[en] Undoped ZnAl_2O_4, individual and triple rare earths doped ZnAl_2O_4 nano-phosphors were synthesized through a sol gel technique at 900 C and characterized using X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy. The formation of single phase ZnAl_2O_4 was confirmed by XRD studies. The particle size was determined by XRD as well as by SEM studies. The particle size from X-ray line broadening was obtained from Scherer's formula and the average value of particle size found to be around 100 nm. Characteristic blue PL emission from Dy"3"+ ions, green from Tb"3"+ ions and red from Eu"3"+ ions were observed from ZnAl_2O_4:M samples. PL excitation and emission spectra were recorded at room temperature. The emission spectrum exhibited intense peaks at 487, 542 (from Tb"3"+), 587, 616 (from Eu"3"+), 651 and 702 nm (from Sm"3"+) with λex= 230 nm, confirming the stabilization of all the three dopants in + 3 oxidation state. The triple doped samples showed multicolor emission on single wavelength excitation. The lifetime studies of other PL emission peaks (487, 542, 587, 616, 651, 702 nm) with λ_e_x= 230 nm were carried out. TSL glow curve of gamma irradiated (dose 1kGy) M doped ZnAl_2O_4 phosphor at heating rate (β) =1.0 °C/sec shows three peaks at 135, 180 and 332 C. Prior to ã-irradiation no glow peaks were observed in un-doped ZnAl_2O_4/ ZnAl_2O_4:M phosphor. The glow peak appeared at 135 C is prominent as compare to other two peaks. To determine the trap parameters, viz, trap depth (E) and frequency factor (s), the glow curves were recorded at different heating rates (0.5, 1, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 °C/s). A plot of 1nT_m"2/ β vs. 1/T_m was obtained and a least square fit program was employed to obtain E and s. TSL emission spectra were recorded under isothermal condition (135 °C) on a 1kGyγ- irradiated sample. Spectral studies show that Eu"3"+/Tb"3"+ ions are acting as luminescent centers. The CIE coordinates of the triple rare earths doped ZnAl_2O_4 sample lie in the near white light region of the chromaticity diagram and show promise as good phosphor materials for new lighting applications