Ashta Sakhi temple in Vrindavan, India

In Vrindavan, on the holy Krishna Janmabhoomi, lies the temple that is a “must visit” destination for devotees completing the 84 kosh Vraj Parikrama Yatra. The temple is centuries old and is the first Indian temple that is dedicated to the divine couple and their Ashta Sakhi’s - the eight “friends” of Radha who were intimately involved in her love play with the Lord Krishna. Mention of the Ashta Sakhis are found in the ancient texts of Ramayan and the Srimad Bhagvat.

The temple is called – Shree Radha Ras Behari Ashta Sakhi Mandir and it is home to the divine Ras Leela of Lord Krishna and Radharani. It is located in close proximity to the Banke Behari mandir.

Legend has it that the Shree Radha Ras Behari Ashta Sakhi Mandir is one of the two places in Mathura, Vrindavan where the Lord Krishna actually indulges in the Ras Leela with his beloved Radha and her sakhis. On these nights, devotees have reported hearing the sound of the anklets, beating in tune to a divine melody.

Where the aesthetic meets the divine - A visual feast

The temple has been recently restored and modernised with exemplary attention to detail. The stone work and the carvings have been handled by skilled, traditional craftsmen some of whom are descended from the master carvers and sculptors who worked on the famed Taj Mahal!

Semi precious stones * (hyperlink to the list of semi precious stones and materials used.) imported from all corners of the world are used in inlay as well as in the murals depicting signal events in the colourful life of Lord Krishna. Alongside this traditional craftsmanship is modern fibre optic technology, used tastefully to heighten the impact and create an atmosphere of serenity and piety. The entire lavish decor and displays flow from the playful and feisty nature of Lord Krishna - the lover of beauty.

The Sanctum Sanctorum

The divine figurines of Shree Krishna, Radha and the Eight Sakhis are the epitome of allure and beauty. The deity is always dressed in resplendent attire that is changed every day of the year. The wardrobe of the diety and the Ashta Sakhi’s include antique dresses that date back to over a hundred years! The attire and makeup of Shree Krishna, Radha and the eight Sakhis are a daily ritual that takes over three hours a day – before the commencement of the poojas.

The Poojas at the temple are conducted in keeping with ancient tradition and represent a combination of piety and divine exaltation.

Shree Krishna is depicted here as the feisty and passionate dark lord. Each of the eight sakhi’s depict their innate character and their bhavas as per tradition.

The Ashta Sakhis

Of the eight sakhis, two – i.e Lalita and Vishaka are considered to be the leaders. All the sakhi’s have a single mission – to serve Radha and they are her foremost friends and companions.

The eight sakhi’s are:

Lalita Sakhi

Campakalata Sakhi

Visakha Sakhi

Citra Sakhi

Tungavidya Sakhi

Indulekha Sakhi

Rangadevi Sakhi

Sudevi Sakhi

Lalita Sakhi –
She is the main sakhi. A dear friend of Radharani, she has a hot tempered and contradictory nature. She is represented with a bright yellow complexion, and traditional depiction features her wearing clothes that are the colour of peacock feathers. Her main role is in arranging meetings and participating in the lovers fights between the lord and his beloved.

Campakalata Sakhi –
Traditionally depicted with a complexion like the yellow champaka flower, Campakalata is an expert in logic and a persuasive speaker. Her main role is defeating competitors of Radha.

Visakha Sakhi –
She is the second most important Sakhi and is traditionally represented wearing garments decorated with stars. Her main role is that of a expert carrier of messages between Shree Krishna and Radharani.

Citra Sakhi –
Traditionally depicted with a complexion akin to saffron Kum Kum, she wears crystal coloured garments. She is a great cook and is known for her ability to make a variety of drinks from nectar.

Tungavidya Sakhi –
Fiery tempered, she has a saffron complexion to match. She is a melodious singer and she plays the veena. She is considered an expert in arranging trysts between Shree Krishna and Radharani. She is a message carrier between Shree Krishna and Radha and is privi to their secrets.

Indulekha Sakhi –
She has a tan complexion and is traditionally depicted wearing garments with the colour of the pomegranate.

Rangadevi Sakhi –
She is traditionally depicted having a complexion akin to the filament of the lotus and she wears garments that are the colour of the rose flower. She is quick tempered and bold. She often jokes with Radha in the presence of Shree Krishna. She is an expert in using perfumes, fragrant incense and cosmetics.

Sudevi Sakhi –
She is traditionally depicted having a golden complexion, and wears clothes having the colour of coral. She is an expert at training parrots, reading omens, gardening and in decorating couches. She is constantly around Radharani and is shown to be tying her hair, decorating her eyes or massaging her.