Various Characters of different Sakhis
Now an account of the sakhis’ manifold qualifications in various arts is given.
Pindakeli, Vitandika, Pundarika, Sitakhandi, Carucandi, Sudantika, Akunthita, Kalakanthi, Ramaci, Mecika and other sakhis are insistent upon arranging loving quarrels (vigraha).
Pindakeli
Of these sakhis, Pindaka, whose bodily complexion is enchanting, wears clothes of coppery red colour. With a carefree heart she embarrasses Madhava by speaking ambiguously.
Vitandika
Vitandika’s bodily complexion is yellowish like the colour of turmeric, and she also wears clothes of that same colour. In Krishna’s presence she talks like His friend. She uses words that are vitanda[1], which stop the sakhis of the opposing party and instead bring Srimati Radharani and Her sakhis to Sri Krishna.
Pundarika
Pundarika Sakhi’s clothes and complexion are bright like a white lotus (pundarika). When the lotus-eyed (pundarikaksha) Sri Krishna has committed some offence, she grabs hold of the border of His garment and heavily scolds Him.
Sitakhandi
Gauri Sakhi’s complexion is like the colour of a peahen. She wears white clothes all the time.
She uses words that appear harsh but are actually sweet, and that is why Krishna calls her Sitakhandi. The word sita means ‘sugar candy’, which by nature is hard and sharp. The meaning is that even though sugar candy feels hard within the mouth, when it goes down in the throat and in the stomach, it cools the body and reveals its sweetness. In the same way, Gauri Sakhi externally seems to speak harsh words, but within her heart she is sweet and gentle. This is why she is known as Sitakhandi.
Carucandi
Sitakhandi’s sister is Carucandi.
Her complexion resembles a blackish (syama) bee and her attire is golden like lightning. Externally she seems very pleasing to one’s mind, but because she actually uses unbearable words, she is known as Carucandi[2].
Sudantika
Sudantika Sakhi’s complexion resembles the colour of the sirisha flower[3], and her dress is yellowish like the kurantaka flower. By her sharp words she magnifies the sweetness of ujjvala-rasa – the radiant amorous mellow.
Akunthita
Akunthita Sakhi’s bodily lustre resembles the colour of the stalk of a lotus flower, and her dress is white like the lotus flower’s cobweb-like roots. She reveals Sri Krishna’s offences to increase the pleasure of the gopis in her own group.
Kalakanthi
Kalakanthi Sakhi’s bodily complexion resembles that of the kuli flower. Her dress is white like the colour of the mixture of milk and water. She reveals Radha’s jealous anger to Krishna and advices Him to beg for Her forgiveness.
Ramaci
Ramaci is the daughter of Sri Lalita’s wet nurse.
Her bodily lustre is golden and she wears clothes resembling the colour of a male parrot. She feels unsurpassed joy by insulting Krishna with joking harsh words.
Mecika
Mecika’s complexion resembles the pinda flower[4] and she wears yellow garments all the time. She unfolds Krishna’s faults from His spoken words.
[1] Literally vitanda means trivial or frivolous objections
[2] Caru means lovely and candi means enraged woman
[3] Yellowish white
[4] Reddish color
This is a section of the book “Sri Sri Radha Krishna Ganoddesa Dipika”.
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