Krishna's Names with Their Literal and Symbolic Meanings

Oct 20, 2010
Martin Bohn

Sculpture of Blue-Skinned Krishna - Asif Akbar on Stock.xchng

This article explains some of the Hindu deity Krishna's names: Krishna, Gopala, Radha Lola and Madhusudhana, complete with translations and deeper meaning.

Hinduism cherishes the practice of worshipping and remembering the Divine through his or her many names. Krishna devotees sometimes recite the 108 names of Krishna, all of which have a twofold meaning: Firstly, there is always a literal meaning and sometimes a story connected to the name. Secondly, there is usually a deeper, symbolic or metaphysical meaning as well.

The Dark-Complexioned Lord

The first and foremost name, Krishna, literally translated means “black”, “dark” or “dark-blue”. Therefore, Krishna is sometimes called the “dark-complexioned Lord”. In fact, he is usually portrayed with black or dark-blue skin in traditional paintings and statues (murtis).

However, there is a deeper meaning to this name. For one, the same dark-blue color is typically found in things far away or very deep such as the sea or the sky – they only appear blue because of their almost infinite, impenetrable nature.

Etymology of the Name “Krishna”

Furthermore, the word "Krishna" is often traced back to certain root words. Thus, the root “Karsh,” which means “that which attracts,” may define Krishna as having the irresistible power of attraction. The root “Krish,” on the other hand, points to another possible meaning. The term "Krishna" is sometimes interpreted as “one who removes the weeds” of the bad qualities such as greed, hate and ignorance and plants the desirable qualities of compassion, love, peace and bliss (daya, prema, shanti and ananda). Adi Shankara simply interpreted Krishna to mean “existence of bliss” (sat-chit-ananda).

Gopala (Protector of Cows)

Gopala (“protector of cows”) is one of Krishna’s best known names, describing his childhood days as a cowherd. Although born as a King’s son, Krishna had to be saved from his violent uncle Kamsa and as a result, he spent his childhood incognito as a cowherd boy. This allowed Krishna to live in sweet closeness to the gopas (cowherds) and gopis (cow herding girls), allowing those blessed souls to bathe in the boundless joy of his presence and develop pure devotion to him.

In a deeper sense, the cows may stand for all living beings, making Gopala the protector and sustainer of all. Incidentally, this is only one of many parallels between Krishna and Christ, “the good shepherd.”

Radha Lola (Radha’s Joy)

Of all the gopis and gopas, Radha is the most famous. Her name has become a synonym for pure devotion and complete surrender to Krishna, known as the Maha-Bhava of Bhakti Yoga. Radha also personifies one of the five bhavas (“moods” or “feelings”) of Bhakti Yoga, namely the Kanta Bhava (also called Madhurya Bhava).

During the so called Summer Showers discourses of 1978, Indian spiritual teacher Sri Sathya Sai Baba described the relationship between Radha and Krishna as “the sacred relationship that exists between God and His creation”, adding that they were exemplifying the eternal oneness of God and creation, Paramatma and Prakriti.

Madhusudana (Slayer of the Demon Madhu)

The name “Madhusudana” does not only refer to the slaying of a demon called Madhu, but may also symbolize Krishna’s complete freedom from desire and attachment. Since “Madhu” literally means “sweet”, the slaying of Madhu may point to a freedom from all attachments (“sweet things”) that usually govern the minds of most human beings.

The Sweetness of Krishna’s Names

This has only been a tiny selection out of the various names of Sri Krishna, all of which carry a profound meaning and, above all, the sweetness of Krishna himself. By chanting these names and reflecting on their meaning, one can grow in devotion and develop a relationship with the Divine within.