What was Lord Krishna's first name - While "Krishna" is the name consistently used throughout Hindu scriptures when referring to this divine figure, there is no specific verse in the Bhagavata Purana or other primary texts that explicitly states Devaki and Vasudeva named him "Krishna" at birth.
What was Lord Krishna's first name
So What was Lord Krishna's first name Given by Devaki. Let's explore Lord Krishna's Birth Name and Early Names: A Detailed Analysis.
The Question of Krishna's Original Name
Important Note: While the name "Krishna" is used throughout Hindu scriptures when referring to this divine figure, the exact circumstances of when and by whom he was first named are not explicitly detailed in available textual sources.
What We Know From Scriptures:
- Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva in Kansa's prison in Mathura
- He was immediately transported to Gokul as a newborn and raised by Yasoda and Nanda
- The Bhagavata Purana describes his birth but does not provide specific verses about the naming ceremony
- Traditional Hindu naming ceremonies (Namakarana) typically occur several days after birth, not immediately
The Name Krishna - Meaning and Significance:
- Meaning: Krishna literally means "dark" or "black," referring to his dark complexion
- Etymology: Derived from the Sanskrit root "krish" meaning "to attract" or "to draw"
- Spiritual significance: The name suggests one who attracts all beings and draws them toward divine love
The Circumstances of His Early Life
In Mathura (Birth Parents)
Devaki and Vasudeva recognized his divine nature even at birth, as described in the Bhagavata Purana, where he appeared in his four-armed Vishnu form before taking the appearance of a normal infant. However, due to the immediate danger from Kansa, there was no time for traditional naming ceremonies.
In Gokul (Foster Parents)
After Vasudeva secretly transported the newborn to Gokul and exchanged him with Yasoda's newborn daughter, Yasoda and Nanda raised him as their own son. It is likely that the formal naming ceremony occurred in Gokul under the care of his foster parents, where he came to be known as Krishna along with several other endearing names:
Names Used in Gokul and Vrindavan
1. Kanhaiya/Kanha
- A colloquial, affectionate form of Krishna
- Commonly used by Yasoda and the villagers
- Still widely used in North Indian devotional traditions
2. Gopal
- Meaning "protector of cows"
- Reflects his role as a cowherd in Vrindavan
- Emphasizes his pastoral lifestyle and connection to cattle
3. Govind
- Another name meaning "finder of cows" or "protector of cows"
- Also interpreted as "one who pleases the senses and the cows"
- Used frequently in devotional literature
4. Nandlal
- Meaning "beloved son of Nanda"
- Reflects his relationship with his foster father
- Emphasizes the parental love he received in Gokul
5. Bal Gopal
- Meaning "child Gopal"
- Used specifically to refer to Krishna's childhood form
- Popular in artistic and devotional representations
Regional and Devotional Variations
In Different Languages
- Bengali: Krishno
- Tamil: Kannan
- Malayalam: Unnikrishnan (little Krishna)
- Gujarati: Kanudo, Kanaiya
- Marathi: Krishna, Kanha
Devotional Names
- Murlidhar: Holder of the flute
- Girdhari: Lifter of the Govardhan mountain
- Madhusudan: Slayer of the demon Madhu
- Damodara: One who was tied around the waist (referring to when Yasoda tied him up)
Textual Evidence and Limitations - What the Scriptures & Documentation Tell Us
What the Scriptures Tell Us:
- The Bhagavata Purana (Canto 10) describes Krishna's birth in detail but does not provide explicit verses about his formal naming ceremony
- The name "Krishna" appears consistently throughout Hindu texts when referring to him
- The Mahabharata refers to him as Krishna, but this is within the context of his adult life
- Traditional commentaries assume the name was given in early childhood, but specific textual proof is limited
The Gap in Documentation:
It's important to acknowledge that ancient texts often focus more on divine activities and spiritual teachings rather than mundane details like naming ceremonies. The immediate circumstances of Krishna's birth - with the urgent need to protect him from Kansa - may explain why such details were not prioritized in the scriptural accounts.
In Vaishnavism
The name Krishna is considered sacred and powerful. Chanting "Krishna" is believed to:
- Purify the mind and soul
- Bring devotees closer to divine consciousness
- Grant liberation from the cycle of birth and death
In the Bhagavad Gita
Krishna identifies himself by this name when speaking to Arjuna, establishing its divine authority and significance in Hindu scripture.
Cultural Impact
In Literature
- The name appears in countless Sanskrit texts, from the Mahabharata to the Puranas
- Regional literature in various Indian languages celebrates Krishna under his various names
- Each name often highlights different aspects of his divine personality
In Art and Music
- Classical Indian music traditions include numerous compositions using his various names
- Dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak feature performances based on stories associated with his different names
- Visual arts depict him in forms corresponding to his various names (Bal Gopal as a child, Govind as a cowherd, etc.)
Conclusion
While Krishna is the name consistently used in Hindu scriptures to refer to this divine figure, the exact details of when, where, and by whom he was first given this name are not explicitly documented in available textual sources. The immediate circumstances of his birth and transfer to Gokul for safety may explain this gap in documentation.
What we can definitively say is that "Krishna" became his established name early in life, most likely during his childhood in Gokul under the care of Yasoda and Nanda. The name's spiritual significance and the various other names he acquired reflect different aspects of his divine personality and the deep devotion he inspired.
The multiplicity of names demonstrates the profound cultural and spiritual impact Lord Krishna had on Indian civilization, with different communities emphasizing various aspects of his divine nature through the names they used. This naming tradition continues today, regardless of the specific historical details of his original naming ceremony.
