108 Names of Lord Krishna in Sanskrit With Meanings

30 Aug 2026

Krishna Ashtottara Shatanamavali – Sanskrit Names, English Meanings, Pronunciation & Chanting Guide

The 108 Names of Lord Krishna, known as Krishna Ashtottara Shatanamavali (श्री कृष्ण अष्टोत्तर शतनामावली), are among the most sacred prayers in the Hindu devotional tradition. Each name captures a specific quality, divine pastime, or cosmic role of Lord Krishna — from His childhood in Vrindavan to His role as teacher in the Bhagavad Gita.

Below you will find the complete traditional list in Sanskrit, with English transliteration and meaning, followed by a Hindi meanings section, pronunciation guide, chanting instructions, and FAQs.

108 Names of Lord Krishna – Complete Table

The Sanskrit names below are drawn from the traditional Shri Krishna Ashtottara Shata Namavali as preserved in Sanskrit liturgical texts. Variations in order and transliteration may exist between regional traditions.

No.	Sanskrit	Transliteration	English Meaning
1	कृष्णाय	Kṛṣṇāya	The all-attractive, dark-complexioned Lord
2	कमलानाथाय	Kamalānāthāya	Lord of Goddess Lakshmi
3	वासुदेवाय	Vāsudevāya	Son of Vasudeva; the all-pervading one
4	सनातनाय	Sanātanāya	The eternal, ever-existing one
5	वसुदेवात्मजाय	Vasudevātmajāya	The beloved son of Vasudeva
6	पुण्याय	Puṇyāya	The supremely pure, meritorious one
7	लीलामानुष विग्रहाय	Līlāmānuṣa Vigrahāya	One who assumes a human form for divine play
8	श्रीवत्स कौस्तुभधराय	Śrīvatsa Kaustubhadharāya	Wearer of the Shrivatsa mark and Kaustubha gem
9	यशोदावत्सलाय	Yaśodāvatsalāya	The beloved child of Mother Yashoda
10	हरये	Haraye	Remover of sins and sorrow; Lord of nature
11	चतुर्भुजात्त चक्रासिगदा शङ्खान्द्युदायुधाय	Caturbhujātta Cakrāsi Gadā...	The four-armed Lord bearing discus, sword, mace and conch
12	देवकीनन्दनाय	Devakīnandanāya	The beloved son of Devaki
13	श्रीशाय	Śrīśāya	The Lord of Shri (Goddess Lakshmi)
14	नन्दगोप प्रियात्मजाय	Nandagopa Priyātmajāya	The dearly loved son of Nanda Gopa
15	यमुना वेगसंहारिणे	Yamunā Vegasaṃhāriṇe	The tamer of the mighty current of the Yamuna
16	बलभद्र प्रियानुजाय	Balabhadra Priyānujāya	The dear younger brother of Balarama
17	पूतना जीवितहराय	Pūtanā Jīvitaharāya	The destroyer of the demoness Putana
18	शकटासुर भञ्जनाय	Śakaṭāsura Bhañjanāya	The breaker of the cart demon Shakathasura
19	नन्दव्रज जनानन्दिने	Nandavraja Janānandine	The one who brings joy to the people of Nanda's Vraja
20	सच्चिदानन्द विग्रहाय	Saccidānanda Vigrahāya	Embodiment of Existence, Consciousness and Bliss
21	नवनीत विलिप्ताङ्गाय	Navanīta Viliptāṅgāya	Whose body is smeared with fresh butter
22	नवनीत नटाय	Navanīta Naṭāya	The dancer who steals butter
23	अनघाय	Anaghāya	The sinless, faultless one
24	नवनीत नवाहाराय	Navanīta Navāhārāya	One who has fresh butter as His food
25	मुचुकुन्द प्रसादकाय	Mucukunda Prasādakāya	The bestower of grace upon Muchukunda
26	षोडशस्त्री सहस्रेशाय	Ṣoḍaśastrī Sahasreśāya	The Lord of sixteen thousand queens
27	त्रिभङ्गि मधुराकृतये	Tribhaṅgi Madhurākṛtaye	One with a three-fold sweet, graceful posture
28	शुकवाग मृताब्धीन्दवे	Śukavāg Mṛtābdhīndave	The moon of the nectar-ocean of Shuka's words
29	गोविन्दाय	Govindāya	Giver of joy to cows, earth and the senses
30	योगिनां पतये	Yogināṃ Pataye	The supreme Lord of all yogis
31	वत्सवाटचराय	Vatsavāṭacarāya	The one who roams the calf-pens of Vraja
32	अनन्ताय	Anantāya	The endless, infinite one
33	देनुकासुर भञ्जनाय	Denukāsura Bhañjanāya	The slayer of the demon Dhenuka
34	तृणीकृत तृणावर्ताय	Tṛṇīkṛta Tṛṇāvartāya	Who treated the whirlwind demon Trinavarta like a blade of grass
35	यमलार्जुन भञ्जनाय	Yamalārjuna Bhañjanāya	The breaker of the twin Arjuna trees
36	उत्तालतालभेत्रे	Uttālatālabhettre	The splitter of the tall Tala trees
37	तमाल श्यामलाकृतये	Tamāla Śyāmalākṛtaye	One whose form is dark like the Tamala tree
38	गोपगोपीश्वराय	Gopagopīśvarāya	The Lord of cowherds and Gopis
39	योगिने	Yogine	The supreme yogi
40	कोटिसूर्य समप्रभाय	Koṭisūrya Samaprabāya	Whose radiance equals ten million suns
41	इलापतये	Ilāpataye	The Lord of the earth
42	परस्मै ज्योतिषे	Parasmai Jyotiṣe	The supreme transcendent light
43	यादवेन्द्राय	Yādavendrāya	The king of the Yadava clan
44	यदूद्वहाय	Yadūdvahāya	The exalter and upholder of the Yadu dynasty
45	वनमालिने	Vanamāline	Wearer of a garland of forest flowers
46	पीतवाससे	Pītavāsase	Wearer of yellow silk garments
47	पारिजातापहारकाय	Pārijātāpahārakāya	The one who brought the Parijata tree from heaven
48	गोवर्धनाचलोद्धर्त्रे	Govardhānācoddhartre	The lifter of Mount Govardhana
49	गोपालाय	Gopālāya	The tender and protector of cows
50	सर्वपालकाय	Sarvapālakāya	The sustainer and protector of all beings
51	अजाय	Ajāya	The unborn, beginningless one
52	निरञ्जनाय	Nirañjanāya	The unblemished, perfectly pure one
53	कामजनकाय	Kāmajanakāya	The father / creator of Kama (divine love)
54	कञ्जलोचनाय	Kañjalocanāya	The lotus-eyed one
55	मधुघ्ने	Madhughne	The slayer of the demon Madhu
56	मधुरानाथाय	Madhurānāthāya	The Lord of Mathura
57	द्वारकानायकाय	Dvārakānāyakāya	The sovereign Lord of Dwaraka
58	बलिने	Baline	The supremely powerful one
59	वृन्दावनान्त सञ्चारिणे	Vṛndāvanānta Sañcāriṇe	The wanderer in the groves of Vrindavan
60	तुलसीदाम भूषणाय	Tulasīdāma Bhūṣaṇāya	Adorned with a garland of Tulasi leaves
61	श्यमन्तक मणेर्हर्त्रे	Śyamantaka Maṇerharttre	The recoverer of the Syamantaka jewel
62	नरनारायणात्मकाय	Naranārāyaṇātmakāya	Who is the combined form of Nara and Narayana
63	कुब्जाकृष्णाम्बरधराय	Kubjākṛṣṇāmbaradharāya	Wearer of the dark garments given by Kubja
64	मायिने	Māyine	The master of divine illusion (Maya)
65	परमपूरुषाय	Paramapūruṣāya	The highest and greatest person
66	मुष्टिकासुर चाणूर मल्लयुद्ध विशारदाय	Muṣṭikāsura Cāṇūra...	Expert in wrestling who defeated Mushtika and Chanura
67	संसारवैरिणे	Saṃsāravāiriṇe	The enemy of worldly bondage (samsara)
68	कंसारये	Kaṃsāraye	The foe and slayer of Kamsa
69	मुरारये	Murāraye	The slayer of the demon Mura
70	नरकान्तकाय	Narakāntakāya	The destroyer of the demon Narakasura
71	अनादि ब्रह्मचारिणे	Anādi Brahmacāriṇe	The beginningless, eternally pure one
72	कृष्णाव्यसन कर्शकाय	Kṛṣṇāvyasana Karśakāya	The tormentor of Krishna's enemies (Kauravas)
73	शिशुपाल शिरश्छेत्रे	Śiśupāla Śiraśchettre	The severer of Shishupala's head
74	दुर्योधन कुलान्तकाय	Duryodhana Kulāntakāya	The destroyer of Duryodhana's lineage
75	विदुराक्रूर वरदाय	Vidurākrūra Varadāya	The bestower of boons to Vidura and Akrura
76	विश्वरूप प्रदर्शकाय	Viśvarūpa Pradarśakāya	The revealer of the Cosmic Universal Form
77	सत्यवाचे	Satyavāce	The one who always speaks truth
78	सत्य सङ्कल्पाय	Satya Saṅkalpāya	Whose resolve is always true and fulfilled
79	सत्यभामारताय	Satyabhāmāratāya	The beloved of Satyabhama
80	जयिने	Jayine	The ever-victorious one
81	सुभद्रा पूर्वजाय	Subhadrā Pūrvajāya	The elder brother of Subhadra
82	जिष्णवे	Jiṣṇave	The conqueror; ever triumphant
83	भीष्ममुक्ति प्रदायकाय	Bhīṣmamukti Pradāyakāya	The granter of liberation to Bhishma
84	जगद्गुरवे	Jagadgurave	The teacher and preceptor of the entire universe
85	जगन्नाथाय	Jagannāthāya	The Lord of the entire universe
86	वेणुनाद विशारदाय	Veṇunāda Viśāradāya	Expert in the divine music of the flute
87	वृषभासुर विध्वंसिने	Vṛṣabhāsura Vidhvaṃsine	The destroyer of the demon Vrishabhasura
88	बाणासुर करान्तकाय	Bāṇāsura Karāntakāya	The cutter of Banasura's arms
89	युधिष्ठिर प्रतिष्ठात्रे	Yudhiṣṭhira Pratiṣṭhātre	The establisher of Yudhishthira's kingdom
90	बर्हिबर्हावतंसकाय	Barhibarhāvataṃsakāya	Adorned with peacock feathers as a crest
91	पार्थसारथये	Pārthasārathaye	The charioteer of Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita
92	अव्यक्ताय	Avyaktāya	The unmanifest, imperceptible one
93	गीतामृत महोदधये	Gītāmṛta Mahodadhaye	The great ocean of the nectar of the Bhagavad Gita
94	कालीय फणिमाणिक्य रञ्जित श्रीपदाम्बुजाय	Kālīya Phaṇimāṇikya...	Whose lotus feet are adorned with jewels from Kaliya's hood
95	दामोदराय	Dāmodarāya	The one bound at the belly by Mother Yashoda's rope
96	यज्ञभोक्त्रे	Yajñabhoktṛe	The enjoyer of all sacrifices and yajnas
97	दानवेन्द्र विनाशकाय	Dānavendra Vināśakāya	The destroyer of demon lords
98	नारायणाय	Nārāyaṇāya	The refuge and shelter of all beings
99	परस्मै ब्रह्मणे	Parasmai Brahmaṇe	The supreme absolute truth
100	पन्नगाशन वाहनाय	Pannagāśana Vāhanāya	One whose vehicle is Garuda (the eagle, eater of serpents)
101	जलक्रीडासमासक्त गोपीवस्त्रापहारकाय	Jalakrīḍāsamāsakta...	The one who playfully took the garments of the Gopis
102	पुण्यश्लोकाय	Puṇyaślokāya	One whose glories are described in sacred verses
103	तीर्थपादाय	Tīrthapādāya	Whose feet are themselves a holy pilgrimage
104	वेदवेद्याय	Vedavedyāya	The one who is known through the Vedas
105	दयानिधये	Dayānidhaye	The treasure-house of compassion and mercy
106	सर्वतीर्थात्मकाय	Sarvatīrthātmakāya	The soul present in all holy pilgrimage places
107	सर्वग्रहरूपिणे	Sarvagrahārūpiṇe	One who is the form of all planets and celestial bodies
108	परात्पराय	Parātparāya	The supreme beyond all supremes

108 Names of Lord Krishna in Hindi With Meanings

श्री कृष्ण के 108 नाम और उनके अर्थ — यह नामावली श्री कृष्ण अष्टोत्तर शतनामावली के रूप में जानी जाती है। नीचे प्रमुख नामों के हिंदी अर्थ दिए गए हैं:

क्र.	संस्कृत नाम	हिंदी अर्थ
1	कृष्णाय	सर्वाकर्षक, सांवले वर्ण के स्वामी
2	कमलानाथाय	माँ लक्ष्मी के स्वामी
3	वासुदेवाय	वसुदेव के पुत्र, सर्वव्यापी
4	सनातनाय	अनादि, अनंत, शाश्वत
5	यशोदावत्सलाय	माता यशोदा के लाड़ले
6	सच्चिदानन्द विग्रहाय	सत्-चित्-आनंदस्वरूप
7	गोविन्दाय	गायों और भूमि को आनंद देने वाले
8	गोवर्धनाचलोद्धर्त्रे	गोवर्धन पर्वत उठाने वाले
9	जगद्गुरवे	जगत के गुरु
10	पार्थसारथये	अर्जुन के सारथी
11	गीतामृत महोदधये	गीतारूपी अमृत के सागर
12	दामोदराय	जिन्हें माँ यशोदा ने रस्सी से बाँधा
13	परात्पराय	सर्वोच्च से भी परे

Most Popular Names of Lord Krishna and Their Meanings

Krishna (कृष्ण) The most fundamental name, from the Sanskrit root karsh meaning 'to attract.' Krishna is the all-attractive one — He who draws all beings toward Him through love.

Govinda (गोविन्द) The Sanskrit root Go carries a multifaceted spiritual meaning, signifying the sacred cow, the living Earth, and the refined human senses (indriyas). In this light, the name Govinda represents Krishna as the supreme caretaker who brings happiness and joy to the cows, nurtures and restores cosmic harmony to the physical Earth, and elevates human perception beyond worldly distractions.

Gopala (गोपाल): This name means the protector and friend of cows. In the green pastures of Vrindavan, Krishna spent His childhood tending to the cows with great love and care. The villagers deeply respected cows, and Krishna showed everyone how to treat animals with gentle kindness. Today, people remember this name when they want to feel His tender, protective care in their own lives.

Damodara (दामोदर): This name means the one who was tied with a rope around His belly. As a playful child, Krishna often stole butter from the kitchen, so His mother, Yashoda, tied Him to a heavy grinding stone to keep Him out of trouble. This story carries a deep spiritual lesson: even though God is vast and cannot be contained, He willingly lets Himself be captured by pure, loving devotion. Devotees chant this name to remember that unconditional love is the closest way to reach God.

Parthasarathi (पार्थसारथी): This name means the charioteer of Arjuna. During the great war at Kurukshetra, Krishna drove Arjuna's battle chariot and gave him courage when he was overwhelmed by doubt. On that very battlefield, Krishna spoke the sacred teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to help Arjuna fulfill his duty. Whenever people face difficult choices in life, this name reminds them that Krishna is always ready to guide the human mind.

Giridhari (गिरिधारी): This name means the lifter of Mount Govardhana. When a furious storm hit the village of Vrindavan, Krishna raised a massive hill on His little finger to shelter all the people and animals for seven full days. This event proved that divine love can protect anyone from life's harshest storms. Many people chant this name during difficult times to find strength, safety, and shelter.

Shyamsundar (श्यामसुन्दर): This name means the dark and stunningly beautiful one. Krishna's skin is described as having the deep, glowing color of a dark monsoon rain cloud. In classical poetry and songs, His dark complexion is considered more beautiful than anything found on earth. Looking at this divine form helps calm a busy mind and awakens feelings of peace and spiritual wonder.

Why Are There 108 Names of Lord Krishna?

The number 108 holds deep significance in Hindu spiritual philosophy:

Cosmic Distances: Ancient astronomers noticed unique mathematical links between the Earth, the Sun, and the Moon. The distance from the Earth to the Sun is roughly 108 times the diameter of the Sun itself. In a similar way, the distance between the Earth and the Moon is about 108 times the diameter of the Moon. This makes the number 108 a natural bridge between the cosmos and our planet.

Sanskrit Letters: The ancient Sanskrit language is built upon 54 foundational root letters. In spiritual philosophy, each letter carries an active masculine energy and a receptive feminine energy. When you multiply these 54 letters by their two dynamic sides (54*2), you get the sacred total of 108. Chanting these sounds is believed to bring balance and harmony to the speaker's voice and thoughts.

Sacred Texts: Ancient Indian philosophy contains a celebrated collection of 108 core texts called the Upanishads. These books contain discussions between great sages and students about the true nature of life, consciousness, and the universe. Together, they form the philosophical heart of Vedic wisdom. Studying these 108 texts gives a seeker a complete guide to understanding human existence.

Energy in the Body: Traditional yoga and Ayurvedic systems teach that the human body contains 108 vital energy points known as marmas. These points are places where physical tissues, nerves, and subtle energy channels meet. In addition, 108 main energy pathways (nadis) are said to connect directly to the spiritual heart center. By balancing these points through meditation and breathing, a person can enjoy better health and mental clarity.

Prayer Beads: A traditional prayer necklace, known as a japa mala, is made of exactly 108 counting beads. Holding and moving one bead at a time helps the practitioner keep an even rhythm and count without getting distracted. It acts as an anchor for the wandering mind during daily meditation practice. Repeating a divine name for a full round of 108 beads brings a deep sense of calm and completion.

Spiritual Significance of Krishna's 108 Names

In the Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana, the names of God are said to carry the same power as God Himself — the divine name is non-different from the divine person. Each name reflects one of Krishna's infinite qualities: divine love (Dayalu), protection (Gopala), wisdom (Jagadguru), beauty (Shyamsundar), and liberation (Mukunda). Together they form a complete portrait of the Supreme Being who loves, protects, teaches, and liberates all who seek Him.

How to Chant the 108 Names of Lord Krishna

Find a Quiet Spot: Choose a clean, quiet corner in your home where family members or phones will not interrupt you. You can set up a small table with a picture, a flower, or a simple candle to help set a peaceful atmosphere. Keeping this space tidy helps keep your mind clear and relaxed. Over time, simply sitting in this designated space will automatically help you feel calm.
Sit Comfortably: Take a seat on a soft mat, cushion, or a sturdy chair. Keep your back comfortably upright so your chest can open up and your breath can flow naturally. Relax your shoulders, jaw, and neck so your body does not build up unnecessary tension. Staying physically comfortable allows you to remain still for the entire duration of your practice.
Set a Calm Intention: Close your eyes and take three or four slow, deep breaths through your nose. Take a quiet moment to decide why you are sitting down to practice today, whether for inner peace, healing, or simple gratitude. Giving your mind a clear, positive purpose keeps it from wandering to daily chores. This sincere starting thought sets the tone for a meaningful session.
Chant with Focus: Speak or softly whisper each sacred name one by one at a steady, unhurried pace. Listen carefully to the sound of each word as you say it and try to feel its positive meaning in your heart. You can slide a 108-bead prayer mala between your fingers to keep your rhythm smooth and easy. If your thoughts drift away, simply bring your attention back to the next name without judging yourself.
Sit in Silence: When you finish chanting all 108 names, do not jump up or rush into your tasks immediately. Keep your eyes closed and remain still in the quiet space for two or three extra minutes. Pay attention to the peaceful vibrations and the deep stillness that settles in your chest and mind. This quiet integration allows the benefits of meditation to stay with you throughout your busy day.

Best Time to Chant Krishna's Names

Traditional texts recommend Brahma muhurta — approximately 90 minutes before sunrise — as especially auspicious. Other meaningful times include morning prayer (as the first act of the day), evening practice at dusk, during meditation, and on sacred occasions such as Janmashtami (Krishna's birth anniversary).

Pronunciation Guide

Sanskrit	Transliteration	Pronunciation
कृष्ण	Kṛṣṇa	Krish-na (roll the 'r' slightly)
गोविन्द	Govinda	Go-vin-da
गोपाल	Gopāla	Go-paa-la
दामोदर	Dāmodara	Daa-mo-da-ra
जगद्गुरु	Jagadguru	Ja-gad-gu-ru
वासुदेव	Vāsudeva	Vaa-su-de-va
पार्थसारथी	Pārthasārathi	Paar-tha-saa-ra-thi
सच्चिदानन्द	Saccidānanda	Sat-chi-daa-nan-da

Long vowel sounds in Sanskrit—such as aa, ii, and uu—should be extended slightly when spoken. Listening attentively and maintaining a steady, measured pace during recitation will naturally help refine your pronunciation. Chanting slowly and listening carefully will naturally develop correct pronunciation over time.

Continue Your Spiritual Journey

Delving into the 108 names of Lord Krishna transcends mere intellectual study — it offers a path to enrich and animate one's daily devotional life. Each name is an invitation to reflect on a different quality of the divine and to bring that quality into your own life: the compassion of Dayalu, the transcendent beauty of Shyamsundar, the profound wisdom of Gyaneshwar, the serene peace of Shantah, and the boundless grace of Mukunda. Whether you are new to bhakti practice or deepening an existing devotional path, chanting Krishna's names offers a time-honoured way to nurture inner stillness, cultivate love, and maintain a thread of spiritual remembrance through the texture of everyday life.

This guide has been prepared by Nirvana Yoga School, a traditional yoga school in Rishikesh, India, with a focus on mantra, meditation, Vedic philosophy and devotional practice — explore more meditation, mindfulness, and spiritual resources there to continue your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

The number 108 is considered sacred in Hindu tradition for its connections to cosmic mathematics, Sanskrit phonology, yogic philosophy, and Vedic literature. The 108 names together form a complete portrait of Krishna's infinite divine nature.

The most widely recognised Sanskrit name is कृष्ण (Krishna), meaning "the all-attractive one." Other commonly known Sanskrit names include गोविन्द (Govinda), गोपाल (Gopala), माधव (Madhava), and केशव (Keshava).

All 108 names are traditionally considered equally sacred. The name that resonates most personally with the devotee — the one that draws the heart — is often considered the most meaningful for individual practice.

Govinda (गोविन्द) means "one who gives pleasure to the cows, the earth, and the senses." It is one of the most beloved names of Krishna, associated with His pastoral life in Vrindavan and His role as the bringer of divine joy.

Yes, daily chanting is considered a meaningful devotional practice. Many devotees incorporate it into their morning or evening prayer. Consistency and sincerity are more important than any specific ritual requirement.