Ashta-Sakhis: The Closest Friends of Srimati Radharani offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the lives and personalities of the eight principal gopi associates of Srimati Radharani. Published by ISKCON’s Congregation Development Ministry (CDM), the book is authored by Gourangi Gandharvika Devi Dasi and represents years of heartfelt service, in-depth research, and devotional celebration in Sridham Mayapur.
Raised in the spiritual atmosphere of Mayapur since the age of seven, Gourangi Gandharvika Devi Dasi has spent the last two decades taking daily darshan of Sri Sri Radha-Madhava. Her deep connection with the Deities and inspiration from Jananivas Das led her to explore the unique personalities of the Ashta-Sakhis—Lalita, Visakha, Chitra, Champakalata, Tungavidya, Indulekha, Rangadevi, and Sudevi.
“I used to stand in front of Radha-Madhava and think, ‘I don’t know enough about Their closest associates,’” she shared in a recent interview. That longing to understand and serve more personally eventually manifested into active participation in Mayapur’s annual celebration of the Sakhis’ appearance days. Each sakhi’s day was marked with themed altar decorations and community engagement—Indulekha’s day featured a sewing workshop scene, and Chitra’s celebration invited artists to offer their drawings directly to the Deities.
Her involvement in these celebrations inspired her to delve deeper into the lives of the Ashta-Sakhis. “Our movement is personal. Krishna is a person, Radharani is a person, and so are the Sakhis. They all have their unique personalities and talents. The more we know them, the more we can learn how to love and serve Radha-Madhava,” she said.
The book is designed to be accessible to all age groups, not just children. It is divided into two parts: a main volume for adults and a combined set for children and families that includes an activity book. The main volume describes each Sakhis’ qualities, talents, services, and pastimes. At the same time, the activity book offers over 125 crafts, puzzles, and games to help families and children engage with the Sakhis in a practical and personal way.
One of the book’s most striking features is its beautiful art and graphics, which are both attractive and appealing. The visual presentation makes the content engaging and accessible, offering a very effective way to remember the Ashta-Sakhis—something that can otherwise be quite difficult given their distinct personalities and roles. Each chapter is dedicated to an individual sakhi and includes additional pastimes that bring their character and service to life in vivid detail.
In preparing the content, Gourangi Gandharvika Devi Dasi drew from authoritative Gaudiya Vaishnava texts such as Govinda-līlāmṛta, Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa Gaṇoddeśa Dīpikā, and Gaur Govinda Archana Paddhati. The book aims to help devotees, young and old, deepen their relationship with the Divine Couple through the mercy and example of the Sakhis.
“This is not just a book project—it’s an invitation,” the author emphasized. “If we want to learn how to love and serve Krishna, there’s no better example than the Sakhis. Their love is unmatched, and their service is perfect.”
Ashta-Sakhis: The Closest Friends of Srimati Radharani provides a meaningful resource for families, educators, and devotees worldwide seeking to engage in deeper meditation and understanding of these exalted personalities. Through its combination of scholarly research, beautiful visual presentation, and practical devotional activities, the book serves as both an educational text and a spiritual guide for those wishing to enhance their connection with Radha-Madhava through the mercy of the Ashta-Sakhis.
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