Among the beloved companions of Srimati Radharani, eight gopis are especially celebrated as the parama-prestha-sakhis — Lalita, Visakha, Citra, Campakalata, Tungavidya, Indulekha, Rangadevi and Sudevi. These eight gopis are chief amongst all the gopis.
Among them is Sri Tungavidya Sakhi, renowned for her extraordinary learning, artistic abilities and deep devotion to Sri Krishna. In Sri Mayapur Dham, Tungavidya Sakhi is beautifully adorned with garlands and ornaments as devotees celebrate her divine appearance day.
Tungavidya is the fifth of the varistha gopis. She is especially celebrated as an expert in music, dance, literature, drama and the transcendental science of rasa. She is a celebrated music teacher, expert at playing the vina and singing in the style known as marga. She is also highly skilled in the eighteen branches of knowledge and is very expert at arranging the meetings of the Divine Couple.
Her beauty is described as radiant like saffron mixed with camphor and sandalwood paste. She wears pale yellow garments, and her crimson-colored grove, Tungavidyanandada Kunja, lies on the western petal of Madana-sukhada Kunja, where she eternally resides.
The Sri Sri Radha-Krishna Ganoddesa Dipika states that Tungavidya is fifteen days younger than Srimati Radharani. There are, however, some differences of opinion regarding her actual appearance day. In the Gaura Govindarcana Smarana Paddhati, Tungavidya is described as 14 years, 2 months and 22 days old, while Srimati Radharani is 14 years, 2 months and 15 days old, which would place Tungavidya’s appearance seven days before Radharani’s. According to the Radha-Krishna Ganoddesa Dipika, Tungavidya is 15 days older or younger according to the translator. Our Jananivas Prabhu says that the proper time is 15 days before Radharani’s appearance.
Tungavidya’s parents are Puskara and Medha-devi, her husband is Balisa, and her home is in Yavata. In Gaura-lila she appears as Sri Vakresvara Pandita.
She is also described as having the mood of daksina-prakhara. Her loving nature combines intelligence, dignity and an ability to speak with reason, while still being easily enchanted and appeased by Krishna's sweet words.
The characteristics of a vipralabdha-nayika: The sages have said that the nayika who is very distressed at heart because her lover has not arrived for their secret meeting is known as a vipralabdha-nayika. Her behavior is marked by despondency, anxiety, lamentation, weeping, fainting, sighing, etc.
An example: A certain vrajadevi said to her saki, “O fawn-eyed Sakhi! As surely as the moon has risen, have we not been deceived by the Lord of Laksmi? In this situation, what shall I do? You please give me some advice.” Saying this, she became depressed.
The characteristics of a daksina-nayika are now given: That nayika who is intolerant in protecting her dignity, who speaks in a very reasonable and logical way to her lover, but who is enchanted and appeased by his sweet words of praise is called a daksina-nayika.
In Sri Radhika’s group, Sri Tungavidya and others are daksina-prakhara.
An example occurred when a certain prakhara priya-sakhi of¸ Sri Radha reprimanded Her like this: “O Sakhi! When Krishna has shown affection to You, You’ve been very hard on Him. When He offers obeisance to You, You are arrogant. When He tries to show You His love, You act inimically toward Him. When He is eager to be with You, You are indifferent to Him. O Difficult One! When You try to argue with Him, He speaks very reasonably. Now He has truly seen the contrary nature in You. Because of it You take sandalwood paste to be poison, the moon to be the sun, snow as fire, and pleasurable pastimes as pain.”
Some of the sakhis in Tungavidya’s yutha are Manjumedha, Sumadhura, Sumadhya, Madhureksana, Tanumadhya, Madhusyanda, Gunacuda and Varangada.
Her group is particularly accomplished in music and dance. Tungavidya is the leader of the gopis headed by Manjumedha-devi. These gopis excel not only in dance but also as accomplished musicians and skilled mrdanga players, frequently enchanting audiences in recital halls with their captivating performances.
She is especially devoted to her seva of dancing and singing, and her love for Sri Krishna is so deep that she exhibits the bhava known as vipralabdhatva.
The beauty and artistry of Tungavidya are wonderfully captured in this glorification:
candradyhair api candanaih sulalitam sri-kunkumabha-dyutim
sad-ratnanvita-bhusanancita-tanum sonambarollasitam
sad-gitavali-samyutam bahu-gunam damphasya sabdena vai
nrtyantim purato hare rasavatim sri-tungavidyam bhaje
I worship the very rasika , Sri Tungavidya, who is adorned with sandalwood paste mixed with camphor. Her beautiful saffron-colored body is decorated with many fine jeweled ornaments, she delights in wearing a lovely red dress, and she has many wonderful qualities. She knows many transcendental songs, and she dances before¸ Sri Hari to the beat of a dampha drum.
Her connection with music and dance is not merely artistic. These talents are all offered in the service of Sri Radha and Krishna. She helps arrange their meetings, assists through music and dance, and engages her remarkable learning in the service of the Divine Couple.
The Sri Sri Radha-Krishna Ganoddesa Dipika and Gaura Govindarcana Smarana Paddhati beautifully reveal these many qualities of Tungavidya Sakhi, showing us a personality who is simultaneously learned, artistic, strong in character and completely devoted to Krishna.
Her glories are also beautifully expressed in this verse:
References:
Sri Govindalilamrita
Sri Sri Radha Krishna Gaunadesa Dipika
“Encircled by beautifully attired gopis on Yamuna’s shore, Krsna has them begin playing orchestral music on wind instruments, string instruments, and drums. Then that King of Dancers gracefully dances in their midst. In this way the Lord shines with great splendor as He enjoys pastimes in the groves of Vrndavana.”
sac-candra-candana-manohara-kunkumabham pandu-cchavi-pracura-kanti-lasad-dukulam sarvatra kovidataya mahitam samajnam radhe! Bhaje priya-sakhim tava tunga-vidyam
Whose complexion is alluring like red kunkuma powder tinted with divine white camphor
Whose silken cloth glows with the profuse rays of pure yellow-whiteness
Who is honoured everywhere for her great and vastly learned wisdom
Oh Radhe! I worship Your beloved girlfriend, Tungavidya!
All glories to Sri Tungavidya Sakhi!
How fortunate were Devaki and Vasudeva — to have Sri Krishna appear as their beloved son!
But perhaps there is a deeper mystery behind their fortune.
Before they became Devaki and Vasudeva, they were Prishni and Sutapa. Before that, Aditi and Kashyapa. Across three consecutive births, they performed great austerities and offered themselves in sincere devotion, desiring only that the Supreme Lord would become their child.
We see their fortune in the moment of Krishna’s appearance, but we may not always see the many lifetimes of dedicated effort that came before it.
And perhaps that is one beautiful reminder for us this Janmashtami.
Whatever service we are engaged in, let us continue with strong, continuous and sincere effort, without becoming discouraged by what we cannot yet see. When our hearts are genuinely directed toward serving Krishna, we can trust His promise in the Bhagavad-gita: He will give us the knowledge by which we can come to Him.
And today, in Sri Dhama Mayapur, we celebrate that promise in the sweetest possible way — welcoming Krishna as a child.
Janmashtami here is never simply a festival marked on a calendar. It is a living experience, when the whole community gathers in the mood of welcoming the Supreme Lord into the world as a tender child.
One of the most touching moments is the samskara performed for baby Krishna, when a family is chosen to lovingly take the roles of Nanda Maharaja and Yashoda Maiya. Through prayers, mantras and yajna, devotees are drawn into the mood of caring for the Lord of the universe as their own beloved child.
The abhishek, the kirtan, the recitations, the dramas, and the children dressed as gopis and cowherd boys all come together to create something that feels far beyond a celebration.
For a moment, it feels as though Mayapur itself has become Nanda-gram, and Krishna is truly among us.
Every Janmashtami brings a new glimpse, a new feeling, a new opportunity to remember Him.
Sri Krishna Janmashtami 2026 — may this day awaken within us the determination to serve Him with greater sincerity, patience and devotion.
Jai Sri Krishna Janmashtami Ki Jai!
Hare Krishna!
On the most auspicious occasion of Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa-puja, we would like to present a humble offering showcasing how Srila Prabhupada and his followers are fulfilling the prediction of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu by spreading His teachings throughout the world.
ISKCON GLOBAL TIMELINE PROJECT | 1966–2026
The ISKCON Global Timeline Project is being developed by the ISKCON Mayapur Master Plan Office as a step towards fulfilling Srila Prabhupada’s instruction:
"I want that our Mayapur festival there should be booths showing our activities."
The interactive map currently features 750+ ISKCON centres, with temple websites and Google Maps locations, along with 775+ darśanas of Their Lordships from around the world, allowing you to experience the love and devotion of devotees through darśana.
Project: https://srimayapurdhama.com/srilaprabhupada/temples/
(This is a work in progress, and we hope to continually enrich it with the help of devotees worldwide.)
Every temple, preaching centre, and nāma-haṭṭa is a precious part of Srila Prabhupada’s worldwide legacy. We humbly request your help in sharing or verifying information about your centre so that this historical record may be as accurate and complete as possible.
·Inauguration date or year
·City
·Presiding Deities - names and photos
·Google Maps location
·Official website or Facebook page
Email: masterplan@mayapur.ngo
WhatsApp: +91 80168 86555
Please also forward this message to devotees from other ISKCON centres who may be able to assist. Our heartfelt thanks to all the devotees who have generously dedicated their valuable time to collecting and sharing data, and for their encouragement and support in bringing this project together.
Your servant,
Nandan dasa
ISKCON Mayapur Master Plan Office
The big brother is finally here!
And with the appearance of Sri Balarama, Sri Krishna Janmashtami is now just around the corner. The whole of Sri Mayapur Dham seems to be preparing its heart to welcome the Lord of our hearts!
These days in Mayapur are filled with one beautiful festival after another. Jhulan Yatra, Balarama Purnima, and the preparations for Sri Krishna Janmashtami all come together, creating an atmosphere filled with kirtan, darshan, seva and remembrance of the Lord.
On Balarama Purnima, devotees and visitors have the opportunity to experience beautiful darshans and programs accompanied by ecstatic kirtan and abhishek of the Lord at Rajapur, as well as at Sri Sri Radha Madhava's temple.
Sri Krishna Balarama are beautifully decorated for the occasion, and there is also a particularly sweet tradition that brings great joy to the devotees.
Many children, visitors and residents get the opportunity to offer Rakhi to the wrists of the Lords, a simple and heartfelt offering of love and prayer from the devotee to the Lord. And sometimes, the pujaris return the Rakhi after it has been offered.
To receive it back from the Lord's wrist feels incredibly special, like receiving a little piece of the Lord's mercy to carry home.
And while the festive mood continues, Jhulan Yatra reaches its joyful conclusion with one of the most playful and beloved moments of the celebration, the breaking of the pot!
A pot filled with different varieties of sweets is hung up, and devotees will take turns trying to break it. One person tries a few strikes, and if the pot remains intact, the next person gets their chance. With every attempt, the excitement grows!
All the while, ecstatic kirtan fills the atmosphere, transforming this simple, playful pastime into a deeply auspicious celebration. Laughter, kirtan, anticipation and the joy of serving the Lord come together as everyone eagerly waits for the pot to finally break.
And when it does, the sweetness of the celebration spreads through the whole gathering.
In this beautiful way, the final day of Jhulan Yatra comes to a close, and around 8–9 PM, the Deities are brought back to the temple, concluding another unforgettable evening in Sri Mayapur Dham.
But behind all these celebrations is a deeper remembrance:
Who is Lord Balarama?
Lord Balarama is an expansion of Lord Krishna glorified in the Vedic Puranas and Itihasas. Krishna is the spiritually manifest Supreme Person, whose internal spiritual energy is the all-pervading Brahman. He is glorified as Narayana, Vasudeva, Mahavishnu, Hari, Vishnu, and many other names. Shiva and Brahma are said to be His qualitative expansions. He is the Supreme Lord, the Lord of all universes. Everything emanates from Him and dissolves back in Him. He is the cause of creation, maintenance, and dissolution of everything and every living entity.
His chatur-vyuha (four-handed) expansions are Vasudeva, Sankarshana; Pradyumna; and Aniruddha. The Bhagavatam (12.11.21) says,
vasudevah Sankarsanah pradyumnah purushah svayam aniruddha iti brahman murtir vyuho abhidhiyate
“O brahmana (saint) Shaunaka, the quadruple primary expansions of Pususha
(Supreme Soul Narayana or Krshna) are Vasudeva, Sankarsana, Pradyumna, and Aniruddha.”
The primary expansion of Krishna is said to Sankarsana, the infinite snake Ananta on which the Lord rests. Sankarsana beholds all universes and maintains everything united.
The descended form of Sankarsana is Lord Balarama, who appeared as the elder brother of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna and Sankarsana are originally one, although they appear different to the external eye. Lord Balarama assists Lord Krishna in His glorious transcendental lilas.
Lord Balarama appeared as the younger brother of Lord Ramachandra by the end of treta-yuga and He appeared as Nityananda Prabhu to distribute the mercy of Krishna to people with Caitanya Mahaprabhu five hundred years ago.
Once when the four Kumaras visited the bottom of the universe, they found Lord Sankarsana as a gigantic snake with numerous hoods. The Lord was seen in deep meditation beholding innumerable universes on His head.
Since He holds everything together, He is called Sankarsana, the binder who unites all.
Lord Shiva always meditates Lord Sankarsana as the Bhagavatam (5.17.16) tells,
bhavani-nathaih stri-ganarbuda-sahasrair-avarudhyamano bhagavatash-chatur-murter-maha-purushasya turiyam tamarsim murtim prakrtim-atmanah Sankarsana-samjnam- atma samadhi-rupena sannidhapyaitad-abhigrnan bhava upadhavati
“Lord Shiva, served by tens of billions of maid servants of Goddess Bhavani
(in Ilavrta-varsha), deeply meditates, chants and worships one of the four expansions of the Supreme Lord known as Sankarsana in the predominant quality of ignorance.”
At the time of destruction, it is said that the fire emanating from the mouth of Sankarsana would dissolve all the worldly manifestations at the end of the universe. Therefore, Sankarsana helps Lord Krshna and causes the union and destruction of all universal manifestations.
That Sankarsana appeared as Balarama and any devotee who seeks Krishna should first seek His mercy to be blessed with proper bhakti (devotion) to Lord Krishna.
From Balarama Purnima to Janmashtami
And so, as we celebrate the appearance of Lord Balarama, our hearts are naturally drawn toward the auspicious appearance of His beloved younger brother, Sri Krishna.
Janmashtami is just around the corner!
What better way to welcome the Lord of our hearts than by offering something for His pleasure?
This year in Sri Mayapur Dham, there are many beautiful opportunities to serve and contribute towards the Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations. From Abhishek Seva, including Panchamrita, milk, honey, fruit juice and flower abhishek, to offerings for the Lord, Mahaprasad and devotee services, there are many ways to make a heartfelt offering.
Whether you are here in Mayapur or serving from wherever you are, your seva can become part of welcoming Sri Krishna on His appearance day.
Lord Balarama has appeared. Sri Krishna Janmashtami is coming.
Let us take this auspicious opportunity to prepare our hearts and offer our service for the pleasure of the Lord.
Explore the Janmashtami Seva opportunities and find a way to serve:
Pancha Pushpa Water — ₹15,001
Fruit Juices — ₹12,501
Chandan — ₹10,001
Honey — ₹10,001
Sugar Candy — ₹8,001
Ghee — ₹7,001
Yogurt — ₹6,001
Milk — ₹5,001
Green Coconut — ₹4,001
Rose Water — ₹3,001
Abhishek Clothes — ₹2,501
For seva inquiries: WhatsApp 9593400192
Sri Krishna Janmashtami Seva: https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/Sri-Krishna-Janmastami
Hare Krishna!
