# Cowherd Boys *Krishna's intimate friends among the cowherd boys of Vrindavan* ## The Priya-Sakhas (Dearest Friends) Krishna's four most intimate friends: 1. **Subala** - [[index/entries/subala|Subala]] - Among Krishna's dearest friends - Participated in all Krishna's pastimes 2. **Sthaviraka** - Intimate companion 3. **Ujjvala** - Close friend of Krishna 4. **Vidagdha** - Friend known for cleverness ## The Eight Sakhas (Friends) Eight principal cowherd boy friends: 1. Subala 2. Sthaviraka 3. Ujjvala 4. Vidagdha 5. Vipal 6. Balaji 7. Kilimbika 8. Dhananjaya ## Groups of Cowherd Boys ### Vara-Sakhas - Special friends closest to Krishna ### General Sakhas - Broader circle of cowherd boys ### Pallika (Youths) - Younger cowherd boys ## Characteristics and Activities - Tend cattle with Krishna in forests - Participate in Krishna's divine pastimes - Play musical instruments - Engage in games and sports - Experience Krishna's love directly ## Related Topics - [[index/personalities/gopis|Gopis]] - Female companions - [[index/personalities/vraja-lila|Vraja Lila]] - Krishna's pastimes - [[index/personalities/vrindavan-residents|Vrindavan Residents]] - Other inhabitants --- *This index is under development. Additional entries from Śrīla Prabhupāda's books, lectures, conversations and letters will be added as the indexing work progresses.*