Sri Krishna Ashtottara in English – Who Gave the 108 Shatanamavali Names of Krishna?

krishna ashtottara in english: Sri Krishna Ashtottara Shatanamavali refers to the 108 sacred names of Lord Krishna, a revered incarnation of Lord Vishnu in Hinduism. Each name encapsulates a divine quality, attribute, or story associated with Krishna, who is considered the embodiment of love, wisdom, and dharma. Reciting these 108 names is believed to invoke blessings, spiritual protection, and inner peace.

In this article, we’ll explore the meaning of Sri Krishna Ashtottara Shatanamavali, the benefits of chanting it, and how devotees around the world incorporate this powerful stotra into their daily spiritual practices.

Krishna Ashtottara in English

What Is Sri Krishna Ashtottara Shatanamavali?

Sri Krishna Ashtottara Shatanamavali in english: is a sacred Sanskrit hymn consisting of 108 divine names of Lord Krishna. The term comes from “Ashta” (eight), “Shata” (hundred), and “Namavali” (a garland of names), which together mean “the garland of 108 names.” These names are drawn from ancient scriptures and are chanted during puja, meditation, or daily prayers to invoke Lord Krishna’s blessings.

Each name in this beautiful hymn highlights a unique aspect of Krishna’s divinity—his boundless compassion, wisdom, beauty, and playful charm. From his childhood mischief in Vrindavan to his role as the divine charioteer and philosopher in the Mahabharata, every name glorifies a different facet of the Supreme Lord who is both deeply personal and infinitely cosmic.


108 Names of Lord Krishna: Meaning, Origin, and Bengali-Sourced Insights

These 108 names, collectively known as “Sri Krishna Ashtottara Shatanamavali,” are drawn from various Puranas and ancient scriptures. They were composed by great sages, seers, and devoted saints to glorify the countless divine attributes of Lord Krishna. Each name reflects a specific aspect of his personality—his charm, wisdom, compassion, and cosmic role as the protector of dharma.

Far more than just names, this sacred list is considered a spiritual garland (Namavali) offered to the Lord, meant to elevate the mind and deepen devotion during chanting, puja, or meditation.

  1. Nandera nandana – Named by Nanda, meaning Son of Nanda.
  2. Yadu bachadhan – Named by Yashoda, meaning Jewel of the Yadu clan.
  3. Sundar gopal – Named by Upananda, meaning Beautiful Gopal.
  4. Thakur Rakhal – Named by Braja boys, meaning The Divine Cowherd.
  5. Thakur Kanai – Named by Subala, meaning Affectionate Thakur (God).
  6. Rakhal Raja Bhai – Named by Shridama, meaning Brother of the Cowherd King.
  7. Nani Chora – Named by the Gopis, meaning Butter thief.
  8. Kalo Sona – Named by Radha, meaning Dark and Golden (Divine Beauty).
  9. Patit Pavan Hari – Named by Kubja, meaning Savior of the Fallen.
  10. Mohan Banshi Dhari – Named by Chandravali, meaning Enchanting Flute Bearer.
  1. Ananta – Named by Ananta, meaning The Infinite One.
  2. Krishna – Named by Garga Muni, meaning Realized through Meditation.
  3. Dev Chakrapani – Named by Kanva Muni, meaning Wielder of the Divine Disc.
  4. Vanamali – Named by a forest doe, meaning He who wears forest garlands.
  5. Madhusudan – Named by the Elephant King, meaning Slayer of Demon Madhu.
  6. Narayan – Named by Ajamila, meaning Supreme Lord Who Saves All.
  7. Govinda – Named by Purandara, meaning Protector of Cows and Earth.
  8. Deenabandhu – Named by Draupadi, meaning Friend of the Helpless.
  9. Daridra Bhanjan – Named by Sudama, meaning Destroyer of Poverty.
  10. Brajer Jibon – Named by the people of Braja, meaning Life of Braja.
  1. Darpahari – Named by Arjuna, meaning Destroyer of Pride.
  2. Pashupati – Named by Garuda, meaning Lord of All Creatures.
  3. Yadubar – Named by Yudhishthira, meaning Best among the Yadus.
  4. Kangal-er Thakur – Named by Vidura, meaning Lord of the Poor.
  5. Dev Srishti-Sthiti – Named by Vasuki, meaning Creator and Sustainer.
  6. Dhruver Sarathi – Named by Dhruva, meaning Charioteer of Dhruva.
  7. Bhakta Pranadhan – Named by Narada, meaning Treasure of Devotees.
  8. Lakshmi Narayan – Named by Bhishma, meaning Consort of Lakshmi.
  9. Satyer Sarathi – Named by Satyabhama, meaning Charioteer of Truth.
  10. Yoddhapati – Named by Jambavati, meaning Lord of Warriors.
  1. Sansarer Saar – Named by Vishwamitra, meaning Essence of the World.
  2. Pashan Uddhar – Named by Ahalya, meaning Redeemer of Stone.
  3. Jagater Hari – Named by Vrigu Muni, meaning Lord of the Universe.
  4. Ram Naam Gaan – Named by Tripurari, meaning Singer of Rama’s Name.
  5. Bali Sadachari – Named by Kunjakeshi, meaning Virtuous Bali’s Companion.
  6. Nrisimha Murari – Named by Prahlada, meaning Slayer of Demon as Narasimha.
  7. Muni Manohar – Named by Vashishtha, meaning Charming Sage.
  8. Nava Jaladhar – Named by Vishvavasu, meaning New Monsoon Cloud.
  9. Govardhan Dhari – Named by Samvartaka, meaning Lifter of Govardhan Hill.
  10. Prana Pati – Named by the women of Braja, meaning Beloved of the Women of Braja.
  1. Aarati Sudan – Named by Aditi, meaning Destroyer of Enemies.
  2. Gadadhar – Named by the trees, meaning Holder of the Mace.
  3. Maha Yoddha – Named by Bhima, meaning The Great Warrior.
  4. Dayanidhi – Named by the poor, meaning Ocean of Compassion.
  5. Vrindavan Chandra – Named by Vrinda’s messengers, meaning Moon of Vrindavan.
  6. Yamunar Pati – Named by Viraja, meaning Lord of the Yamuna.
  7. Bani Pati – Named by Brihaspati, meaning Master of Speech.
  8. Lakshmi Pati – Named by Sumantra, meaning Husband of Lakshmi.
  9. Antaryami – Named by Sandipani, meaning Knower of All Hearts.
  10. Triloker Swami – Named by Parashara, meaning Lord of the Three Worlds.
  1. Adideva – Named by Padmayoni, meaning Primordial God.
  2. Nat Narayan – Named by Sambadi, meaning Supreme Lord in Divine Play.
  3. Hare Krishna – Named by Balarama, meaning Beloved Hari-Krishna.
  4. Durvadal Shyam – Named by Lalita, meaning As dark as sacred grass.
  5. Ananga Mohan – Named by Vishakha, meaning Enchanting Cupid.
  6. Banshivadan – Named by Suchitra, meaning Flute-faced Lord.
  7. Krodh Nibarana – Named by Ayan, meaning Remover of Anger.
  8. Kritanta Shashan – Named by Chandakeshi, meaning Controller of Death.
  9. Neelkantha Moni – Named by Jyotishka, meaning Blue-throated Gem.
  10. Gopikanta – Named by Sudama’s wife, meaning Beloved of the Gopis.
  1. Jagannath – Named by devotees, meaning Lord of the Universe.
  2. Anather Nath – Named by Durvasa, meaning Protector of the Helpless.
  3. Raseshwar – Named by all garland-makers, meaning Lord of the Rasa Dance.
  4. Sarva Yajneshwar – Named by Shivani, meaning Lord of All Sacrifices.
  5. Mitra Hitkari – Named by Uddhava, meaning Friend and Well-wisher.
  6. Bhava Bhaya Hari – Named by Akrura, meaning Remover of Worldly Fears.
  7. Gunja Mali – Named by His divine attire, meaning One who wears berry garlands.
  8. Sarvavetta – Named by Dwaipayana Vyasa,meaning Knower of Everything.
  9. Brajeshwar – Named by the Ashta Sakhis, meaning Lord of Braja.
  10. Akhiler Saar – Named by the Devas, meaning Essence of the Cosmos.
  1. Param Ishwar – Named by Vrishabhanu, meaning Supreme God.
  2. Paratpar – Named by the Celestials, meaning Beyond the Supreme.
  3. Anather Sakha – Named by Puloma, meaning Friend of the Helpless.
  4. Rasa Sindhu – Named by Chitralekha, meaning Ocean of Divine Love.
  5. Arati Daman – Named by Chitraratha, meaning Conqueror of Darkness.
  6. Nayan Ranjan – Named by Pulastya, meaning One who Delights the Eyes.
  7. Raseshwar – Named again by Kashyapa, meaning Lord of Rasa Leela.
  8. Purnashashadhar – Named by Bhandarik, meaning Bearer of the Full Moon Beauty.
  9. Purusha Pradhan – Named by Sumali, meaning Supreme Being.
  10. Bhaktagan Pran – Named by devotees, meaning Life of His Devotees.
  1. Nander Dulal – Named by Washerwomen, meaning Darling of Nanda.
  2. Brajer Gopal – Named by Ahladini, meaning Gopal of Braja.
  3. Nayaner Moni – Named by Devaki, meaning Jewel of the Eyes.
  4. Yajnavalkya muni – Named by Jyotirmoy, meaning Radiant with Divine Light.
  5. Koti Chandreshwar – Named by Atri Muni, meaning Lord of Infinite Moons.
  6. Vishwambhar – Named by Gautama, meaning Universal Sustainer.
  7. Achintya Achyut – Named by Marichi, meaning Inconceivable and Infallible.
  8. Jnanatit – Named by Shaunaka and sages, meaning Beyond Knowledge.
  9. Maha Kal – Named by the Rudras, meaning Great Time Itself.
  10. Thakurdayal – Named by the Vasus, meaning Compassionate Lord.
  1. Putana Nashan – Named by Siddhas, meaning Slayer of Putana.
  2. Kapil Tapodhan – Named by Siddhartha, meaning Wealth of Austerity.
  3. Agatir Gati – Named by Bhaguri, meaning Path for the Pathless.
  4. Triloker Pati – Named by Matsyagandha, meaning Lord of the Three Worlds.
  5. Akhil Bandhav – Named by Shukracharya, meaning Friend of All.
  6. Shrimadhav – Named in Vishnu’s abode, meaning Sweet and Auspicious Lord.
  7. Yadukulapati – Named by the Yadus, meaning Lord of the Yadu Dynasty.
  8. Srishti-Sthiti – Named by the Ashwini Kumaras, meaning Creator and Sustainer.
  9. Kaal Nibarana – Named by Aryama, meaning Remover of Time’s Suffering.
  10. Agyan Nashan – Named by Satyavati, meaning Destroyer of Ignorance.
  1. Bhramar Bhramari – Named by Padmaksha, meaning Attractor like a bee to a lotus.
  2. Tri-Bhanga – Named by His companions, meaning Graceful in Threefold Bending Posture.
  3. Vanka Chandra – Named by Shri Rupa Manjari, meaning Curved Moon-like Beauty.
  4. Gopi Manohari – Named by Madhuri, meaning Captivator of Gopi Hearts.
  5. Abhishta Puran – Named by Manjumali, meaning Fulfiller of All Desires.
  6. Madan Mohan – Named by Kutila, meaning One who Enchants even Cupid.
  7. Karma Bandhan Nash – Named by Manjari, meaning Liberator from Karma’s Bonds.
  8. Purna Abhilash – Named by the Women of Braja, meaning Fulfillment of All Longings.

How to Chant Sri Krishna Ashtottara

You don’t need to be a Sanskrit expert. What matters is your intention and love while chanting. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Sit calmly in a peaceful space, ideally in front of a Krishna murti or image.
  2. Light a diya or incense (optional).
  3. Take a few deep breaths to center your mind.
  4. Begin chanting each name slowly and mindfully.
  5. If possible, use a tulsi mala to keep count.

Benefits of Chanting Krishna Ashtottara

Chanting or listening to Sri Krishna Ashtottara offers not just spiritual growth, but also emotional and mental peace. Here are some heartfelt benefits:

  • Deepens your bhakti (devotion) to Krishna
  • Brings clarity and calmness to the mind
  • Creates a sacred vibration in your home or heart
  • Helps develop spiritual discipline and focus
  • Invokes divine blessings of Lord Krishna
  • Destroys negative karma and mental impurities

Even listening to these names while doing chores or commuting can subtly uplift your energy


Final Thoughts For Krishna Ashtottara in English

Sri Krishna Ashtottara Shatanamavali isn’t just a list of 108 names—it’s a soulful journey into the depths of divine love and devotion. Whether you’ve been a lifelong devotee or are just beginning to explore the beauty of Hindu spirituality, chanting these sacred names can fill your life with peace, clarity, and a sense of divine connection.

With each name, take a step closer to Krishna’s presence—awakening the timeless bond between your soul (Atman) and the Supreme (Paramatma).

Start today. Let these names fill your heart with divine joy. Let the names of Krishna echo in your heart, and may his blessings guide your path always.

Hare Krishna!


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q:Can beginners chant Sri Krishna Ashtottara Shatanamavali?

A:Yes! Even if you don’t know Sanskrit, you can chant or listen to the names with devotion. The intention matters more than perfection.

Q: What is the best time to chant the 108 names?

A:Early morning (Brahma Muhurta) or evening is ideal. However, Krishna accepts love at all hours.

Q: Is there a difference between chanting and listening to the Krishna 108 Names?

A: Yes, both have their own unique benefits. Chanting the Sri Krishna Ashtottara Shatanamavali engages your voice, mind, and heart—helping you develop focus, discipline, and a personal connection with Lord Krishna. Listening to these 108 sacred names creates a peaceful, meditative atmosphere and nurtures feelings of devotion and inner calm. Whether you chant or listen, both are powerful ways to invite Krishna’s divine presence into your life.

What is the meaning of Krishna Ashtottara?

It means “108 Names of Lord Krishna.” It’s a sacred chant that glorifies Krishna’s divine attributes.

Q: Can I chant Krishna Ashtottara daily?

A: Yes, you can chant it daily—morning or evening. Even chanting a few names with love is beneficial.

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Disclaimer

This article is intended to provide religious and spiritual information. The worship procedures, mantras, and other guidance presented here are based on ancient scriptures, traditional beliefs, and customs.Readers are advised to adopt the worship methods according to their personal faith and convenience. Before performing any religious rites, it is recommended to consult a qualified priest or learned scholar to ensure correct practice.The information provided in this article is for general guidance only, and its use is entirely at the reader’s own risk and responsibility.

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Namaste! I’m Shri Gopal Chandra, a devoted Sanatani writer with over 7 years of experience in writing about Hinduism, Sanatan culture, and Indian spiritual traditions.Through my website, I aim to make ancient Hindu wisdom and scriptures easy to understand, so that people can connect with the depth of Sanatan Dharma and apply its values in everyday life.I believe Sanatan Dharma is not just a religion, but a way of life that leads us towards truth, righteousness, and inner purpose.

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