3.2.2 Sama-sneha

3.2.2 Sama-sneha - priya and param-preshtha

Priya-sakhis have exactly the same measure of love for Krishna as they do for their dear friend, the yuthesvari. That love is simultaneously, inexplicably great and yet always clearly expressed. Their numbers are greater than the other types of girlfriend. Rupa gives the following example of the actions of a sakhi of this type:

One day, when Srimati Radharani and Krishna were separated as a result of some misdeed of his, Syama's friend Bakulamali came and revealed her mind to Campakalata,
"Dear friend, when Radha is separated from Krishna, then to see her gives me a pain in the heart. And when I see Krishna without Radha, I truly feel great suffering. What misery! O beautiful one, I pray therefore that I shall never take any birth in which I shall not be able to drink with my eyes the beauty of Radha and Krishna's moon-like faces, creating a joyful festival, together."121

The parama-preshtha-sakhis like Lalita and Visakha are also sama-sneha like the priya-sakhis, with the distinction that, although they love both Radha and Krishna equally, they definitely feel themselves to be Radha's.
These eight sakhis
(ललित विशाखा     रंगदेनि      सुदेवि       तुंगविध्य          चंपकलत        चित्र     ईंदुलेख 
lalita, viśākhā, raṅgadevi, sudevi, tuṅgavidhya, caṁpakalata, citra, īṅdulekha)
have reached such heights of love for both members of the Divine Couple that they sometimes appear to feel more affection for either the one or the other, but this distinction is slight and manifests only briefly.

For example, when Radharani is in one of her sulking moods, then their sympathies might sway toward Krishna, the spurned and forlorn lover. On the other hand, when Krishna breaks his promise or fails to appear for an assignation, they will take Radha's side.