108 Names of Shri Krishna Chant

Name: 108 Names of Shri Krishna Chant
Channel: Mahakatha
Description: 108 names of Shri Krishna chant for spiritual connection, protection & devotion. Listen to Krishna mantras with meanings, benefits & daily practice guide.

The 108 Names of Shri Krishna is a sacred enumeration of Krishna's divine attributes, epithets, and roles across Vedic literature and Puranic tradition. Each name encodes a specific aspect of Krishna's cosmic nature—from 'Krishnaya' (the dark one, symbolic of the infinite) to 'Parabrahmane' (the supreme absolute reality). These names span his incarnation stories: his birth as Devaki's son, his childhood exploits in Brindavan, his role as charioteer in the Bhagavad Gita, and his divine governance as Dwarka's king. Chanting them systematically creates a complete spiritual portrait of the deity.

Krishna represents the divine play (leela) of the Absolute—the reconciliation of transcendence and immanence. In Bhagavata Purana and Brahma Samhita, Krishna is recognized as Param Brahman (ultimate reality) who freely descends into human form to guide humanity. His 108 names reflect both his cosmic grandeur ('Ananta'—infinite, 'Kotisuryasamaprabhaya'—brilliant as a billion suns) and his intimate accessibility ('Yashodavatsalaya'—beloved of Yashoda, 'Govinda'—nourisher of cows). This duality—supreme power expressed through personal devotion—makes Krishna worship uniquely transformative across Hindu spiritual traditions.

Chant the 108 Names daily, ideally after sunrise or during evening meditation, as part of your sadhana (spiritual practice). Each repetition opens deeper layers of Krishna consciousness. Begin with 3 rounds and gradually increase to 27 or 108 repetitions. Use mala beads for counting. The practice works best with sincere devotion (bhakti) rather than mechanical recitation. Many traditions recommend pairing the chant with Krishna's image or deity for enhanced focus. Morning chanting energizes your day with divine grace; evening practice purifies the mind before sleep.

Curated by The Mahakatha Team · Original Composition: Mahakatha · Lyric: Traditional / Vaishnava

108 Names of Shri Krishna Chant

Krishna · Preview · 2:00

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Lyrics

Sanskrit / English Bengali Telugu Spanish Hindi German Russian Tamil

ॐ कृष्णाय नमः ॐ कमलनाथाय नमः ॐ वासुदेवाय नमः ॐ सनातनाय नमः

om krishnaya namah om kamalanathaya namah om vasudevaya namah om sanatanaya namah

ॐ वासुदेवात्मजाय नमः ॐ पुण्याय नमः ॐ लीलामनुषविग्रहाय नमः ॐ श्रीवत्सकौस्तुभधाराय नमः

om vasudevatmajaya namah om punyaya namah om lilamanushavigrahaya namah om shrivatsakaustubhadharaya namah

ॐ यशोदावत्सलाय नमः ॐ हरये नमः ॐ चतुर्भुजत्तचक्रसिगदाय नमः ॐ शङ्खाम्बुजायुधायुधाय नमः

om yashodavatsalaya namah om hariye namah om chaturbhujattachakrasigada namah om shankhambujayudayudhaya namah

ॐ देवकीनन्दनाय नमः ॐ श्रियाय नमः ॐ नन्दगोपप्रियात्मजाय नमः ॐ यमुनावेगसंहारिणे नमः

om devakinandanaya namah om shriyaya namah om nandagopapriyatmajaya namah om yamunavegasamharine namah

ॐ बलभद्रप्रियानुजाय नमः ॐ पूतनाजीवितहराय नमः ॐ शकटसुरभञ्जनाय नमः ॐ नन्दव्रजजननन्दिने नमः

om balabhadrapriyanujaya namah om putanajivitaharaya namah om shakatasurabhanjanaya namah om nandavrajajananandine namah

ॐ सच्चिदानन्दविग्रहाय नमः ॐ नवनीतविलिप्तांगाय नमः ॐ नवनीतनटनाय नमः ॐ मुचुकुन्दप्रसादकाय नमः

om sachchidanandavigrahaya namah om navanitaviliptangaya namah om navanitanatanaya namah om muchukundaprasadakaya namah

ॐ षोडशाष्टिसहस्रेश्वाय नमः ॐ त्रिभङ्गिने नमः ॐ मधुरकृतये नमः ॐ शुकवागामृताब्धिन्दवे नमः

om shodashastrisahasreshaya namah om tribhangine namah om madhurakritaye namah om shukavagamritabdhindave namah

ॐ गोविन्दाय नमः ॐ योगिनां पतये नमः ॐ वत्सवटाचाराय नमः ॐ अनन्ताय नमः

om govindaya namah om yoginam pataye namah om vatsavatacharaya namah om anantaya namah

ॐ धेनुकसुरभञ्जनाय नमः ॐ त्रिनिकृततृणवर्तनाय नमः ॐ यमलार्जुनभञ्जनाय नमः ॐ उत्तलोत्तलभेत्रे नमः

om dhenukasurabhanjanaya namah om trinikritatrinavartaya namah om yamalarjunabhanjanaya namah om uttalottalabhetre namah

ॐ तमालश्यामलकृतये नमः ॐ गोपगोपीश्वराय नमः ॐ योगिने नमः ॐ कोटिसूर्यसमप्रभाय नमः

om tamalashyamalakritiye namah om gopagopishvaraya namah om yogine namah om kotisuryasamaprabhaya namah

ॐ इलापतये नमः ॐ परमज्योतिषे नमः ॐ यदुवंशराय नमः ॐ यदुद्वहाय नमः

om ilapataye namah om paramjyotishe namah om yadavendraya namah om yadudvahaya namah

ॐ वनमालिने नमः ॐ पीतवसने नमः ॐ परिजातपहारकाय नमः ॐ गोवर्धनचालोद्धर्त्रे नमः

om vanamaline namah om pitavasane namah om parijatapaharakaya namah om govarthanachaloddhartre namah

ॐ गोपालाय नमः ॐ सर्वपालकाय नमः ॐ अजाय नमः ॐ निरञ्जनाय नमः

om gopalaya namah om sarvapalakaya namah om ajaya namah om niranjanaya namah

ॐ कामजनकाय नमः ॐ कञ्जलोचनाय नमः ॐ मधुघ्ने नमः ॐ मथुरानाथाय नमः

om kamajanakaya namah om kanjalochanaya namah om madhughne namah om mathuranathaya namah

ॐ द्वारकानायकाय नमः ॐ बलिने नमः ॐ वृन्दावनान्तसञ्चारिणे नमः ॐ तुलसीदामभूषणाय नमः

om dvarakanayakaya namah om baline namah om brindavanantasancharine namah om tulasidamabhushanaya namah

ॐ स्यामन्तकमणिहर्त्रे नमः ॐ नरनारायणात्मकाय नमः ॐ कुब्जकृष्णाम्बरधाराय नमः ॐ मायिने नमः

om syamantakamanerhartre namah om naranarayanatmakaya namah om kubjakrishnambaradharaya namah om mayine namah

ॐ परमपुरुषाय नमः ॐ मुष्टिकसुरचनूरमल्लयुद्धविशारदाय नमः ॐ संसारवैरिणे नमः ॐ कंसराये नमः

om paramapurushaya namah om mushtikasurachanuramallayuddhavisharadaya namah om sansaravairine namah om kansaraye namah

ॐ मुरारये नमः ॐ नरकान्तकाय नमः ॐ अनादिब्रह्मचारिणे नमः ॐ कृष्णव्यसनकर्षकाय नमः

om muraraye namah om narakantakaya namah om anadibrahmacharine namah om krishnavyasanakarshakaya namah

ॐ शिशुपालशिरश्छेत्रे नमः ॐ दुर्योधनकुलान्तकाय नमः ॐ विदुरकृपावरदाय नमः ॐ विश्वरूपप्रदर्शकाय नमः

om shishupalashirashchhetre namah om duryodhanakulantakaya namah om vidurakruravaradaya namah om vishvarupapradarshakaya namah

ॐ सत्यवाचे नमः ॐ सत्यसङ्कल्पाय नमः ॐ सत्यभामारताय नमः ॐ जयिने नमः

om satyavache namah om satyasankalpaya namah om satyabhamarataya namah om jayine namah

ॐ सुभद्रापूर्वजाय नमः ॐ विष्णवे नमः ॐ भीष्ममुक्तिप्रदायकाय नमः ॐ जगद्गुरवे नमः

om subhadrapurvajaya namah om vishnave namah om bhishmamuktipradayakaya namah om jagadgurave namah

ॐ जगन्नाथाय नमः ॐ वेणुनाद विशारदाय नमः ॐ वृषभासुरविध्वंसिने नमः ॐ बाणसुरकरान्तकाय नमः

om jagannathaya namah om venunada visharadaya namah om vrishabhasuravidhvansine namah om banasurakarantakaya namah

ॐ युधिष्ठिरप्रतिष्ठात्रे नमः ॐ बर्हिबर्हावताम्सकाय नमः ॐ पार्थसारथये नमः ॐ अव्यक्ताय नमः

om yudhishthirapratishthatre namah om barhibarhavatamsakaya namah om parthasarathaye namah om avyaktaya namah

ॐ गीतामृतामहोदधये नमः ॐ कलिनाग मणिक्य रञ्जितश्रीपदाम्बुजाय नमः ॐ दामोदराय नमः ॐ यज्ञभोक्त्रे नमः

om gitamritamahodadhaye namah om kaliyaphanimanikyaranjitashripadambujaya namah om damodaraya namah om yajnabhoktre namah

ॐ दानवेन्द्रविनाशकाय नमः ॐ नारायणाय नमः ॐ परब्रह्मणे नमः ॐ पन्नगशानवाहनाय नमः

om danavendravinashakaya namah om narayanaya namah om parabrahmane namah om pannagashanavahanaya namah

ॐ तीर्थकृते नमः ॐ जलक्रीड समासक्त गोपीवस्त्रपहारकाय नमः ॐ पुण्यश्लोकाय नमः ॐ वेदवेद्याय नमः

om tirthakrite namah om jalakrida samasakta gopivastrapaharakaya namah om punyashlokaya namah om vedavedyaya namah

ॐ दयानिधये नमः ॐ सर्वभूतात्मकाय नमः ॐ सर्वग्रहरूपिणे नमः ॐ परात्पराय नमः

om dayanidhaye namah om sarvabhutatmakaya namah om sarvagraharupine namah om paratparaya namah

Word-by-Word Meaning

Sanskrit	Meaning
om	The sacred syllable representing the ultimate reality and divine essence; used as an invocation prefix to all prayers and mantras.
krishnaya	The dark or black one; refers to Krishna's divine complexion and represents the all-attracting nature of the Supreme Lord.
namah	Obeisance or salutations; expresses humble submission and devotion to the divine being being addressed.
kamalanathaya	The Lord of Lakshmi (the lotus goddess); celebrates Krishna as the supreme possessor of all wealth, fortune, and divine grace.
vasudevaya	The son of Vasudeva; acknowledges Krishna's incarnation as the child of the divine couple Vasudeva and Devaki.
sanatanaya	The eternal one; celebrates Krishna as the timeless, imperishable Supreme Reality beyond creation.
vasudevatmajaya	The son of Vasudeva; emphasizes Krishna's divine birth and incarnation through the righteous Vasudeva.
punyaya	The auspicious and sacred one; represents Krishna as the embodiment of all virtue and merit.
lilamanushavigrahaya	The one whose human form is divine sport; celebrates Krishna's incarnation as a playful divine manifestation among humans.
shrivatsakaustubhadharaya	The wearer of the Srivastsa mark and Kaustubha gem; represents Krishna's divine majesty and sovereignty adorned with celestial ornaments.
yashodavatsalaya	The beloved son of Mother Yashoda; celebrates Krishna's tender and intimate relationship with his adoptive mother.
hariye	The one who removes or steals; refers to Krishna's nature as the remover of sins and the stealer of hearts through divine love.
chaturbhujattachakrasigada	The four-armed one bearing the chakra and mace; depicts Krishna in his divine form wielding the discus and club as cosmic symbols of power.
shankhambujayudayudhaya	The one whose weapons are the conch, lotus, discus, and mace; celebrates Krishna's divine weaponry used to protect dharma.
devakinandanaya	The beloved son of Devaki; honors Krishna's birth through the divine mother Devaki as her cherished child.
shriyaya	The embodiment of prosperity and divine splendor; represents Krishna as the supreme source of all auspiciousness and grace.
nandagopapriyatmajaya	The beloved son of Nanda Gopa; celebrates Krishna's deep bond with his foster father who raised him with infinite affection.
yamunavegasamharine	The one who controlled the rushing waters of the Yamuna; celebrates Krishna's divine power demonstrated through the taming of the sacred river.
balabhadrapriyanujaya	The beloved younger brother of Balabhadra (Balarama); honors Krishna's intimate relationship with his elder brother.
putanajivitaharaya	The one who took the life of Putana; celebrates Krishna's victory over the demoness who attempted his destruction in infancy.
shakatasurabhanjanaya	The one who shattered the cart and the demon; refers to Krishna's miraculous destruction of the demon Shakatasura as an infant.
nandavrajajananandine	The source of joy for Nanda's cowherd settlement; celebrates Krishna as the embodiment of bliss for all inhabitants of Gokula and Mathura.
sachchidanandavigrahaya	The embodiment of existence, consciousness, and bliss; depicts Krishna as the incarnation of absolute reality with all divine attributes.
navanitaviliptangaya	The one whose body is anointed with butter; celebrates Krishna's childhood pastimes where he playfully stole and ate butter in Gokula.
navanitanatanajaya	The beloved son of the butter-herd; refers to Krishna as the child of Mother Yashoda who kept butter, emphasizing his intimate household relationships.
muchukundaprasadakaya	He who bestows grace upon Muchukunda, the ancient king blessed by Krishna's divine touch. This name celebrates Krishna's compassion toward his devoted devotees.
shodashastrisahasreshaya	He who is the supreme lord of sixteen thousand wives, referring to Krishna's divine marriages. This epithet honors Krishna's role as the ultimate beloved of countless devotees.
tribhangine	He who stands in the three-fold bending pose (tribhanga), the graceful stance of Krishna. This name celebrates Krishna's enchanting beauty and divine form.
madhurakritaye	He who is of sweet form, the embodiment of sweetness and divine beauty. This epithet honors Krishna's supremely charming and mellifluous nature.
shukavagamritabdhindave	He who is like a drop of nectar from the ocean of Shuka's divine words. This name celebrates Krishna as the essence of spiritual knowledge revealed through sacred texts.
govindaya	The one who nourishes and protects cows, the giver of nourishment to all. This epithet honors Krishna as the sustainer of life and protector of all beings.
yoginam	The master or lord of yogis, the supreme embodiment of spiritual practice. This name celebrates Krishna as the ultimate guide for those on the path of yoga and meditation.
pataye	The lord, master, or supreme ruler of all. This epithet honors Krishna's absolute sovereignty and divine dominion.
vatsavatacharaya	He who performs the pastime of lifting the Govardhan mountain to protect cows and cowherd boys. This name celebrates Krishna's divine act of protection and care.
anantaya	The infinite one, without end or limit in time, space, or power. This epithet honors Krishna's eternal, boundless nature as the absolute supreme reality.
dhenukasurabhanjanaya	He who destroys the demon Dhenuka and other asuras. This name celebrates Krishna's power to vanquish evil and protect his devotees from harm.
trinikritatrinavartaya	He who killed the whirlwind demon Trinavarta. This epithet honors Krishna's prowess in overcoming demons even in his infancy.
yamalarjunabhanjanaya	He who destroyed the two arjuna trees (Yamalaarjuna) by uprooting them. This name celebrates Krishna's miraculous deeds of liberation and divine play.
uttalottalabhetre	He who is the remover of disturbances and upheavals, bringing peace and stability. This epithet honors Krishna as the dispeller of chaos and restorer of cosmic order.
tamalashyamalakritiye	He of dark complexion like the tamala tree, possessing incomparable beauty. This name celebrates Krishna's divine form with its dark, enchanting hue.
gopagopishvaraya	The lord of gopas (cowherd boys) and gopis (cowherd girls), the supreme master of Gokul. This epithet honors Krishna's role as the beloved and protector of all in his pastoral realm.
yogine	The supreme yogi, the master of all yogic powers and divine union. This name celebrates Krishna as the embodiment of perfect yoga and spiritual realization.
kotisuryasamaprabhaya	He whose radiance equals that of millions of suns. This epithet honors Krishna's transcendent luminosity and all-encompassing divine light.
ilapataye	The lord of the earth, the supreme ruler and sustainer of all creation. This name celebrates Krishna's dominion over the entire material and spiritual universe.
paramjyotishe	The supreme light, the highest illumination beyond all darkness. This epithet honors Krishna as the ultimate source of spiritual enlightenment and truth.
yadavendraya	The king of the Yadava clan, the supreme leader and protector of his dynasty. This name celebrates Krishna's role as the greatest of the Yadavas.
yadudvahaya	The bearer or sustainer of the Yadu dynasty, its protector and upholder. This epithet honors Krishna's devotion to his people and divine guardianship.
vanamaline	He who wears a garland of forest flowers, adorned in sylvan splendor. This name celebrates Krishna's pastoral beauty and connection to nature and Gokul.
pitavasane	He who is clothed in yellow garments, resplendent in golden robes. This epithet honors Krishna's distinctive divine appearance and radiant splendor.
parijatapaharakaya	He who stole the Parijata tree, the celestial wish-fulfilling tree from the heavens. This name celebrates Krishna's divine exploits and his supreme power over all worlds.
govarthanachaloddhartre	The lifter of Govardhana mountain. This name celebrates Krishna's divine strength and his protection of the cowherd community from devastating rains.
gopalaya	The cowherd or protector of cows. This name honors Krishna's pastoral role and his tender care for all beings, especially the bovine creatures.
sarvapalakaya	The universal protector and sustainer of all. This name celebrates Krishna's cosmic role as the supreme guardian of the entire creation.
ajaya	The unborn or eternal one. This name highlights Krishna's transcendent, imperishable nature beyond birth and death.
niranjanaya	The spotless or untainted one. This name celebrates Krishna's absolute purity and freedom from all contamination or karma.
kamajanakaya	The fulfiller of desires. This name honors Krishna's power to grant the sincere wishes and devotional aspirations of his devotees.
kanjalochanaya	The lotus-eyed one. This name celebrates Krishna's beautiful, compassionate eyes compared to lotus flowers.
madhughne	The slayer of the Madhu demon. This name commemorates Krishna's victory over demonic forces threatening cosmic order.
mathuranathaya	The lord of Mathura. This name honors Krishna's sovereignty over his birthplace and its people.
dvarakanayakaya	The chief or lord of Dwarka. This name celebrates Krishna's reign over his prosperous kingdom and his role as an ideal ruler.
baline	The mighty or strong one. This name honors Krishna's immense physical and supernatural power.
brindavanantasancharine	The eternal wanderer of Brindavan. This name celebrates Krishna's divine pastimes in the forest groves and his eternal presence in Brindavan.
tulasidamabhushanaya	The one adorned with tulasi garland. This name honors Krishna's decoration with sacred basil leaves, symbolizing his devotion and the devotion of his followers.
syamantakamanerhartre	The subduer or stealer of the Syamantaka jewel. This name celebrates Krishna's divine play in acquiring the precious jewel and his mastery over material wealth.
naranarayanatmakaya	The soul of both the individual and the supreme Lord. This name celebrates Krishna as the indwelling consciousness in all beings and the ultimate reality.
kubjakrishnambaradharaya	The one who blessed the hunchbacked woman Kubja. This name honors Krishna's compassion in straightening Kubja's form and his grace toward the deformed and forgotten.
mayine	The wielder of illusion or the supreme magician. This name celebrates Krishna's divine maya through which he manifests the entire universe.
paramapurushaya	The supreme person or ultimate reality. This name honors Krishna as the highest consciousness from which all existence emanates.
mushtikasurachanuramallayuddhavisharadaya	The expert warrior who defeated demons like Mushitka, Sura, Chanura, and Malla. This name celebrates Krishna's unmatched martial prowess and his victories in combat.
sansaravairine	The enemy of worldly existence and cycle of rebirth. This name honors Krishna as the liberator who helps devotees transcend the cycle of samsara.
kansaraye	The slayer of King Kansa. This name celebrates Krishna's victory over his tyrannical uncle and protector of his people from oppression.
muraraye	The slayer of the Mura demon. This name commemorates Krishna's destruction of demonic forces threatening cosmic harmony.
narakantakaya	The destroyer of the Naraka demon. This name honors Krishna's power to eliminate evil forces and protect virtuous beings.
anadibrahmacharine	The eternal celibate or the ever-pure wanderer. This name celebrates Krishna's transcendent nature beyond worldly attachments despite his divine pastimes.
krishnavyasanakarshakaya	The one who attracts those devoted to Krishna or the attractor of Krishna devotees. This name honors Krishna's irresistible charm that captivates sincere seekers.
shishupalashirashchhetre	He who threw the discus that severed Shishupal's head. This name celebrates Krishna's role as the destroyer of the arrogant demon-king Shishupal who constantly insulted him.
duryodhanakulantakaya	The destroyer of the Duryodhana's dynasty. This epithet honors Krishna's role in orchestrating the Mahabharata war that annihilated the corrupt Kaurava lineage.
vidurakruravaradaya	He who grants boons to the wise and virtuous like Vidura. This name celebrates Krishna's grace toward the intelligent and morally upright, regardless of their social status.
vishvarupapradarshakaya	The revealer of the cosmic form. This epithet refers to Krishna's manifestation of his transcendent, universal form to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
satyavache	He whose words are always true. This name celebrates Krishna's absolute truthfulness and the infallible nature of his statements and promises.
satyasankalpaya	He whose resolves always come to fruition. This epithet honors Krishna's unwavering will and the certainty that his intentions manifest in reality.
satyabhamarataya	He who brings joy to Satyabhama. This name celebrates Krishna's loving relationship with Satyabhama, one of his principal queens.
jayine	The victorious one. This epithet celebrates Krishna as the ultimate conqueror who triumphs over all obstacles, enemies, and ignorance.
subhadrapurvajaya	He who granted victory to Arjuna before marrying Subhadra. This name honors Krishna's role in helping Arjuna abduct and win Subhadra.
vishnave	The all-pervading one. This epithet identifies Krishna as Vishnu, the supreme divine principle that pervades and sustains all existence.
bhishmamuktipradayakaya	He who grants liberation to Bhishma. This name celebrates Krishna's grace in granting moksha to the great warrior Bhishma at his death.
jagadgurave	The teacher of the world. This epithet honors Krishna as the supreme spiritual guide and source of all knowledge for humanity.
jagannathaya	The lord of the universe. This name celebrates Krishna as the ultimate ruler and sustainer of all worlds and beings.
venunada	He whose flute produces divine sound. This epithet refers to Krishna's enchanting flute music that captivates all creation with its sweetness.
visharadaya	The skilled and expert one. This name celebrates Krishna's supreme mastery and expertise in all arts, wisdom, and divine play.
vrishabhasuravidhvansine	The destroyer of the Vrishabha demon. This epithet honors Krishna's victory over the bull-demon Vrishasura sent by Kamsa.
banasurakarantakaya	The destroyer of Banasura's pride and army. This name celebrates Krishna's defeat of the demon-king Banasura and his thousand-armed forces.
yudhishthirapratishthatre	He who established and protected Yudhishthira's kingdom. This epithet honors Krishna's unwavering support for the righteous Pandava king.
barhibarhavatamsakaya	He who wears a crown adorned with peacock feathers. This name celebrates Krishna's divine beauty and his characteristic peacock-feathered crown.
parthasarathaye	The charioteer of Arjuna. This epithet honors Krishna's role as Arjuna's divine guide and charioteer during the Mahabharata war.
avyaktaya	The unmanifest one. This name celebrates Krishna as the transcendent, formless absolute reality underlying all manifest existence.
gitamritamahodadhaye	The ocean of the nectar of the Bhagavad Gita. This epithet honors Krishna as the source of the supreme spiritual wisdom revealed in the Gita.
kaliyaphanimanikyaranjitashripadambujaya	He whose lotus feet are adorned by jewels from the serpent Kaliya's hood. This name celebrates Krishna's victory over and domination of the great serpent Kaliya.
damodaraya	The one with a rope around his waist. This epithet refers to the divine play when young Krishna was bound by his mother Yashoda with a rope.
yajnabhoktre	The enjoyer of sacrificial offerings. This name celebrates Krishna as the supreme recipient of all rituals, worship, and devotional offerings from humanity.

How to Chant 108 Names of Shri Krishna Chant

1

Find a quiet, clean space

Sit in a comfortable, undisturbed environment. Face east or north if possible. You may light incense or a candle to set a contemplative atmosphere.
2

Settle into a comfortable posture

Sit cross-legged on the floor or upright in a chair. Keep the spine erect and place the hands on the knees with palms facing upward.
3

Take three cleansing breaths

Inhale slowly through the nose, hold briefly, and exhale completely. Repeat three times to calm the mind and prepare for mantra recitation.
4

Begin chanting 108 Names of Shri Krishna Chant

Chant the mantra clearly and with devotion — aloud, in a whisper, or silently. Use a mala (108 beads) to count repetitions. Aim for a consistent, unhurried rhythm throughout the session.
5

Rest in stillness

After completing your chanting, sit quietly for two to five minutes. Allow the vibration of the mantra to settle within. Close the practice with a moment of gratitude.

Benefits of 108 Names of Shri Krishna Chant

Awakens divine love (bhakti) and emotional connection to Krishna consciousness, transforming the chanter's heart toward devotion and surrender.

Source: Bhagavata Purana, Book 10
Removes fear and negative thought patterns by invoking Krishna's constant protection and cosmic oversight of all beings.

Source: Bhagavad Gita 18.66 — Traditional interpretation
Purifies the mind and intellect (sattva guna), clearing mental agitation and restoring inner peace through mantra resonance.

Source: Upanishads & Mantra Shastra traditions
Attracts divine grace (prasada) and blessings by aligning personal consciousness with Krishna's omniscient presence.

Source: Traditional practice across Vaishnavism
Deepens meditation and concentration by anchoring the mind on Krishna's 108 divine names and cosmic roles.

Source: Yoga Sutras & devotional sadhana texts

Deity Krishna

Composition Mahakatha (Original) · Traditional / Vaishnava (Lyric)

Also called 108 Names of Krishna · Krishna Ashtottara Shatanamavali · Krishna Sahasranama · Krishnashtakam

Krishna also known as Govinda · Madhava · Kesava · Vasudeva · Muralidhara · Gopala · Hari

Story & Symbolism

The 108 Names of Shri Krishna crystallize across multiple layers of Vedic and Puranic literature, with roots stretching back to the Upanishads and Bhagavata Purana. While the Bhagavata Purana (10th Book) narrates Krishna's life in exquisite detail, generating the basis for these epithets, the formal enumeration of 108 sacred names developed through medieval Vaishnavite theology and devotional literature. Scholars and saints like Adi Shankara, Ramanuja, and later bhakti poets systematized these names, drawing from Krishna's diverse roles: the dark infinite ('Krishnaya'), the butter-thief of Brindavan ('Navanitanatha'), the cosmic charioteer ('Parthasarathaye'), and the supreme absolute ('Parabrahmane'). This systematic organization reflects a comprehensive spiritual map of Krishna consciousness.

Krishna himself embodies the paradox of transcendence and immanence—simultaneously the supreme, formless Brahman and the intimate, playful deity accessible to all seekers. The Brahma Samhita explicitly declares Krishna as Param Brahman, the ultimate source of all existence. The 108 names honor this duality by encompassing both cosmic grandeur (his dominion over infinite universes, his four-armed divine form) and tender intimacy (his love for Radha, his childhood pranks, his protection of Arjuna). Each name functions as a meditation gateway, inviting the chanter to contemplate one facet of divine reality. The number 108 itself amplifies this spiritual intention: 1 represents existence, 0 symbolizes the infinite void and potential, and 8 denotes infinity and cosmic cycles. Together, 108 encodes the complete spiritual journey from individual consciousness to cosmic unity.

Over centuries, the 108 Names practice became standardized across Vaishnavite traditions—from Gaudiya Vaishnavism emphasizing Krishna's rasa lila (divine play) to Sri Vaishnavism focusing on his role as Narayana. Today, this chant remains a cornerstone of Hindu devotional practice globally, appearing in temples, ashrams, and homes as both a worship ritual and a meditation tool for spiritual transformation.

How to Use in Daily Life

🌅

Morning Devotion

Chant the 108 Names immediately after sunrise while facing east, ideally before sunrise meditation. This energizes your day with Krishna's protective grace and aligns your consciousness with divine intelligence for 24 hours of clarity and compassion.

🧘

Meditation Practice

Use the chant as your primary meditation anchor, sitting quietly with mala beads. Focus intently on each name's meaning and Krishna's presence. This deepens mental focus, purifies chakras, and opens intuitive channels for spiritual insight and self-realization.

🙏

Evening Gratitude

Recite the names during evening prayer, reflecting on Krishna's presence throughout your day. This practice purifies mental impressions, transforms negativity into devotion, and prepares your consciousness for restful sleep infused with divine grace.

💤

Before Sleep

Chant softly 3-7 times before bed to calm your mind and invoke Krishna's protective presence during sleep. This practice reduces anxiety, prevents nightmares, and allows your subconscious to absorb Krishna consciousness throughout the night.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 108 Names of Shri Krishna Chant?

The 108 Names of Shri Krishna is a sacred mantra sequence celebrating Krishna's divine attributes, roles, and incarnation stories through 108 distinct epithets. Each name reveals a unique aspect of Krishna's cosmic and personal nature. This chant originates from Puranic and Vedic traditions, particularly the Bhagavata Purana and Krishna-focused Upanishads. The number 108 itself holds spiritual significance—it represents cosmic completeness, the number of beads on a mala, and the sum of sacred angles. Chanting these names creates a comprehensive meditation on Krishna's divinity, from his childhood miracles (butter-thief) to his supreme position as Param Brahman (ultimate reality). Devotees use this practice to deepen their connection with Krishna consciousness and invoke his blessings across all life domains.

What are the benefits of chanting the 108 Names of Krishna?

Chanting the 108 Names activates profound spiritual, emotional, and psychological benefits rooted in mantra science and bhakti philosophy. Primary benefits include awakening genuine devotion, removing fear and anxiety, and purifying mental patterns through the vibrational power of Krishna's names. Regular practice strengthens concentration, improves emotional resilience, and creates a felt sense of divine protection and grace. Practitioners report enhanced intuition, clarity in decision-making, and deeper spiritual experiences during meditation. The chant also works at a subtle energetic level, balancing chakras and aligning personal consciousness with cosmic intelligence. Beyond individual benefits, this practice cultivates compassion and surrender—the hallmarks of Krishna devotion—transforming your relationship with life's challenges and joys.

How many times should I chant the 108 Names of Krishna daily?

Start with one complete round (all 108 names) daily and gradually increase based on your capacity and spiritual inclination. Many practitioners aim for 3 to 27 rounds weekly or monthly for deeper transformation. Beginners can recite the 108 names once daily, typically in the morning or evening, using a mala for accurate counting. As your practice deepens, increase frequency—devotees often do 3 rounds (324 names) for faster spiritual progress, or 27 rounds for intensive sadhana during special occasions. Some advanced practitioners complete 108 rounds as an annual vow. The key is consistency over intensity: daily practice with genuine devotion yields far greater results than sporadic, high-volume recitation. Listen to your inner guidance and adjust based on what feels sustainable and spiritually nourishing.

What is the origin of the 108 Names of Krishna?

The 108 Names of Shri Krishna originate from the devotional traditions documented in the Bhagavata Purana, Krishna Upanishads, and various Puranic texts that celebrate Krishna's divine attributes and cosmic roles. The practice reflects centuries of Vaishnavite theological development across India. While no single text contains all 108 names in identical order, they are drawn from Krishna's diverse incarnation narratives—his birth as Devaki's son, childhood in Brindavan, role as Arjuna's charioteer, governance from Dwarka, and ultimate recognition as Param Brahman. The number 108 carries deep spiritual meaning: it represents completeness, the sum of 1 (existence), 0 (void/potential), and 8 (infinity). This sacred enumeration became systematized in devotional practice, particularly within Vaishnavism, as a comprehensive meditation tool for invoking Krishna's grace across all dimensions of existence.

How should I pronounce and chant the 108 Names correctly?

Pronounce each name clearly and slowly, maintaining steady breath and rhythmic flow. Begin with 'Om' (ओम्), then the name, followed by 'Namah' (नमः)—meaning 'I bow to' or 'I surrender to.' Devanagari transliterations guide correct pronunciation; focus on the primary syllables and respect the Sanskrit phonetic structure. For maximum benefit, use a mala (108-bead rosary) to track repetitions without mental distraction. Chant in a calm, meditative tone—not rushed or mechanical. Ideally, sit in a clean, quiet space facing east or toward Krishna's image, with spine upright for optimal energy flow. If you're new to Sanskrit pronunciation, listen to recorded versions by experienced chanters to absorb correct intonation and rhythm. The intention (sankalpa) behind your chanting matters more than perfect pronunciation—sincere devotion with honest effort yields profound results, even if pronunciation remains imperfect.

What happens if we chant 108 Names of Shri Krishna Chant?

Regular chanting of 108 Names of Shri Krishna Chant creates measurable shifts in your mental, emotional, and spiritual state. Awakens divine love (bhakti) and emotional connection to Krishna consciousness, transforming the chanter's heart toward devotion and surrender.. Removes fear and negative thought patterns by invoking Krishna's constant protection and cosmic oversight of all beings.. Purifies the mind and intellect (sattva guna), clearing mental agitation and restoring inner peace through mantra resonance.. Most practitioners notice a tangible difference within the first week of daily practice — start with 108 repetitions using a mala and observe how your inner state transforms.