Sakhisthali (Sakhivana)

Sakhisthali (Sakhivana)
This is the village associated with of the gopi named Chandravali, who is the cousin of Radharani and also Her main rival in achieving Krishna’s love and affection. It is said that of all the gopis, two are most prominent, they are Radharani and Chandravali, but of the two, Radha is the best and most expert in pleasing Krishna. Some say that Chandravali was born here and also lived here with her sixty four sakhis or close friends. There are others who say that Chandravali only lived here and was actually born at Rithore near Sanket. Unfortunately the forest of Sahhivana, which the Puranas say is one of the famous upavana or sub-forest, has almost disappeared, but the lake known as Sakhisthali-kund can still be seen and is visible from the Govardhana parikrama path.

Uddhava-kunda / Puspavana
This kunda in Pushpavana forest is said to have been originally established by Vajranabha Maharaja and lies just behind Kusuma-sarovara. The kunda is dedicated to Krishna’s most dear friend Uddhava, who eternally resides here in Pushpavana in the form of grass known as gulma-lata. Uddhava’s sitting place (baithaka) is nearby on the banks of
Kusuma-sarovara.

– Adapted from Vraja Mandala Parikrama by Sri Rajasekhara Dasa Brahmachari.