Keshava(n)

This is a name of Sri Krishna. As Krishna was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, it is a name of Lord Vishnu and it also appears in the thousand names (Vishnu Sahasranama). Very often deities are praised according to their physical attributes but this is not meant only to describe their great beauty. The different parts of the body, hair, eyes, clothes and implements held in their hands, each has deep philosophical meaning. Keshava is no exception. It means the One with beautiful hair. Krishna attracts the attention by His divine beauty. This beauty comes from within, as He is perfection incarnate. His hair is most beautiful and frames His lovely face. Concentrating on this sweet form of the Lord, the mind is turned away from maya, illusion, and becomes engrossed in divine beauty and splendour.

Krishna defeated and killed many demons during His lifetime. It is written that He killed the demon called Keshi who had been sent by the cruel king Kamsa to defeat Krishna. Keshi took the form of a horse and attacked Krishna. Krishna defeated Keshi and many other asuras sent by Kamsa. Finally, Krishna killed Kamsa and freed the people from his brutal reign. Hence, Krishna is also known as Keshava, who conquered Keshi, representing the base side of human nature.

On yet another level, the name Keshava has a further definition according to the high philosophy of Adi Shankara. One who has total control over all aspects of his or her own nature is able to reach the summit, the spiritual goal of enlightenment. Adi Shankara explains that Brahma, the Creator, is represented by the syllable ka, Shiva, the destroyer, is also known as isha and Vishnu, the sustainer, is represented by the sound a and. Therefore one who controls this trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva is called Ke-shav-a. Lastly, Shankara states that the One who has such spiritual immensity as to even own the rays of the sun and other heavenly, shining beings is also called Keshava.