Gopala
/ɡoʊˈpɑːlə/noun
A Sanskrit name and epithet of Krishna, literally referring to a cowherd or protector of cows.
Did you know?In Vaishnava devotional traditions, Gopala is used as a mantra-name for Krishna, especially in stories portraying him as the playful divine cowherd of Vrindavan.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʷōws
“Cow or cattle; the ancient root behind many Indo-European words for cattle.”
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
go
“Cow, ox, cattle, and by extension the earthly or nourishing realm in some sacred contexts.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
pāla
“Protector, guardian, or keeper, from the verbal root pā, “to protect.””
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Gopāla
“Cowherd, cow-protector, or keeper of cattle; an epithet of Krishna.”
Medieval Sanskrit and Bhakti traditions
Sanskrit
Gopāla
“A devotional name of Krishna emphasizing his pastoral, protective, and intimate relationship with devotees.”
Modern English
English
Gopala
“A Sanskrit religious name and loanword used in English-language Hindu devotional, academic, and cultural contexts.”