1. The perfect name

    “Krsna” is the most explicit term for God. God may have many names. Krsna is the perfect name. God has no name; some philosophers say like that. No name means that His name is understood by His different action. Just like Krsna is sometimes called Yasoda-nandana. Because He has accepted Mother Yasoda, to become her son, therefore Krsna’s name is Yasoda-nandana. Krsna’s name is Partha-sarathi. Why? Because Krsna has accepted to become a chariot driver of Arjuna. Partha means Arjuna, and sarathi means chariot driver. So Krsna’s name became Partha-sarathi. Krsna used to steal butter from the stock of His mother’s butter stock; therefore Krsna’s name is Makhana-cora. So in this way Krsna’s name are varieties. Krsna has unlimited number of activities, and according to such activity He has got unlimited names. But the primary name which is applicable in all circumstances is “Krsna.” Krsna means “all-attractive.” Krsna attracts everyone. Otherwise how you’re attracted? If Krsna is not all-attractive… From the beginning of your life you never heard of Krsna, neither you knew about Krsna. Why you are attracted? So Krsna is all-attractive. That is the perfect name of God, “Krsna.” Otherwise, Krsna has got many names, sahasra name, thousands of names.

    (Srila Prabhupada — Los Angeles, February 9, 1969)