PURPORT

It is said that the gopis are divided into five groups, namely the sakhis, nitya-sakhis, prana-sakhis, priya-sakhis and parama-prestha-sakhis. All these fair-complexioned associates of Srimati Radharani, the Queen of Vrndavana-dhama, are expert artists in evoking erotic sentiments in Krsna. The parama-prestha-sakhis are eight in number, and in the ecstatic dealings of Krsna and Radha they side sometimes with Krsna and at other times with Radharani, just to create a situation in which it appears that they favor one against the other. That makes the exchange of mellows more palatable.