The legend goes that the eighth child born to Devaki was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who took the human form in order to mitigate earth from the demon Kings especially Kansa. Sri Krishna ended people`s sufferings by killing Kansa and was known as Kamsarave. But like Vishnu, Krishna has a thousand names and more!
Here is a list of a few names- each after a fascinating story related to Him.
Sri Krishna: Acharya Garga, the family priest of Yadavs, named the Lord. He was named Krishna because of his dark complexion. His other popular names were Shyam, Shyamsundar i.e. the dark complexion lord. He was also called Yadavendra as he was born in a Yadav family.
Makhan Chor: Krishna was quite mischievous in his early years. He loved eating Makhan and therefore stole it, hence the name.
Bal Gopal: Bal means a small child who attracts all while Gopal is used for the one who plays with cowherds and has a pleasant nature. Once when all the cows of Gokul were lost, he brought them back safely to their shades by playing his magical flute. Thus after the incident villagers started calling him Gopal i.e. the protector of cows. He is also referred to as Govinda i.e. Lord of cows. The name is also symbolic for 'one who controls senses'.
Putana Jivit Haraya: Putana was a demoness who was sent by Kansa to kill Bal Krishna. She tried to feed him her poisonous milk but Krishna ultimately destroyed her.
Gopesh: In his teens Krishna used to visit Vrindavan in order to meet Radha. There he used to involve in divine pleasure making that is Rasaleela- hence being called the Lord of Gopas and Gopis. He was also called Baanke-Bihari i.e. the youthful and handsome God who enjoys life. He was also popular by the name of Bihari as he used to meet Radha in the groves of Vrindavan. His other popular name was Kunjbihari i.e. the one who roams in gardens.
Mohan: Krishna was very handsome and attractive. Hence he was called Mohan that is the one who attracts others easily.
Murali, Muralidhar, Muralimanohar: Krishna was a wonderful flute player. He never played his flute again after giving it to Radha while he was on his way to Mathura to avenge Kansa.
Devkinandan: Krishna was the biological son of Devaki therefore he was called by her mother`s name. Similarly he was also called Yashodanandan i.e. son of mother Yashoda who, though did not bear him, nurtured him.
Vasudev: Vasudev was the biological father of Krishna who took infant Krishna away from Kansa by crossing Yamuna to the house of Nand. The people of Nand and Braj also knew him as Nandgopal and Nandraja i.e. the one bringing joy.
Giridhari: Krishna freed the people of Gokul from age-old ritual of worshipping Indra-the God of rain. In response Indra got angry and destroyed the village making all villagers homeless. Then Krishna lifted Govardhan hill on his mini finger and saved them. Thus he was called Giridhari i.e. the one who lifted Giri or hill.
Mathuranath, Mathuranaresh: Sri Krishna was born in Mathura though due to circumstances he was brought up in Gokul. Thus after the death of King Kansa he crowned his Maternal Grandfather as the King of Mathura. He later became the King of Dwarika and was also called Dwarakadheesh or Dwarikapati.
Partha Sarthi: At the time of Mahabharata, Krishna played a diplomat and gave his whole army to the Kauravas while preffering to be the charioteer of Arjuna. Arjuna was the Parthi while Krishna was the Saarthi.
Mayur: Mayur stands for peacock. Sri Krishna was always seen wearing a peacock-feathered crust.
Sudarshana: It originally means a lord who has a mystic appeal and is simultaneously striking and handsome.
Chakradhar, Chakrapani: One who carries Sudarshan Chakra.
Hari: Hari stands for the lord of nature who desires to enjoy the serene beauty of nature.
Sarvapalaka: It stands for the protector of all. He is also known as Jagannath i.e. Lord of the whole world
Madhav: He is also known as husband of goddess of fortune Sri Laxmi
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