Learn the 108 Names of Lord Krishna & their Meanings

Lord Krishna also famously known as Laddu Gopal, is widely revered for his miraculous deeds, divine love for his dearest Radha, and profound wisdom and teachings that he passed on to Arjuna during the battle of Mahabharat.

In Hindu mythology, there are 108 names of Lord Krishna (also known as Ashtottara Shata Namavali) that define the different attributes of his personality. Chanting these names is a powerful spiritual practice that is believed to help you connect with the divine and bring you closer to him.

Shree Krishna Idol

Laddu Gopal

Dancing Krishna

Mystical Lord Shiva

In today’s blog of The Divine Tales, we will learn about the 108 names of Lord Krishna and understand their meaning.

Who is Lord Krishna?

Lord Krishna is the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, who descended to earth to put an end to the cycle of adharma and restore Dharma (righteousness). He is usually depicted adorned in yellow garments, with dark curly hair graced with a peacock feather, and playing soulful melodies through his flute. Today, the Shree Krishna idol is worshipped as a symbol of love, compassion, and wisdom in every Hindu household.

108 names of Lord Krishna with Meaning

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S.no.	Name	Meaning
1	Krishna	The one with a dark complexion
2	Kamalanatha	Consort of Goddess Laxmi
3	Vasudeva	The god of gods
4	Sanatan	The eternal one
5	Vasudevatmaja	Son of Vasudeva
6	Punya	The supremely pure one
7	Lila-Manush-Vigraha	The one who takes human form to perform divine dance
8	Shrivatsa Kausthubadharya	The one adorned with Shri vats and Kaustubha gem
9	Yashoda Vatsala	The beloved child of Yashoda
10	Hari	Lord of nature
11	Chaturbhuja Chakrasigada	The one with four arms, carrying different weapons including a disc and a club
12	Shakhambuja Ayudhaya	The one carrying a conch shell, lotus flower, and other symbolic weapons
13	Devakinandana	Son of Devaki
14	Shrisay	Abode of Maa Laxmi
15	Nandagopa Priyatmaja	The lovable child of Nandagopal
16	Yamunavega Samhar	One who controlled the speed and flow of the Yamuna River
17	Balabhadra Priyanuja	The younger brother of Balram
18	Putanajivitahara	One who killed demoness Putana
19	Shakatasura Bhanjana	One who slayed the demon Shakatasur
20	Nandavraja Jananandin	One who brought joy and happiness to the people of Brajbhoomi
21	Sachidanand Vigraha	The epitome of joy and awareness
22	Navanit Viliptanga	One with a body smeared in butter
23	Navanita-Natana	One who dances for butter
24	Muchukunda Prasadaka	One who graced Muchukunda
25	Shodashastri Sahasresha	Lord who saved 16000 women and married them
26	Tribhangi	One with a threefold bending form
27	Madhurakrut	The charming one
28	Shukavagamritabdindave	Ocean of Nectar
29	Govinda	The one who protects the cows
30	Yoginampati	Lord of Yogis
31	Vatsavaata Charaya	One who takes the calves for grazing
32	Ananta	The one who is infinite
33	Dhenukasura-Bhanjanaya	One who killed the demon Dhenukasura
34	Trni-Krta-Trnavarta	One who killed Trinavarta, the whirlwind demon
35	Yamalarjuna Bhanjana	One who broke the two Arjuna trees
36	Uttalottalabhetre	One who broke all the Tala trees
37	Tamala-Shyamala-Kruta	One who is as black as the tamala tree
38	Gopa Gopishwara	Lord of gopis and gopas
39	Yogi	The supreme master
40	Koti-Surya-Samaprabha	One who is as bright as million of suns
41	Ilapati	The ultimate Master of knowledge
42	Parasmai Jyotish	One possessing supreme light
43	Yadavendra	Lord of Yadav clan
44	Yadudvahaya	Leader of Yadus
45	Vanamaline	The one who wears a garland of wildflowers
46	Pita Vasase	The one clothed with yellow robes
47	Parijatapa Harakaya	The one who takes the Parijata flower
48	Govardhanchalo Dhartreya	Lord who lifted the Govardhan parvat (hill)
49	Gopala	The guardian of cows
50	Sarva Palakaya	The one who protects all beings
51	Ajaya	Conqueror of life and death
52	Niranjana	The lord with no blemishes
53	Kamajanaka	The one who can ignite desires
54	Kanjalochana	The one who has beautiful eyes
55	Madhughne	One who slayed the demon, Madhu
56	Mathuranatha	Lord of Mathura
57	Dvarakanayaka	The legend of Dwarka
58	Bali	The epitome of power and strength
59	Vrindavananta Sancharine	The one who is often found lingering around Vrindavan
60	Tulasidama Bhushanaya	The one wearing a Tulsi mala (garland)
61	Syamantaka-Maner-Hartre	One who lifts the jewel of syamantaka
62	Narnarayanatmakaya	The selfsame Nara-Narayana
63	Kubja Krishnambaradharaya	The one whom Kubja applied the ointment to
64	Mayine	Lord of Maya
65	Paramapurusha	The supreme ancestor
66	Mushtikasura Chanura Mallayuddha Visharadaya	One who courageously fought the wrestlers Mushtika and Chanura
67	Samsara-Vairi	The enemy of material existence
68	Kamsarir	The enemy of King Kansa
69	Murara	The enemy of the demon Mura
70	Narakantakah	The one who destroyed the demon Naraka
71	Anadi Brahmacharika	The beginning of the less absolute
72	Krishnavyasana-Karshakah	The remover of the distress of Draupadi
73	Shishupala-Shirashchetta	The remover of Shishupal’s head
74	Duryodhana-Kulantakrit	The one who destroyed the dynasty of Duryodhana
75	Viduakrura-Varada	The Lord who blessed Vidura and Akrura
76	Vishvarupa-Pradarshakah	The one who revealed the Vishwasrupa, the universal form
77	Satyavache	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	Brother of Subhadra
82	Vishnu	Lord Vishnu
83	Bhishma Mukti Pradayaka	The one who provided salvation to Bhishma
84	Jagadguru	Perceptor of the universe
85	Jagannatha	Lord of the universe
86	Venu-Nada-Visharada	One who’s an expert in playing flute
87	Vrishabhasura Vidhvamsi	One who destroyed the demon Vrishbasura
88	Banasura Karantakrit	One who destroyed the arms of Banasura
89	Yudhishthira Pratishthatre	One who established Yudhisthtra as the king
90	Barhi Barhavatamsaka	One adorned with peacock feathers
91	Parthasarthi	Charioteer of Arjuna
92	Avyakta	The unmanifested
93	Gitamrita Mahodadhi	Ocean carrying the nectar of Bhagwad Gita
94	Kaliyaphani-Manikya-Ranjita-Sri-Padambuja	The lord who’s feet are adorned with the gems from the hood of Kaliya serpent
95	Damodara	The one who is tied by a rope at the waist
96	Yajnabhokta	The one who accepts sacrificial offerings
97	Danavendra Vinashaka	The one who destroyed the lord of Asuras
98	Narayana	Lord Vishnu
99	Parabrahma	The supreme Brahman
100	Pannagashana Vahana	One who’s carrier (Garuda) swallows snakes
101	Jalakrida Samasakta Gopivastra Pararaka	The one who hid the clothes of Gopis while they were playing in the river Yamuna
102	Punya-Shloka	The lord whose praise bestows merit
103	Tirthakara	The creator of holy places
104	Vedvedya	Source of Vedas
105	Dayanidhi	The one who carries a reservoir of compassion
106	Sarvabhutatmaka	The soul of elements
107	Sarvagraharupi	The all-formed one
108	Paratpara	The one who’s the greatest of all

How to Chant the 108 Names of Lord Krishna?

Shree Krishna Idol

Laddu Gopal

Dancing Krishna

Mystical Lord Shiva

Here are steps you can follow while chanting the 108 names of Lord Krishna:

Firstly, choose a proper spot with minimal or no disturbance. Here, you can even choose to set up an altar placing an idol of Laddu Gopal or Dancing Krishna Car dashboard accessories.
Now, sit in a comfortable posture with your guide that directs you to the 108 Krishna ji names.
Use a japa mala with 108 beads to count each repetition or name. With each bead, recite one name of Krishna. While at it, pay close attention to the right pronunciation of each term.
As you recite, visualize Krishna in your mind and seek his guidance for life.

Takeaway

Every name of Lord Krishna carries divine significance and reveals a unique quality or the event of magical wonders of Krishna. In Hinduism, it is believed that chanting these different names of Lord Krishna can grant salvation from the ruthless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Meanwhile, it can also help you channel peace, prosperity, and wisdom in your life. So start practicing Ashtottara Shata Namavali reciting all the 108 names of lord Krishna with utmost faith and devotion and watch your life change for the better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Why does Lord Krishna have 108 different names?

A. In Hinduism, the number 108 holds great spiritual significance, signifying the wholeness of existence and the divine cosmic energy. Each name of Lord Krishna represents a unique attribute, quality, or divine act associated with him.

2. Can Krishna ji names be chanted daily?

A. Yes, chanting Krishna ji names daily is believed to purify the mind, bring inner peace, and strengthen one's connection with the divine. Many devotees follow the practice of chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra or reciting Krishna’s 108 names as a form of daily devotion.

3. What are some of the most popular names of Lord Krishna?

A. Gopala, Damodara, Jagannatha, Govinda, Hari, Krishna are some of the most well-known names of Lord Krishna.

4. Is there a right time or way to chant these names?

A. There is no strict rule about when to chant the different names of Lord Krishna, but traditionally, early morning (Brahma Muhurta, around 4 AM) is considered the most auspicious time. However, devotees can chant at any time of the day.

5. Can I chant Krishna ji names silently in my mind?

A. Yes, you can chant Krishna ji names silently in your mind. This is called manasik japa, which is considered very powerful, especially when done with deep devotion and concentration.

6. How long does it take to chant the 108 names of Krishna?

A. The time required to chant all 108 names of Krishna depends on the pace of chanting. On average, it takes 10-15 minutes to complete one full recitation. If chanted meditatively, it might take longer.