Thursday, September 11, 2008

The Ashtasakhis: Rangadevi & Sudevi

Rangadevi Sakhi

On the southwest petal of Madana-sukhada Kunja lies the dark blue, cloud like Sukhada Kunja, where Sri Krishna's beloved Sri Rangadevi always resides. Her birthplace is Sunehra Gram, a village in Varsana.


Sunehra Gram (Swaran Haar) and Kadamba Khandi:

Shri Vallabhacharyaji also ventured to the golden mountain and the ethereal Kadamba khandi, a site of Raas abounding with swings and an expanse of water. This isolated place of Raas is surrounded by kadamba trees wherein its cool environs incapacitate the sweltering heat. The fragrance of its flowers bathed in rain; enchant us as they blossom with the touch of madhurya or sweet love. The trees form a sort of canopy beneath which Shri Radha-Krishna fix their tryst.


The Ratan Kund is nearby. Sunehra Gram is the birthplace of both the sakhis, Sudevi and Rangadevi. Sudevi is adept at applying mahavar on Shri Radha's feet and Rangadevi is skilled at decking Shri Radha's hair with veni or a string of flowers.


Rangadevi is the seventh of the varistha gopis. Her complexion is the color of a lotus stamen, and her dress is red like a jaba blossom.


Her home is in Yavata, and her age is 14 years, 2 months and 4 1/2 days, seven days younger than Sri Radharani. Her mother's name is Karuna, her father's Rangasagara and her husband is Vakreksana.


Rangadevi's virtues are similar to those of Campakalata. Replete with coquetry and gestures, she is witty with her friend Sri Radharani in the presence of Lord Krishna.


Regarding diplomacy she is adept in patiently waiting for the enemy to make the next move. An expert logician, she has attained a mantra that can attract Lord Krishna due to previous austerities.


Kalakanti-devi is the leader of the eight important friends of Rangadevi, who are proficient in the use of perfumes and cosmetics. The group is expert at burning fragrant incenses, carrying coal during the winter and fanning the divine couple in the summer. Ranga-devi is the leader of gopis able to control the lions, deer and other wild animals in the forest.


She possesses the utkanthita-bhava, (one who longs for an absent lover) and has a contrary and hot-tempered temperament. In every way attached to Sri Krishna, her seva is offering candana and her nature is vama-madhya. In Kali-yuga she appears in Gaura-lila as Govindananda Ghosa.


The chief gopis in Sri Rangadevi's yutha are Kalakanthi, Sasikala, Kamala, Prema Manjari, Madhavi, Madhura, Kamalata and Kandarpa-sundari.


Sudevi Sakhi

She looks so much like Srimati Radharani that she is often mistaken to be Her sister. She has a golden complexion and wears coral color clothing.


She is always beside Radharani and arranges Her hair, darkens the eyes and massages Her body with oil, being highly adept at applying mahavar on Sri Radha's feet.


Shringar Vat:

In Varsana is Shringar Vat which has two temples. The Shringar temple is to the south and Shaiya temple is to its left. Initiating a new idea, Lord Krishna thought of doing shringara with flowers to adorn his beloved Shri Radha, an outward expression of their love-play.


He arranged for an array of tender jasmine flowers. She already knew of this scheme but came fully decked with her sakhis. Holding her hand in his, he raved about her unprecedented beauty,"The sakhis and Sudevi are the most fortunate since they always dress you up while I am merely enchanted by your appearance." He made her wear a garland of flowers, loose bracelets weaved with flowers, braided her hair with blossoms, slid a girdle of flowers around the waist, and flower anklets on her feet with kundals of flowers, attaching a bunch to her light blue bodice.


As Krishna was captivated by her loveliness the sakhis took them to the appointed nikunja, making them recline on the decorated bed of tender shoots. Shri Radha-Krishna beautiful as the moon and their transcendental intimacy was truly a divine sight which delighted all the sakhis. Located about six miles from Kosi, Shringar Vat imparts joy to us all.


Sudevi is expert at training parrots, reading omens, gardening and decorating couches.


Her father's name is Rangasara and mother is Karuna. She is said to be from the village of Bajhera. Rangadevi is her twin sister.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

The Ashtasakhis: Tungavidya & Indulekha

Tungavidya Sakhi

On the western petal of Madana-sukhada Kunja lies the extremely beautiful crimson-colored Tungavidyananda Kunja, where Sri Tungavidya Sakhi always resides. She is the fifth of the varishtha or primary sakhis.

Her birthplace is said to be the village of Dabharo (Damala).

Dabharo:

The village is in Varsana. Love has a unique trait. The pathos of separation though very painful somehow enlightens the mind. Shri Krishna who daily undergoes the pathos of longing and the pleasure of belonging was ecstatic and turned dewy-eyed on spotting his beloved, Sri Radha, as he gave her a flirtatious glance. With such an idyllic setting it was but natural for their love to reach its zenith at this site, delighting Tungavidya and other sakhis.

Her father is Paushkara, Mother is Medha and husband is Balisha. Her age is 14 years, 2 months and 22 days. She is fifteen days older than Srimati Radharani.

Her complexion is radiant like saffron mixed with camphor and sandalwood paste, and her dress is pandu-mandana (pale yellow). She is fifteen days younger than Srimati Radharani.

Srila Rupa Gosvami writes, "Of all the gopis, the asta-sakhis are the foremost. Sri Tungavidya-devi can speak with all types of birds and animals.

Temperamentally hot-tempered, she is an expert at dissimulation and learned in the eighteen branches of Vedic knowledge.

She has full faith in Krishna and skilled at arranging the trysts of Radha and Krishna.

Prem Sarovar:

Sri Tungavidya is adept at fixing romantic dalliances between Sri Radha-Krishna with love being predominant in their realm. Whatever the Lord does pleases Shri Radha and he does whatever she fancies. Saying so, Shri Manmahaprabhu Hit Harivanshji has thrown light on the subject. Striving for the happiness of the lover, the zenith of spiritual awareness is worth calling love.

This is the same Prem Sarovar where Shri Radha-Krishna and their kaya-vyuha gopikas have savored several charming episodes of love. Beneath the canopy of fragrant kadamba trees they are engaged in love talk, as they fix their tryst. During the rainy season this site comes to life with the merriment of swings and at times resounds with the sound of tinkling anklets. Fragments of these dalliances scattered around are woven around this site known as Prem Sarovar.

She is learned in rasa-sastra (transcendental mellows), niti-sastra (morality), dancing, drama, literature and all other arts and sciences. She is a celebrated music teacher expert at playing the vina and singing in the style known as marga.

Raas Mandala:

The Raas Mandala is situated in the lowlands of Mount Brahma in Varsana. Lord Krishna the lover with his beloved Shri Radha and gopis on the celestial banks of the Yamuna, amidst dense nikunjas, in the light of the full moon commenced the rapturous dance, holding hands to complete a circle. Tungavidya Sakhi is a graceful dancer. Amidst the idyllic environs and showering merriment the tempo grew faster and faster.

Krishna duplicated himself through his maya so that between two gopis was found a Krishna, sporting with them in the magical dance of the Raas Mandala. The gopis lost in their passionate desire for Krishna, delicately stepping to and fro, ringing bracelets, moving kundals, evocative clothes; the Lord welcomed them with a charming smile. The Raas brings to halt the course of the moon and the planets which filled with wonder watch the beauty of the sensuous dance.

These gopis are the best of dancers. Musicians, they are expert at playing the mridanga and singing in recital halls. The gopis are particularly engaged in fetching water from the streams in Vrindavana and Tungavidya is their leader.

Eight messengers headed by Manjumedha-devi are especially adept at arranging political alliances (sandhi) the first of diplomatic manouvres in the art of politics between Radha and Krishna.

Loving Sri Krishna intensely, Tungavidya is eagerly desirous for his prema or love.

Sakhi Giri:

The site is located in Varsana. Enraptured by Shri Krishna?s numerous virutes, the Braj Gopikas and Tungavidya have been amused by his winsome manners faming this site as Sakhigiri in the Braj region. Shri Krishna's madhurya or loving tenderness intoxicates idyllic and sensuous nature and thus it is but natural that it captivates the innocent gopikas. They long for a glimpse of him wandering in the nikunjas, on banks of streams, at wells and wherever possible.

Overwhelmed by their selfless love, The Lord is forever hungry for romantic dalliances with them. The landscape provides a perfect setting for their romantic interludes where Lord Krishna is the focus of the ardour of the gopis whose passions he arouses. The divine Krishna, ineffably beautiful has been worshipped over the centuries and is celebrated even today amongst the caverns of the mount.

She exhibits the vipralabdhavta bhava (unhappy because her lover fails to keep his appointment with her.) Her mood is daksina-prakhara. In Gaura-lila she appears as Sri Vakresvara Pandita.

Some of the sakhis in Tungavidya's yutha are Manjumedha, Sumadhura, Sumadhya, Madhureksana, Tanu madhya, Madhusyanda, Gunacuda and Varangada.

Indulekha Sakhi

On the southeastern petal of Madana-sukhada Kunja lies the golden-colored Purnendu Kunja, where Sri Indulekha, the sixth of the varistha gopis lives. She is three days younger than Sri Radharani. Her age is 14 years, 2 months and 10 1/2 days.

She has a tan complexion and wears garments the color of a pomegranate flower.

Her father is Sagara and Vela-devi is her mother. Durbala is her husband. She belongs to the village of Anjnauk and her home is in Yavat.

Anjnauk (Anjan Van):

The village is located in Varsana. The sound of Lord Krishna's flute which is the breath of their love; drew Shri Radha and her sakhis and they headed to this forest. Making Shri Radha sit on the front boulder, he absorbed her ravishing beauty. Seeing her eyes not darkened enough, he applied collyrium and purposely smeared it right upto the eyebrows. Soon after with a mirror he went upto her and holding her hand, wiped it neatly to make up for his error.

He repeated this incidence several times which led to an unprecedented dalliance. The sakhis and Indulekha Sakhi planned to shower them with flowers and after plucking them delighted in their romantic escapade. Renowned as Anjnauk (Anjan Van) it recounts those pleasurable efforts.

Sakhi Indulekha is contrary and hot-tempered by nature. She is adept in the science of the naga-sastra or various methods of charming snakes. She is also learned in the arts of palmistry and gemology. A trove of virtues, Indulekha has expertise in stringing wonderful necklaces, decorating the teeth with red substances and weaving various kinds of cloth.

The love-messenger, she carries messages causing Radha and Krishna to be attracted to each other, aware of Radha and Krishna's confidential secrets.

Vilas Garh:

The site is in Varsana. As Shri Radha and Lord Krishna's sole purpose is to engage in a loving exchange the gopis, considered the kaya-vyuha (replications) of Shri Radha. Indulekha Sakhi assists them in the love-play in these isolated nikunjas. Shri Radha feels her love for Krishna can always expand to greater heights and therefore manifests herself as the many gopis of Braj. Though Shri-Radha Krishna meet daily, their longing and yearning always desires more of their union.

Once all of a sudden, Shri Krishna with his beloved Shri Radha came to this isolated bower where the pathos of their longing and the pleasure of belonging converged.? When the Braj Gopikas came by they saw the duo's dishevelled appearance, ruffled hair, loose necklaces, clothes out of place, musky spots on their bodies and faces awash with langour. Situated on Mount Vishnu the site recounts their passionate love.

Indulekha's neighbours and friends are gopis headed by Tungabhadra-devi. Among these gopis is a group, headed by Palindhika-devi, who acts as messengers for the divine couple.

Some of her friends provide ornaments for Sri Radha-Krishna, others get exquisite garments and some others guard the divine couple's treasury. Indulekha-devi is the leader of all gopis engaged in these services rendered in Vrindavana.

She has a deep love for Sri Krishna and often serves Him nectar-like delicious meals. Possessing the prosita-bhartrika-bhava (one whose lover has gone away), she is vama-prakhara and her principal seva is fanning with a camara.

In Sri Indulekha's yutha the chief gopis are Tungabhadra, Citralekha, Surangi, Rangavatika, Mangala, Suvicitrangi, Modini and Madana.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

The Ashtasakhis: Champakalata & Chitra


Champakalata Sakhi

On the southern petal of Madana-sukhada Kunja lies Kamalata Kunja, the color of molten gold, home of Sri Krishna's beloved Sri Champakalata. Ardently loving Krishna, she personifies the stage of a nayika known as vasaka-sajja. Her nature is vama-madhya, and her seva is to offer bejeweled necklaces and to fan with a camara. Her age is 14 years, 2 months and 13 1/2 days. Her father's name is Arama, mother is Batika and her husband is Candaksha. She is said to be from the village of Sunthera. In Gaura-lila she appears as Sri Sivananda.


Champakalata is the third of the ashtasakhis or the eight primary gopis. Her complexion is the color of a yellow campaka blossom and she wears garments the color of a blue-jay's feather. She is a day younger than Srimati Radharani.


Her qualities are very much like Vishaka's. Champakalata veils her activities in great secrecy. Endowed with expertise at the art of logical persuasion, she is the perfect diplomat, skilled in warding off Srimati Radharani's rivals.


Champakalata is adept at gathering fruits, flowers, and roots from the forest. An artistic potter, by merely using the skill of her hands she can artistically fashion objects from clay.


Famed by the name Mistahasta (sweet hands), Champakalata is a seasoned cook well versed with the art of making various sweet dishes. Of all the gopis chosen as protectors of the trees, creepers, and bushes of Vrindavana, the leader is Champakalata-devi.


Asth Sakhi Kunj:


The grove is in Varsana. Champakalata Sakhi nurtures the foliage of Braj. Unsurpassed in beauty, embellished with fragrant lotuses, the dalliance of Lord Krishna and Radha abounds in these bowers. Mesmerized by the dense foliage are Shri Lalitananda and Vishakhaji's Madan-Sukhada Kunjs. Bejeweled pillars, enchanting stairs, chirping birds and blossoming flowers adorn these sites. The six seasons bloom in all their glory wherever Lord Krishna ventures.


The Lord dallies on this heaven called earth, sometimes during the Jhoolna Utsav and at times engrossed in the twinkling anklets during Raas (rapturuous dance). Enraptured, Shri Radha is focused on Lord Krishna as she clings to him with endearing gestures. Chitrananda, Puranendu, Hem, Manohar, Arun and Hari Kunjs dot the ambience. At Hem Kunj there is a kitchenette where Champakalataji cooks for Shri Radha-Krishna.


The chief gopis in Champakalata's yutha are Kurangaksi, Suracita, Mandali, Manimandana, Candika, Candralatika, Kandukaksi and Sumandira.


Chitra Sakhi

She is 26 days older than Radharani. Red-complexioned like kumkum or saffron, she wears crystal colored garments. Chitra can easily unveil an author's hidden intentions. She has a very mild disposition. A trained cook, Chitra sakhi can make varied nectar drinks. She is learned in astronomy and astrology, and a skilled gardener who weaves garlands. Her father's name is Catura, Mother Carvika and husband is Pithara. She is said to be from the village of Chaksauli, 1 km southwest of Varsana.

Chaksauli:

The gopikas expert at doing shringara, beautifully adorned Shri Radha for a dalliance with the Lord and brought her here. It is the village of Chitra Sakhi, adjacent to Sankri Khor which lies between Brahma and Vishnu Mounts in Varsana.


Once Shri Krishna along with his sakhas came to a field to thieve hare chane (green gram).When he plucked the chanas, the woman on guard came to know and ran to catch hold of him. The Lord fled with the loot hidden beneath his arm pit and stopped only at Gahar Van. His other gopas squatting there, roasted the booty and relished it. The cowherdess finally caught up but on sighting the loving tenderness of the Lord she was overwhelmed with maternal affection and ended up feeding him the shelled chane instead. Shri Nagridasji Maharaj has perfectly expressed this interesting incidence.


A trained cook, Chitra sakhi can make varied nectar drinks.


Sakhi Koop:


Close to the mount in Varsana is Sakhi Koop. On assurance from Shri Krishna, the group of sakhis waited anxiously for their swamini, Shri Radha. Soon after Kishoriji arrived; the leela began in full swing. After feasting, the sakhis and Chitraji inaugurated the well and made all present sip its water as they did so themselves.?

The dancing of peacocks is very dear to Chitraji.


Mayur Sarovar:


Situated in the region below Mount Brahma in Varsana is Mayur Sarovar. Showing the path to the three worlds the site blesses us with moksha or salvation. The dancing of peacocks is very dear to Sri Chitraji who ventures here daily. Flocks of peacocks inevitably swarm the place surrounding her as she frolics with them at times. Flirtatiously loitering around, occasionally Shri-Radha Krishna arrive and are welcomed by the peacocks' delighted cries.


Forever dancing in ecstasy the birds go to Shri Radha and at times hover around Shri Krishna. Sri Chitraji is also joyous as she observes their madhurya or sweet love. The site has carefully treasured the mysterious dalliances for its devotees.


A skilled gardener, Chitra sakhi weaves beautiful garlands.


Chameli Van:


At a distance one can sight the tall dense foliage with the fragrant kadamba trees enhancing nature by its green environs. It seems as if in anticipation of Shri Radha-Krishna's arrival, the Chameli Van's joy and abundance has created a tender bedstead for them. Once enchanted by the rustling breeze Shri Krishna came to this forest and Shri Radha along with Lalitaji and Vishakaji headed for this site. To express the divine couple's intimacy and union the sakhis gathered flowers with which the Lord adorned Shri Radha, an outward expression of their love-play. He decked the tresses of her hair with tiny scented flowers, darkened her eyes with collyrium, put loose bracelets of flowers around her hands, a garland to embrace her neck, thrilled at his good fortune.


Chitra Sakhi had already made some floral ornaments with which Shri Radha adorned the Lord, a diadem of flowers, kundals in his ears, vanamala around his neck and bracelets on his wrists. Making them resplendent on a bed of tender grass the sakhis absorbed the madhurya of Shri Radha-Krishna. The secluded Chameli Van a little before the forest is ethereal during the rainy season in Varsana.

The Ashtasakhis: Lalita and Vishaka

Lalita Devi:

Lalita Sakhi


Lalita Devi is the prime ashtasakhi of the eight primary sakhis. The most exalted, she is 27 days older than Srimati Radharani. Inevitably the leader, she is the eldest of Krishna’s gopis. Though a close confidante of the divine couple, she is more inclined to Sri Radhika.



An intimate companion of Radharani, Lalitaji is the khandita with a contradictory and hot-tempered nature. Her complexion is bright yellow and garments the color of peacock feathers. Sri Lalita has adept expertise in arranging the rendezvous of Radha and Krishna and their conjugal fights.



Her mother is Saradi Devi and her father is Vishoka. Her husband is Bhairava, who is a close friend of Govardhana Malla, the husband of Candravali.




There are four types of sakhis: svapaksa, vipaksa, tatastha and suhrt.

Shri Lalita & Vishaka Sakhis' Prime Concern is Shri Radha's Pleasure

Lalita Devi and Visakha Devi are examples of gopis who are svapaksa to Srimati Radhika. their love for Radha stands supreme with their prime concern being Radhika’s pleasure




The longing of the gopikas and the calming of their desires by Lord Krishna is centred within Braj.



Sites of Braj Bhoomi Closely Related to Sri Lalita

Karhala:


Dadhi Daan in Karhala

 Shri Lalitaji was born in the village of Karhala. This is the site of Dadhi Daan (a ritual celebration of Krishna’s birthday involving the throwing of dahi mixed with turmeric). It is said that the Raas Leela was inaugurated here by Shri Ghamand Devji. Karhala is considered the navel of Braj.

Unchagaon:

Shri Radha-Krishna with Lalita Sakhi in Unchgaon

Unchagaon

Her father later on brought her to Unchagaon. Shri Lalitaji is the predominant of Shri Krishna’s chief sakhis. Her devotion to Shri Radha-Krishna makes her the most fortunate of all gopis when she serves the needs of the divine couple in their private moments. Her only concern is to see Shri Radha and Shri Krishna united and joyous in love. Overcome by her dedicated devotion, Lord Krishna always has her by his side. Lalitaji is very sharp-witted and also well-versed in illusion. Shri Baldev temple lies to its east and the Samadhi of Narayan Bhattji is closeby.


Chitra Vichitra Shila:

This shila is planted next to the phislani shila. An excellent example of painting done by sakhis, it is worth a visit. The workmanship colored in various hues has a distinctive pattern. Rain, sunshine and cold waves have not impacted the pieces of art, appearing the same since ages. When the sakhis did shringara of the lover and his beloved, organizing Shri Lalitaji’s wedding with Shyam Sunder; her palms adorned with mehndi rested on this shila or boulder. In anticipation of witnessing this miracle once again, the shila imprinted the love-soaked coloured palmprints of Shri Lalitaji on its heart and is very proud of the fact.

Shri Lalitaji’s Wedding Site:


At the age of seven Shri Krishna fulfilled Lalitaji’s heart’s desire and married her. Till date the site resounds with the celebrations of their marriage on Bhadra’s Shukla Dwadashi which falls after Shri Radha Ashtami. An enchanting and isolated site it captivates us.

Shri Lalita Kund:


 Shri Lalita Kund

Establised by Shri Lalita this great teerth is tough to attain even by deities. Shri Lalita, an intimate close sakhi of the Lord is the prime ashtasakhi .Though all sakhis strive for the Lord’s joy, she is very tender and sharp-witted, having an entry to every romantic dalliance of Shri Radha-Krishna. Adept at interpreting each gesture of the Lord, she takes action accordingly.


Figuring out the Lord’s mindset she got Shri Radha to Him in this lovely foliage. The two were soon engrossed in their amorous frolics with Lalitaji captivated by their madhurya or sweet love. A group of sakhis gathered here, enchanted by the scenario. Situated to the east of Nandgram it has the Surya Kund nearby where the Sun God was ecstatic on sighting Lord Krishna.


Ladli Kund:



Ladli Kund

Shri Lalitaji arranges for the romantic dalliance of Shri Radha-Krishna here to see them ecstatic in love. It is on the western side of the Pawan Kund.

Srila Rupa Gosvami prays, "I offer pranama again and again unto Srimati Lalita-devi."

Gahvar Van:



Gahvar Van

Shri Lalita on hearing even the slightest crafty word from Krisna to Radhika is instantly angry, cutting Him off with sarcastic words that make even Krishna lose face. Gahvar Van as the name indicates is a dense forest. It is the idyllic landscape for the romantic escapades of Shri Radha-Krishna, the longing of the gopikas, and the unfolding of their madhurya or sweet love. Dearly loved by Shri Radha, a site where gopikas giggle and it resounds with their tinkling anklets as they wander around the trees.



Highly revered Ushaji Bahinji visited the place, expressing the ambiance beautifully. Shri Hit Harivanshji Maharaj said that if Shri Radha is graceful in love’s fulfillment and dignified in love’s separation, Shri Lalita Sakhi is the love messenger. Till date these divine dalliances are prevalent in Gahvar Van. Only the very fortunate of devotees are able to sight them.


Anjnauk (Anjan Van):




Anjnauk

Shri Lalita has acquired the rare distinction of being an expert in adorning Radharani. While applying kajal, she reminds Radhika of the time she forgot to darken her eyes and Krishna applied it himself. One day sitting in her chamber, Shri Radha was doing shringara. A parrot named Vichshan narrated the scenario to Shri Krishna. Suddenly the Lord playing the flute which is the breath of their love; drew Shri Radha and her sakhis and they headed to this forest. Making Shri Radha sit on the front boulder, he absorbed her ravishing beauty. Seeing her eyes not darkened enough, he applied collyrium and purposely smeared it right up to the eyebrows.



Soon after with a mirror he went to her and holding her hand, wiped it neatly to make up for his error. He repeated this incidence several times which led to an unprecedented dalliance. The sakhis planned to shower them with flowers and after plucking them savoured their romantic escapade which gave them divine joy. Renowned as Anjnauk (Anjan Van) it recounts those pleasurable efforts.


Gulal Kund:



Gulal Kund



When Shri Lalita approaches a young maiden in Vrindavan, and finds out after clever interrogation that she is inclined toward her mistress Radhika, she immediately fulfills her desires. 


Shri Radha-Krishna & Sakhis Playing Holi

The festival of Holi leads to Shri Radha-Krishna along with their sakhis being enthralled by a riot of colours. Red and other hues of gulal gather in the sky. Loaded with pichkaris, the Brajbalas invite Radha for the celebrations.



The sakhis are ecstatic on being captivated by the madhurya of Shri Krishna exuded by his gestures and loving tenderness. Shri Nanddasji reveals that now the whole lot drenched with colour entered the kund and splashed water to wash it off. During Phaag (celebration of Holi) the colorful passion awash here enchants all devotees.


Vihval Kund:

Vihval Kund

The flute in the hands of Krishna is more than a musical instrument; it is the breath of love. Its melody attracts the cows and draws the gopis out of their homes for a romantic dalliance with the Lord. Hearing its mellifluous sound the enraptured village girls yearn for a glimpse of him. Priyaji Shri Radha on hearing this call to eternity came to a nikunja.



Shri Lalita instructs Srimati Radhika by saying, ‘O unchaste Radha! Do not be so generous and soft with that cunning son of Nanda Maharaja.” The greed of sighting her beloved Lord unnerved Shri Radha every moment. Not able to bear her delicious anguish Lord Krishna soon came close to her. Vihval Kund narrates the ethereal intimacy of their union. The kunds or ponds of Shyam, Lalita, Vishakha, Maan, Mohini and Bhalbhadra are close by.


Kam Sarovar:


Kam Sarovar

Shri Lalita is the preceptor for all the girlfriends or sakhis of Radharani, teaching them all about sisterly affection. The delights of Paradise are reflected as if by a cosmic mirror onto the Kam Sarovar, a site of the gopikas amorous dalliance with Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna is the focus of the ardour of the gopis, the object of their longing and love which is expressed in the cry of the enraptured gopikas for union with their paramour. Their passion is pious and love is pristine, with not a trace of self-gratification or sensual pleasure. Embodiments of love, their longing for him is in fact the cry of the enraptured soul for union with the Lord who acclaims their love as pure and greatly admires it. Kam Sarovar is famed as the site of celestial passion.

Shri Lalit Mohan Sthal:

Hey Shri Krishna immersed in love! Hey Lalita Mohan! I make obeisance to you, the bestower of love.

Raas Mandala:


The Rasa Lila

Without the mercy of Shri Lalita, Giriraja or Yamuna, it is not possible to sight the Raas Lila. The first and greatest is Shri Lalita, the second is Giriraja Govardhana and the third is Yamuna or Visakha-Devi.


I salute you hey Raas Mandala made for the Raas or pleasure of the Lord! If there is one aspect to Shri Krishna’s enigmatic persona which distinguishes him from all other deities it is his leela.




This divine play which is both real and illusionary makes him both human and divine at the same time. Delighting in play, he endears himself and brings delight to all his devotees. Who can possibly describe the good fortune of Braj Bhoomi where every site has been touched by the feet of Shri Radha- Krishna and their group of sakhis, thereby making it even highly honored for saints.


Kadamba Khandi:


Kadamba Khandi

Shri Lalita is most expert in arranging secret trysts between Radha and Gopinatha. The ethereal kadamba trees on the banks of the Pavan Sarovar form a sort of canopy beneath which Shri Radha-Krishna fix their rendezvous. The great merit of the kadamba flowers is unique. Their pride on becoming the shringara of the Lord’s mukut, beautifully adorning his ears, serene sensuality on being strung in his vanamala makes their joy know no bounds.



When they grace Shri Radha’s neck, the Lord is jealous of their closeness with his beloved. Caressing their bodies, these kadamba flowers make the sakhis experience the playful dalliances. At times when the Lord frolics on the Pawan Sarovar with his sakhis, the drenched flowers exude a fragrance making water play all the more charming. Kadamba khandi on the banks of Pawan Sarovar, the site of several rasiks’ experiences, is very dear to all Vaishnavas.


Haroyal Village:


Shri Radha-Krishna’s amorous escapade of today began with gambling and dice. Both were experts at the game but the Lord was not lucky as of now and soon lost his patka, vanshi and lakuti. Unnerved, he told Sri Lalitaji that he would now put himself at stake and certainly win. It seemed he wouldn’t even after employing unfair means. Lalitaji asserted that their innocent swamini Shri Radha would triumph and she did. Even on losing, the Lord accompanied Shri Radha and both were lost in their love play. The incidence of victory and defeat is woven around this site known as Haroyal.


Sri Vishaka Sakhi


Sri Vishaka is the second most important gopi of the ashtasakhis or eight primary gopis. Her father’s name is Pavana, mother is Sudaksina, and her husband is Vahika. She is said to be from the village of Kamai.

Kamai (Kamna Van):


Shri Vishakha & Shri Radha-Krishna in Kamai. the Birthplace of Vishakha Sakhi

This is the birthplace of Sri Vishakhaji who is held in great esteem. One of Shri Krishna’s eight primary sakhis, her seva is to smear fragrant camphor on the bodies of Shri Radha-Krishna as she decks them. She is an expert at embroidering creepers and shrubs on garments which adorn the Lord.




Complexioned like vidyut, or lightning, she is decked in taravali garments adorned with clusters of stars.




Her grove to the northeast of Sri Radha Kunda, appears like a megha or raincloud. Its environs are colored red, green, yellow and black and it is named Visakhananda.


Shri Vishakha Kund:


Vishakha Kund


The kund lies to the south-eat of Sri Lalita Kund. The most learned of Lord Krishna’s ashtasakhis, Vishakhaji is very intelligent in giving advice on various amorous frolics. Her judgement is inevitably correct because of which she is very dear to the Lord. Wise in getting Shri Radha from wherever she may be when Lord Krishna desires, she works towards their joyous union which is her reward.



Shri Lalita & Vishakha with Radha-Krishna

Very much like Lalita Devi she is attributed with deftly carrying messages between Radha and Krishna with great expertise and is a close friend of the divine couple.



Vastralankara or arranging for the clothing and adornment of the Divine Couple is the service rendered by Vishaka Devi.




She is precisely the same age as Srimati Radharani. Her mood is svadhina bhartrika, or one who controls her lover with pleasant experiences. Temperamentally she is adhika-madhya or moderately exalted.




She loves playing the mridanga, her favorite tune being raga saranga. Sri Visakha’s sweet transcendental singing eclipses the sound of the cuckoos.


Kokila Van:


Kokila Van

Kokila Van resounds with the music of the black cuckoo. A visit here during the Swati Nakshatra of Bhadra Shukla Rishi Panchami is of special significance. Today early in the morning Shri Shyam Sunder came to this forest and merging his voice with the song of the cuckoo made the environs echo with this sound. Shri Radha heard the call and knew it was her lover but how could she venture here alone. Sri Vishakhaji cleverly came up with a strategy and accompanied her to the place. The sakhis on the other hand longing for their Lord also arrived; treading on the path of love their feet never stray and inevitably lead to him. Kokila Van was blessed with this divine play.

Eight Maidservants:

Her maidservant is Vilasa-manjari. In Sri Vishaka’s yutha, the chief sakhis are Malati, Madhavi, Chandra-rekha, Subhanana, Kunjari, Harini, Surabhi and Capala. Visakha-devi's father is a scholar, thus she is very learned. A wise counselor she diplomatically handles the romantic dalliances. She has a great sense of humour and arranges for the Divine Couple to meet at different rendezvous for a myriad of romantic escapades. Skillfully painting flower and leaf patterns on Their bodies, Vishaka makes crowns for Them out of garlanded flower and embroiders Their clothes.



Visakha supervises the dasis who produce and care for clothing; plus she instructs the maidservants of Vrindadevi for nurturing the flowers, vines and trees of Vrindavana. Although she may appear second in importance to Lalita, Visakha is truly Srimati Radharani's close girlfriend. Alike each other, Radharani and she seem almost twins. The famed saying, ‘Sri radhike tava carita-gunanurupam’, means that her qualities and characteristics are very similar to Srimati Radharani's.



Visakha's other form is the Yamuna River. Whenever Lord Krishna sights Visakha He instantly thinks of Sri Radha; whenever Sri Radha sees the dark blue waters of the Yamuna River She remembers Krishna instantaneously.



Shri Yamunaji:

Shri Yamuna

Endowed with infinite virtues, the sacred town of Mathura situated on its banks and inhabited by cowherds of Braj, is Shri Yamunaji. Dissolving people’s sins it offers the loving worship of Lord Krishna, leading to salvation. On one hand it is manifest as a river and on the other it resides as Kalindi, the beloved of Lord Krishna.



Though all religious sects have given Yamunaji due importance but for the Pushti Marg Shri Yamunaji is not just a holy river. Initially she was the one to impart divine knowledge of significant sites to Shriman Mahaprabhuji.




As a swamini or devotional ideal she is manifest as Lord Krishna’s fourth senior queen and in Her Pushti Shakti form she is revered and worshipped. The Lord frolics on its banks, merrily plunging into its waters. Once sulking, Lord Krishna hid in a thicket. Shri Radha, Lalita and Vishakha tried to placate him but failed. Yamunaji, his beloved, adopted the form of Syam Sunder and appearing before him managed to make him laugh. Embracing her, Lord Krishna gave the boon of her worship in this form. Consequently she shows the path of Krishna worship to Pushti Margi devotees.

I make obeisance to Vishaka Sakhi:



"Visakha-devi is the place where the youthful Divine Couple enjoy romantic and playful frolics. Her sweet transcendental singing eclipses the voices of the cuckoos. I say that Visakha-devi may become pleased with me and accept me as her student".




"O bestower of benediction" O causelessly merciful Visakha. Within the society of the beautiful damsels of Vraja, you are the closest replica of Sri Radha Herself (regarding feminine qualities, nature and age). Therefore, overlooking my hundred of offenses, please be kind upon me and accept me as your maidservant".



Sri Visakha-Sakhi appears as Sri Ramananda Raya in Gaura-lila.