Krishna Ashta Sakhi Clay Golu Bommai Set - 10 x 5.5 Inches | Giri Golu Doll/ Navaratri Golu Bomma/Gombe/Bommai
Enhance your festive celebrations with this beautifully crafted Golu doll, a perfect addition to your Navaratri Golu display. This classic golu bommai, with its elaborate details and vivid hues, reflects India's rich cultural legacy. Every Golu doll has a distinct charm that adds life to your festive arrangement, whether it represents gods, mythological figures, or scenes from a mythological story. This beautiful sculpture, which is perfect for collectors and believers, gives your holiday décor a touch of tradition, grace, and dedication.
The Ashtasakhis refers to the group of eight prominent gopis, or divine female companions, of Lord Krishna, particularly in the Braj region. These revered gopis are known for their close association with the deities Radha and Krishna and hold significant importance in various Krishnaite traditions, where they are often worshipped as goddesses and consorts of Krishna. According to the Padma Purana, the Ashtasakhi are the eternal companions of Radha and Krishna, who descended from their celestial abode of Goloka to join their divine lila (pastimes) in the Dvapara Yuga.
The most well-known Ashtasakhi include Lalita, Vishaka, Champaklata, Chitra, Tungavidhya, Induleka, Rangadevi, and Sudevi. All of these gopis are considered expansions of Radha, the chief consort of Krishna, and they each have distinct roles in serving the divine couple. Their devotion, selflessness, and deep love for Krishna are central to their significance.
• Lalita is the foremost among the Ashtasakhi. She is described as the eldest of the gopis, being 27 days older than Radha. Lalita’s role often involves soothing Radha during moments of separation from Krishna and facilitating their union. She is associated with the temple of Sri Lalita Sakhi in Unchagaon, where her devotees honor her devotion to Radha-Krishna.
• Vishaka, the second prominent gopi, is known for her role as the arranger of the divine couple's clothing and ornamentation. Vishaka is believed to be born in Kamai village, and her temple, Sri Vishakha Radha Raman Bihariji, is a significant site for her worship.
• Champaklata, born a day younger than Radha, is renowned for gathering fruits and preparing meals for Radha and Krishna. She is worshipped in the Sri Champaklata Sakhi Temple in Karhala.
• Chitra, an expert in music and astrology, is celebrated for her skills in protecting animals and cultivating gardens. The temple in her honor is located in Chiksauli.
• Tungavidhya, born fifteen days before Radha, is gifted in various arts, including dance, literature, and music. She is a teacher and plays the veena, and the Sri Tungavidya Sakhi Temple in Dabhala honors her.
• Induleka, born three days after Radha, is tasked with preparing food for the divine couple. Her service also includes dancing, and her temple is in Anjanoka village.
• Rangadevi, another gopi born seven days younger than Radha, has a playful and witty nature. She serves by offering incense, coal, and fans to Krishna and Radha. The Sri Radha Manohar Rangadevi Temple in Rakholi honors her service.
• Sudevi, the twin sister of Rangadevi, shares similar duties but is known for offering water to Radha and Krishna. She is worshipped at the Sri Sudevi Sakhi Temple in Sunhera.
In Vaishnavism, the gopis symbolize the soul's longing for divine union, and the Ashtasakhi are considered the most prominent among the countless gopis. Their pure love and unwavering devotion are revered as the epitome of selflessness and spiritual devotion in their eternal service to Lord Krishna.
Golu is celebrated during Navaratri to honor the divine feminine energy and showcase the rich traditions of storytelling through beautifully arranged kolu dolls. Deities, saints, and legendary golu figures are arranged in levels to represent the cosmic order and the journey from spiritual ignorance to enlightenment. Additionally, this festival is a time for devotional singing, cultural performances, and social gatherings. Families invite guests to view their Golu bommai display, exchange gifts, and share prasad, fostering community and devotion. Future generations can inherit customs, values, and stories by participating in Golu celebrations.
