The name 'Gosala' literally means 'cow shed', and both the Bhagavati Sutra and Buddhaghosa claim that Gosala was so named because he was born in a cow shed, his parents being unable to find more suitable lodgings in the village of Saravana. The Bhagavati Sutra reports that Gosala went on to follow his father's profession, becoming a mankha.
Gosala's name signifies 'cow shed', and both scriptures affirm that he was designated by this name because he was born within such a structure, owing to his parents' inability to secure more suitable dwellings in the village of Saravana. Gosala subsequently adopted his father's occupation, becoming a mankha.