Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami
From the book “Sri Vraja-maṇḍala-parikramā”:
This village, situated two miles east of Kāmyavana, is the birth- place of the twin sisters Raṅgadevī and Sudevī, who are two of the eight principal sakhīs (aṣṭa-sakhīs). Their father is Raṅgasāra Gopa and their mother is Karuṇā Gopī. Raṅgadevī’s husband is Vakrakhana Gopa, and Sudevī’s husband is Vakrakhana Gopa’s younger brother. Both sisters live in Jāvaṭa with Śrīmatī Rādhikā and always serve Her.
Rajashekhara Dasa
From the book “Chaurasi-kosa Vraja Mandala Parikrama”:
This village is the birthplace of the twin sisters Sudevi and Rangadevi who are amongst the eight most intimate gopi friends of Radharani known as the ashta-sakhis. Sudevi always combs and arranges Radha’s hair, anoints Her eyes with mascara and massages Her body with scented oils. Rangadevi likes to joke around with Radha especially when She is with Krishna. She also likes to fan the ‘divine couple’ when They are sitting together. Rangadevi is also an expert in both logic and diplomacy and due to past austerities she has attained a mantra whereby she can attract Krishna. She also has the power to control various forest animals. Both sisters are yutheshvaras, or leaders of their own group of younger gopis.
