मन्दाकिनी

Mandakini

girlSanskritHindu

Mandakini is a Hindu girl name of Sanskrit origin, meaning “Slow-flowing river; the heavenly Ganga”.

MeaningSlow-flowing river; the heavenly Ganga
GenderGirl
OriginSanskrit
Written asमन्दाकिनी
Pronunciationmun-DAA-ki-nee
TraditionHindu
Used inIndia, Nepal

Meaning and origin of Mandakini

Mandakini is built on manda, 'slow, gentle', and means 'she who flows gently'. In Hindu texts it is the name of the Ganga as she flows in heaven, and a real Himalayan river in Uttarakhand, the Mandakini, rises near Kedarnath and joins the Alaknanda at Rudraprayag. Another Mandakini flows past Chitrakoot, where the Ramayana places Rama's exile. Hindi film viewers also know the name from the 1980s actress Mandakini.

Is Mandakini a Hindu name?

The name is tied to the sacred Ganga and to pilgrimage sites such as Kedarnath and Chitrakoot. It is a natural choice for families who love river or goddess names.

How popular is Mandakini?

An established but uncommon name in India and Nepal, admired for its classical sound.

Gifts with the name Mandakini

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Spellings and variants of Mandakini

MandakniMandaakini

Names similar to Mandakini

More Hindu girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Mandakini mean?

Mandakini means 'Slow-flowing river; the heavenly Ganga'. It is of Sanskrit origin.

Is Mandakini a Hindu name?

The name is tied to the sacred Ganga and to pilgrimage sites such as Kedarnath and Chitrakoot. It is a natural choice for families who love river or goddess names.

How do you pronounce Mandakini?

Mandakini is pronounced mun-DAA-ki-nee.

Is Mandakini a boy or girl name?

Mandakini is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.