	Shrisha	Lord of Goddess Lakshmi
16	Nandagopanandana	Son of Nanda Gopa
17	Yashodavatsala	Dear to Mother Yashoda
18	Navanitaviliptanga	One whose body was covered with butter
19	Navanitatanahara	One who playfully steals butter
20	Navanitavinodavan	One who delights in butter
21	Navanitavaraha	One who enjoys butter
22	Padmahasta	One with lotus-like hands
23	Pankajalochana	One with lotus-like eyes
24	Govinda	One who knows and protects all beings, also beloved of cows
25	Gopala	Protector of cows
26	Gopagopishvara	Lord of the cowherds and gopis
27	Gopivallabha	Beloved of the gopis
28	Gopiganavrta	Surrounded by the gopis
29	Gopikanam	Beloved among the gopis
30	Gopavallabha	Beloved of the cowherds
31	Govardhanadhara	One who lifted Govardhan Hill
32	Govardhananatha	Lord of Govardhan
33	Govardhanoddhara	Uplifter of Govardhan Hill
34	Venuvadya	One who plays the flute
35	Venunada	One whose flute music enchants everyone
36	Yamal-Arjuna-Bhanjana	One who freed the twin Arjuna trees
37	Vatsapala	Protector of the calves
38	Vatsaharanasakshi	One who witnessed the disappearance of the calves
39	Bakasurabhanjana	Destroyer of the demon Bakasura
40	Dhenukasurabhanjana	Destroyer of the demon Dhenukasura
41	Ilapati	Lord of the earth
42	Kaliya-Mardan	One who subdued the serpent Kaliya
43	Yamunavihari	One who enjoys pastimes on the Yamuna
44	Vanamali	One who wears a forest-flower garland
45	Pitambaradhara	One who wears yellow garments
46	Sharadapurnachandravadana	One whose face shines like the autumn full moon
47	Murali Manohara	One whose flute is enchanting
48	Tribhangalalita	One who stands in a graceful three-bend posture
49	Madan Mohana	One who enchants even the god of love
50	Madhusudana	Destroyer of the demon Madhu
51	Murari	Enemy of the demon Mura
52	Kamsari	Enemy of Kamsa
53	Kamsanirmulana	One who brought an end to Kamsa
54	Mathuranatha	Lord of Mathura
55	Madhughne	Destroyer of Madhu
56	Mathuresha	Lord of Mathura
57	Dwarkanatha	Lord of Dwarka
58	Dwarkadhisha	Ruler of Dwarka
59	Rukminivallabha	Beloved of Rukmini
60	Satyabhama Priya	Beloved of Satyabhama
61	Syamantakamaniharta	One who retrieved the Syamantaka jewel
62	Narayan	The divine refuge of all beings
63	Parthasarathi	Charioteer of Arjuna
64	Geetacharya	Teacher of the Bhagavad Gita
65	Jagadguru	Teacher of the world
66	Vishvarupa	One who revealed the universal form
67	Yogeshvara	Lord of yoga and spiritual wisdom
68	Hrishikesha	Lord of the senses
69	Achyuta	The one who never falls from His nature
70	Janardana	One who guides and protects people
71	Madhava	Consort of Lakshmi; also one associated with sweetness
72	Krishnavyasanakarshaka	One who draws the mind toward Krishna
73	Shyamasundara	The beautiful one with a dark, enchanting complexion
74	Duryodhanakulantaka	One who brought an end to Duryodhana’s power
75	Pandavapriya	Beloved of the Pandavas
76	Pandavanamitra	Friend of the Pandavas
77	Arjunapriya	Dear friend of Arjuna
78	Subhadrapriya	Beloved of Subhadra
79	Sudarshanadhara	Bearer of the Sudarshana Chakra
80	Chakrapani	One who holds the discus
81	Gadadhara	One who holds the mace
82	Shankhadhara	One who holds the conch
83	Sharngadhanva	One who carries the Sharnga bow
84	Garudadhvaja	One whose banner bears Garuda
85	Aniruddha	The unconquerable one
86	Pradyumna	The radiant and powerful one
87	Vrishabhasuravidhvamsi	Destroyer of the demon Vrishabhasura
88	Banasurakarantaka	One who defeated Banasura
89	Narakasuravidhvamsi	Destroyer of Narakasura
90	Parijatapaharaka	One who brought the Parijata tree from heaven
91	Lakshmipati	Consort of Goddess Lakshmi
92	Pundarikaksha	One with lotus-like eyes
93	Vishnu	The all-pervading one
94	Trivikrama	One who measured the universe in three steps
95	Upendra	Younger brother of Indra
96	Vamana	The divine dwarf incarnation
97	Balagopala	Krishna as the playful cowherd child
98	Nandagopala	Beloved son of Nanda
99	Damodara	One whose waist was tied with a rope by Yashoda
100	Pannagashanavahana	One who has Garuda, the serpent-eater, as His vehicle
101	Gopikavastrahara	One associated with the playful water pastimes of the gopis
102	Rasakridakara	One who performed the divine rasa dance
103	Radharamana	Beloved of Radha
104	Radhikaramana	One who delights Radha
105	Vrindavanavihari	One who enjoys pastimes in Vrindavan
106	Vrindavaneshvara	Lord of Vrindavan
107	Sarvagraharupin	One who is present throughout creation
108	Parabrahma	The Supreme Divine Reality

Significance of Chanting Krishna’s 108 Names

This is a practice of reciting the 108 names of Lord Krishna, as it allows devotees to remember and think about his qualities. Most of these names are chanted during prayers, meditation, or spiritual activities by many people. It can be done for occasions like Janmashtami to celebrate the birth of Krishna too.

Chanting the names is not a matter of reaching 108 but of knowing what each name means. This practice becomes more personal when it involves learning what the names mean, as it allows one to be closer to Krishna and resonates with his stories and qualities.

How to Chant the 108 Names of Lord Krishna

Devotees can include the 108 names of Lord Krishna in their daily prayer or meditation according to their family traditions and personal practices. If you wish to begin, the following simple approach can help:

1. Choose a quiet place: Sit comfortably in a place where you can focus on your prayer.

2. Begin with a prayer: Remember Lord Krishna and set an intention for your practice.

3. Read the names slowly: Recite each name mindfully and reflect on its meaning.

4. Use a japa mala if you wish: A traditional mala with 108 beads can help you keep count while reciting the names.

5. Focus on the meaning: Rather than rushing through the list, take time to understand the qualities and stories associated with the names.

You can follow the practices customary to your family or spiritual tradition. The purpose of this section is to offer a simple starting point, not to prescribe a single ritual for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 108 Names of Lord Krishna

1. Do I need to know Sanskrit to chant the 108 names of Lord Krishna?

You can begin by reading the names in a transliteration you understand and learning their meanings. If you wish to recite a traditional Sanskrit Namavali, use a reliable text and check the pronunciation with a knowledgeable teacher or trusted source.

2. Can I chant the 108 names of Lord Krishna every day?

Devotees may include Krishna's names in their daily prayer or meditation. You can follow a routine that suits your practice and family tradition, focusing on understanding the names rather than rushing through them.

3. Do I need a 108-bead japa mala to recite Krishna's names?

A 108-bead japa mala can help devotees keep count, but the article's discussion of chanting does not make a mala a requirement. You can read or recite the names without one, according to your personal practice and tradition.

4. Can children learn the 108 names of Lord Krishna?

Yes. The list can be used as a learning resource for children and families. Starting with familiar names such as Govinda, Gopala, and Damodara and explaining their meanings can help children connect the names with Krishna's stories.

Conclusion

The 108 names of Lord Krishna bring together many different stories, relationships, and qualities associated with him. There is a different history behind each of his names, like his childhood in Gokul or guiding Arjuna. Learning about the meaning behind all his names can make family prayers and traditions more meaningful.

Whether you recite the 108 names during prayer, meditation, or festivals such as Janmashtami, this practice offers a simple way to pause, reflect, and remember what Krishna represents.

The 108 names continue to keep Lord Krishna's stories and teachings alive across generations.

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