What Is the Radha Ashtottara Shatanamavali?
An Ashtottara Shatanamavali is a garland of 108 names of a deity, each name praising one quality, form or glory. The Radha Ashtottara Shatanamavali sings 108 names of Radha Rani, the beloved of Krishna and the heart of bhakti.
Reciting these names is a sweet, meditative way to remember Radha - her beauty, her boundless love for Krishna, and her grace toward devotees. Each name, ending with Namah (I bow), is a small offering of the heart.
Below is a representative selection of these names (not the complete list of 108) with their meanings, so you can begin chanting with understanding.
Selected Names (Part 1)
A selection from the 108 names, with meaning:
1. राधा (Radha) - the supreme worshipper, the beloved of Krishna 2. रासेश्वरी (Raseshwari) - mistress of the divine raas dance 3. रासवासिनी (Rasavasini) - she who dwells in the raas-lila 4. कृष्णप्राणाधिका (Krishna-pranadhika) - dearer to Krishna than his own life 5. वृन्दावनी (Vrindavani) - she of Vrindavan 6. वृन्दा (Vrinda) - the presiding spirit of Vrindavan's groves 7. गोपी (Gopi) - the cowherd maiden, supreme among the gopis 8. माधवी (Madhavi) - the consort of Madhava (Krishna) 9. केशवप्रिया (Keshava-priya) - beloved of Keshava (Krishna) 10. परमेश्वरी (Parameshwari) - the supreme Goddess 11. कृष्णप्रिया (Krishna-priya) - the beloved of Krishna 12. प्रकृति (Prakriti) - the primal divine energy 13. गोपीश्वरी (Gopishwari) - mistress of the gopis 14. गान्धर्वा (Gandharva) - skilled in heavenly music
Selected Names (Part 2)
Continuing the selection from the 108 names:
15. वृषभानुजा (Vrishabhanuja) - daughter of King Vrishabhanu 16. कीर्तिदा-कन्या (Kirtida-kanya) - daughter of Mother Kirti (Kirtida) 17. गोवर्धनवासिनी (Govardhana-vasini) - she who dwells near Govardhan 18. यमुनातटवासिनी (Yamuna-tata-vasini) - she who dwells on the bank of the Yamuna 19. रसप्रिया (Rasa-priya) - lover of divine sweetness and rasa 20. नित्या (Nitya) - the eternal one 21. सत्या (Satya) - the true, the real 22. सर्वाद्या (Sarvadya) - the foremost of all 23. देवी (Devi) - the radiant Goddess 24. हरिप्रिया (Hari-priya) - the beloved of Hari (Krishna) 25. करुणासागरा (Karunasagara) - the ocean of compassion 26. भक्तिप्रदा (Bhakti-prada) - the giver of devotion 27. पद्ममुखी (Padma-mukhi) - she with a lotus-like face 28. मधुरा (Madhura) - the sweet one
These names, recited softly as Om ... Namah (for example Om Radhayai Namah), form a loving litany of remembrance.
Significance, Benefits & How to Recite
Significance: Each of the 108 names reveals a facet of Radha - daughter of Vrishabhanu, queen of the raas, ocean of compassion, giver of bhakti. Reciting them is a meditation on her glory.
Benefits (devotional beliefs):
- Awakens deep, selfless love and Krishna bhakti
- Brings sweetness, peace and patience to the heart
- Is believed to bless harmony in marriage and family
- Draws the special grace of Krishna, who is pleased through Radha
How to recite: 1. Bathe and sit before an image of Radha-Krishna with a ghee lamp and flowers. 2. Recite the names with Om ... Namah form, offering a flower or tulsi leaf for each if you wish. 3. Radhashtami and Janmashtami are the most auspicious days; Fridays and Ekadashi are also dear. 4. Conclude with Radhe Radhe and aarti.
This is a representative selection; the complete Ashtottara Shatanamavali contains all 108 names in sequence.
Reader Questions Answered
What is the Radha Ashtottara Shatanamavali?+
It is a garland of 108 sacred names of Radha Rani, each praising one of her qualities, forms or glories. Reciting them, usually in the form 'Om ... Namah', is a meditative way to remember and worship Radha.
Does this article list all 108 names?+
No. This article gives a representative selection of real, traditional names with their meanings so you can begin chanting with understanding. The complete Ashtottara Shatanamavali contains all 108 names in sequence.
When is the best day to recite Radha's 108 names?+
Radhashtami, Radha's appearance day, is the most auspicious. Janmashtami, Fridays and Ekadashi are also especially dear. Daily recitation with love brings the steadiest blessing.
What are the benefits of reciting Radha's names?+
Devotees believe it awakens selfless love and Krishna bhakti, brings sweetness and peace to the heart, and draws Krishna's grace, since he is most easily pleased through Radha. These are devotional beliefs for inner growth.
About the author
Acharya Vinaya Kapoor · M.A. Sanskrit, Mantra & Stotra Studies
Acharya Vinaya holds an M.A. in Sanskrit from Banaras Hindu University and writes the mantra and stotra commentary on Vandnaa. Her focus is on accurate pronunciation, traditional context, and helping modern readers connect with classical texts.
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