Sri Chitra Sakhi Devi is one of the eight principal sakhis, the intimate companions of Srimati Radharani. She is known for her wonderfully variegated moods, gentle nature and compassionate heart, and for her many forms of expert service to the Divine Couple.

In Sri Mayapur, Chitra Sakhi Devi stands third on Madhava’s right. She was one of the final four Asta-sakhis to be installed in Mayapur in 1992.

Chitra Sakhi’s father is Chatura, her mother is Charchika, and her husband is Pithara. Her complexion is compared to the beautiful golden hue of saffron, and she wears garments that shine like radiant crystals.

Chitra Sakhi and Sri Krishna are very affectionate toward each other. She is deeply devoted to her seva, especially the preparation of lavanga-malas, garlands made with cloves and flowers, which she lovingly offers in the service of the Divine Couple.

Her kunja, or grove, is situated on the eastern side of Sri Radha Kunda. It is known as Padma-kinjalka, meaning lotus whorl, and is also called Chitranandada. The grove is decorated with wonderfully variegated colours, reflecting Chitra Sakhi’s own nature. She is especially expert in gardening and in gathering medicinal and useful herbs from the forest.

Chitra Sakhi is highly learned and possesses many remarkable skills. She can understand the hidden intentions of an author by reading between the lines of books and letters written in many different languages. She is also an expert in astrology, botany and animal husbandry.

She is a skilled gourmet who can recognize the tastes and ingredients of various preparations simply by looking at them. She can distinguish foods prepared with honey, milk and other ingredients and is especially expert at preparing various kinds of nectarean beverages.

Her favourite instrument is a vina, and her favourite tune is raga-samkata. Her nature is described as adhika-mrdvi, exceedingly soft and gentle. Her heart is filled with wonderfully variegated moods and overflowing with compassion.

Her maidservant is Rasa-manjari.

In Gaura-lila, Chitra Sakhi appears as Sri Govindananda.

As we come to the final Asta-sakhi appearance we are celebrating this year, we are reminded of the extraordinary variety of loving services offered to Sri Sri Radha and Krishna by Their eternal companions. Chitra Sakhi’s gentle nature, intelligence, affection and dedication to seva reveal another beautiful aspect of the loving service surrounding the Divine Couple.

kasmira-kanti-kamaniya-kalevarabham
su-snigdha-kaca-nicaya-prabha-caru-celam
sri-radhike! Tava manoratha-vastra-dane
citram vicitra-hrdayam sadayam prapadye

“Whose body glows with the attractive effulgence of saffron, whose lovely cloth is glossy like a host of radiant crystals; O Sri Radhike! Who offers You clothes according to Your desires, whose heart is filled with wonderfully variegated moods and overflowing with compassion — I bow to Chitra!”