One who destroyed the demon Keshi in Krishnavatar.The Lord of creation, sustenance, and destruction – all put in one.
One who has a long, shiny and uncut hair (also this reference is found in Padma Purana).Here are some meanings of the word Keshav as given by Adi Shankara in his commentary of Vishnu Sahasranam Stotram. Keshav is one of the most prominent titles attributed to Lord Vishnu and very fondly used by the devotees. The word is often used in conjunction with other names- Radheshyam, Ghanshyam, Shyamsundar, Shyamgopal, etc. Krishna is called Shyam due to his dark complexion (the word Shyam means dark). Krishna seems to have got this name since his most popular standing posture playing the flute is typically seen bent in three places.Ī very old reference to the bent posture of Krishna occurs in Śrī Brahmasaḿhitā (verse 5.31) in which Lord Brahma praises Krishna thus, “ I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, round whose neck is swinging a garland of flowers beautified with the moon-locket, whose two hands are adorned with the flute and jeweled ornaments, who always revels in pastimes of love, whose graceful threefold-bending form of Śyāmasundara is eternally manifest.” 5. The term Banke Bihari literally translates as Banke (the bent) and Bihari or Vihari (the enjoyer or the indweller). Banke Bihariīanke Bihari is one of the most popular and charming one.
Hari is one of the most famous names of Lord Krishna used interchangeably with Vishnu and Narayana. The most common meaning attributed to the word Hari is the forgiver of all sins. The term Banwari paints a picture of a cute little Krishna wandering in the forests, stealing butter in the households, slaughtering the demons, lifting the hill of Govardhan, dancing on the hoods of serpent Kalia, charming the village lads and ladies, and playing in the waters of river Yamuna. Situated on the banks of Yamuna River, Vrindavan (meaning the forest of Tulsi plants) was the seat of Krishna’s childhood life replete with a lot of divine plays and miracles. This name refers to one of the most popular names of Lord Krishna, the term means the resident of the groves of Vrindavan. Ashamed of his behavior upon recognizing Krishna as Vishnu, Indra hailed him as Govinda, Lord of everything even the cows. Sri Krishna is said to have lifted the entire Govardhan hill atop his little finger and sheltered the village, animals and the cows. Indra, in turn, shed his wrath on the tiny village almost flooding it. Overcome by vanity, Indra was taught a lesson by Krishna when he asked people of his village not to worship Lord Indra. Some say is the story of Krishna Vs Indra when he was eventually got the name Govinda, coined by Indra himself.