kripa

Kripa is a Sanskrit term that generally means mercy, compassion, or grace. In Hindu thought, kripa embodies benevolence shown by deities, gurus, and virtuous beings. The word is also used as a personal name in the Indian subcontinent and among diaspora communities, typically given to boys, with the sense that the bearer is blessed or favored.

In Hindu mythology and epic literature, Kripa refers to a legendary sage who is described as wise and venerable. In various texts he is associated with the tradition of learning and sagehood, and in some traditions is called Kripacharya, a title that echoes his role as a teacher or elder within the mythic lineage. The specifics of his story and status differ between sources, but he is commonly invoked as a figure of knowledge and steadfastness.

In contemporary use, Kripa remains a common male given name across several Indian languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Kannada, Tamil, and Nepali. It is also found in compound forms and as part of longer names. The name carries auspicious connotations of kindness and blessing, and reflects the broader cultural emphasis on mercy and grace in Sanskrit-derived naming traditions.