Why Krishna Called Ranchhod ?

Krishna is one of the most important deities of Hindu and he has many nicknames, one of which is ‘Ranchhod’. The name "Ranchhod" comes from two words in the Sanskrit language: There are two words combined together, “ran” which has the meaning of “war” and “chhod” has a meaning of “forsake”. Thus the name “Ranchhod” is derived from “Ran” meaning “battlefield” and “chod” meaning “one who has abandoned”.

In Hinduism, there is a fairly well-known fact – in the course of the Kurukshetra war, which is one of the most famous in Hindu mythology, Krishna left the battlefield. This is a case, which happened when a friend and devotee of the Lord, Arjuna felt hesitant to fight the relatives on the other side of the battle. Krishna who was driving Arjuna’s chariot guided him and motivated him through the lessons of Bhagavad Gita to fight the right battle.

When delivering the teachings he realized that the war was going to be devastating and thus left the battlefield and did not engage in the fighting. Thus, he got the nickname ‘Ranchhod’ that means ‘He who has left the battlefield’ and the same has been depicted here.

In conclusion, the name Ranchhod belongs to the array of the Hindu god Krishna addressing his qualities as well as actions in the holy myths.

It is rather important for one to know that the story of Krishna and Kalyavan is an episode from Hindu mythology. Kalyavan was one of the famous kings of that time who was also a strong and an intelligent fighter and was an associate of the diabolical king named Jarasandha. Jarasandha had struck Mathura, the place of Krishna several times and that is how Kalyavan was dispatched to Mathura with an intention of conquering the kingdom and humiliating Krishna.

When Kalyavan reached Mathura, Krishna was not there, hence Lord Balarama, who was Krishna’s friend and cousin took up the challenge of fighting Kalyavan. But Kalyavan had a boon which protected him from any enemy in a one-to-one combate and thus Balarama planned to take him to a cave where Krishna was resting.

As Kalyavan saw Balarama’s disappearing into the cave, he entered the cave finding there a man with a piece of cloth over his face sleeping. He thought that this was Krishna and so charged at him with his mace. However, the man was an innocent man and Krishna who actually offended the girl escaped from the scene and ran away.

Kalyavan followed Krishna and they began to flee each other for a long time and they finally reached a fenced city. Krishna then allured Kalyavan to take him through the network of tunnels inside the city and Kalyavan complied to this demand by the Lord. And lastly Krishna came out of the net and showed himself and Kalyavan understood what he did wrong.

Was Lord Krishna the one who actually won the Kurukshetra War?

Lord Krishna was very much involved in the on going war but he did not fight the war himself or corner the last shot. Kurukshetra War was fought between the Pandavas and the Kauravas both being the respective factions of the same lineage and the war lasted for eighteen days. In that epic, Krishna played the role of the charioteer and a wise consultant to the otherwise known Pandavas led by his close associate and follower Arjuna.

Krishna primary intention in the war was to help the Pandavas in their decision making process as well as the upholder of dharma or rightousness. Before the battle Krishna also encouraged Arjuna by reciting the lessons of Bhagavad Gita to him which enabled Arjuna to fight the war despite the fact that it was against his kinsmen.

Krishna is also believed to have employed supernatural might in the battle in favor of the Pandavas for instance by creating an image of a huge army or shield his devotees from death. But the final success or victory in the war was made by the Pandavas, by their own valor, strength and tenacity.

Thus, despite of the fact that Lord Krishna participated in the Kurukshetra War very actively he did not fight the battle himself or in other words, he did not ‘win’ the war himself. He (Bhishma) got established as a counselor and motivator of the Pandavas and his knowledge and encouragement contributed to the Pandavas’ triumph in the battle.

Lord Krishna Names with meaning

Krishna: Named as Krishna, Krishna means dark or black which also relates to the complexion of lord Krishna.
Govinda: The name Govinda means ‘one who is the giver of pleasure to the cows’ or ‘protector of the cows’. Lord Krishna is also known also for loving and protecting cows and this is also seen in this picture since cows are held sacred in Hindu religion.
Gopala: The name Gopala literally stands for ‘the protector of ‘gopas’, or the male cows herders’ or ‘the cowherd’. This symbolizes Lord Krishna that is depicted as a pastoral figure in young age in Vrindavan.
Madhusudana: The name “Madhusudana” according to the Hindu belief means “one who killed the demon Madhu”. It symbolizes victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Madhu which forms part of Hindu mythology.
Mohan: The name ‘Mohan’ is same as ‘Murali’, which means charming or enchanting and symbolize Lord Krishna’s attractive personality or looks.
Murari: As the name suggests the word Murari means the killer of the demon Mura. It narrates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Mura just as depicted in Hindu’s epics.
Nandalal: This name is derived from the title Nandalal which literally translates to the ‘beloved son of Nanda’. They depict the youthful spirit of Lord Krishna which is the son of the cowherd Nanda in village of Vrindavan.
Vasudev: The nickname “Vasudev” is a male first name translated as the “son of Vasudeva”. It refers to biophysical father of Lord krishna viz, Vasudeva.
Shyam: Shyam is the name which refers to the colour of the skin of lord Krishna; it means dark or black.
Yogeshwar: Though, the name that Praveen has given to his child i.e Yogeshwar has a different connotation and it means master of yoga. It represents teachings of Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita in a form of a teacher of yoga.
Janardana: The name “Janardana” is an epithet for the god Vishnu and it literally translates as “Janar” which means people and “Data” which can mean both ‘one who bestows boons on people’ or ‘protector of people’. The characters of Lord Krishna as a protector of dharma’s and his devotees are reflected well in it.

Keshava: Keshava can mean someone with beautiful hair also referred to as lord of Wealth. It represents Lord Krishna and his looks as well as God, who is the Lord of the wealth.
Muralidhar: The name Muralidhar translates as “one who holds the flute or “the man with the flute”. It symbolises passion and creativity and has its connection with Lord Krishna who is also known as the master of the flute.
Parthasarathy: Saying “Parthasarathy” we can understand it’s meaning which means the charioteer of Arjuna. It is indicative of Lord Krishna who was charioteer and guide for Arjuna in the battle of Kurukshethra.
Radhakrishna: The name “Radhakrishna “symbolised the divine couple of Lord Krishna and his consort Radha. In my opinion, it shows the strong feelings between the two, love and loyalty.
Damodara: The name of Lord Damodara is explained in the following manner: He is also called ‘Domadoran’ which means someone who is tied by a rope around his abdomen. This depicts childhood episode where Lord Krishna was tied by his mother Yoash with a rope as she thought he had been stealing butter.
Giridhari: The name “Giridhari” literally translates to ‘one who held up the mountain’ or more especially refers to ‘one who lifted the Govardhan hill’. It also signifies Lord Krishna winning over Indra and lifting the mountain of Govardhan for shielding his followers.
Hari: The name “Hari” means “the one who decreases pain or sorrow or lord of all” . It symbolises the kind of a savior and protector that Lord Krishna is to his devotees.
Jagannath: Jagannath means the lord of the universe and also can be translated as Master of the world. I see it as embodying Lord Krishna with his cosmic and universal persona.
Kripalu: The name ‘Kripalu’ The name is derived from the Sanskrit language, and it usually means merciful or compassionate. It conveys about Lord Krishna’s boundless mercy on their devotees.
Radha-Vallabh: The name ‘Radha-Vallabh’ literally translates as the ‘Beloved of Radha’. That is why they use Ardh Kumbh Mela, as it refers to the affectionate love between Lord Krishna and Radha.
Sanatan: Sanatan from the word ‘eternal’ denotes everlasting. That is why it epitomises Lord Krishna as a divine and eternal figure.
Shyamsundar: The name Shyamsundar is derived as Shyam which means beautiful or handsome and Sundar which means black or dark. And it imitates his beauty and all those lady killing looks of Lord Krishna.

"You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of work. You should never engage in action for the sake of reward, nor should you long for inaction." - Bhagavad Gita 2.47

"The self-controlled soul, who moves amongst sense objects, free from either attachment or repulsion, he wins eternal Peace." - Bhagavad Gita 2.64

"Perform your obligatory duty, because action is indeed better than inaction." - Bhagavad Gita 3.8
"The mind is everything. What you think you become." - Bhagavad Gita 6.5

"I am the Atma abiding in the heart of all beings. I am also the beginning, the middle, and the end of all beings." - Bhagavad Gita 10.20

Bhagwat Gita Teachings:-

Karma Yoga: Focus on your actions and do them without attachment to the outcome.
Bhakti Yoga: Devotion to God through love and surrender.
Jnana Yoga: The path of knowledge and self-realization.
Dharma: Follow your duty in life with integrity and righteousness.
Ahimsa: Non-violence towards all living beings.
Detachment: Do not get attached to material possessions or people.
Self-Control: Control your mind and senses to stay focused and disciplined.
Surrender to God: Have faith in God and surrender to His will.
Renunciation: Let go of desires and attachments to reach a state of peace and enlightenment.
Bhagwan is the Ultimate Reality: Bhagwan is the supreme power that pervades everything in the universe.