Vishaka
A Comprehensive Guide to Śrī Vṛndāvana Dhāma
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Overview
Of the asta-sakhis, Visakha is foremost along with Lalita. Her mother is Sudaksina, her father is Pavana, and her husband is Vahika. Her complexion is vidyut, like lightning. She wears taravali cloth, which is patterned like clusters of stars. Her grove is situated to the northeast of Sri Radha Kunda. It is megha or raincloud-like. All things therein are colored red, green, yellow and black. This grove is named Visakhananda.
The service Visakha-devi renders is vastralankara or arranging for the clothing and ornamentation of the Divine Couple. She is exactly the same age as Srimati Radharani. Her mood is called svadhina bhartrka, which means like a heroine who dominates her beloved, taming him according to her own whims. Her temperament is adhika-madhya, moderately exalted. She loves to play the mrdanga. Her favorite tune is raga saranga.
Eight Girlfriends
Her maidservant is Vilasa-manjari. Her eight girlfriends are Madhavi, Malati, Candra-rekha, Kunjari, Harini, Capala, Surabhi, Subhana. Visakha-devi's father is a scholar, thus "like father, like daughter"-- she is very learned. She is a wise counselor and a diplomat in loving affairs. She is expert at joking. She arranges for the Divine Couple to meet in different ways so that They may taste different mellows. Visakha skillfully paints flower and leaf designs on Their bodies, and makes crowns for Them out of flower garlands, and embroiders Their cloth.
She is the most expert messenger among the asta-sakhis. Visakha supervises the sakhis and dasis who produce and care for clothing; plus she directs the maidservants of Vrndadevi in their care of the flowers, vines and trees of Vrndavana. Although it appears that Visakha is second in importance to Lalita, she is truly Srimati Radharani's dearmost girlfriend. She and Radharani are so alike they are almost twins.
Form as Yamuna River
Visakha's other form is the Yamuna River. Whenever Lord Krsna sees Visakha He immediately thinks of Sri Radha; whenever Sri Radha sees the syama (dark blue) waters of the Yamuna River She immediately thinks of Krsna. Sri Visakha-sakhi appears as Sri Ramananda Raya in Gaura-lila. It is said of her, sri radhike tava carita-gunanurupam, that her qualities and characteristics are very similar to Srimati Radharani's.
Prayers To Visakha-Sakhi
" Visakha-devi is the place where the youthful Divine Couple enjoy affectionate and playful joking pastimes. 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 (in the matter of feminine, qualities, nature and age). Therefore, overlooking my hundred of offenses, please be kind upon me and accept me as your maidservant"