Sakhi Hey Ashtapadi | Jayadeva | Bharathanatyam | Lavanya Sanjay

“Sakhi he Keshi” expresses one of the many shades of Radha’s eternal longing for Krishna. She pleads with her Sakhi to let Krishna know she awaits him. She reminisces about the time she saw him last.

Lyrics and Meaning

nibhruta nikunja gruham gata yA niSi rahasi nileeya vasantam
chakita vilOkita sakala diSa rati rabhasa bharENa hasantam
sakhee hE kESi madhana mudAram
ramaya mayA saha madana manOradha bhAvitAya sAvikAram||sakhee||

One evening I went alone into a cottage under a bower. There Sri Krishna was secretly sitting. I shook with fear and looked around. I was excited with love for him. He laughed lovingly and looked at me. Oh my friend, tell him to fulfill my desire.

pradhama samAgama lajjitayA paTu chATu Satai ranukoolam
mrudu madhura smita bhAshitayA Sithileekruta jaghana dukoolam||sakhee||

It was our first meeting. Krishna is smart in his sweet talk and smile. When he pulled my garment I felt shy.

rati sukha samaya rasAlasAyAdara mukuLita nayana sarOjam
nissaha nipatita tanulatAyA madhusudana mudita manOjam||sakhee||

While enjoying with him, I gradually became exhausted. Krishna’s slightly open lotus eyes were soaked in the mellows of manmatha. I cling like a creeper & Madhusudhana delights me in his love. O sakhi, unite me with my dearest Sri Krishna at once.

Raga: Shuddha Sarang
Tala: Mishra Chaapu
Composition: Jayadeva
Dance composition: Veena .C . Sheshadri