A Sanskrit poetic epic that describes the love between the Hindu god Krishna, his chief consort Radha and the gopikas (cowherds) of Vrindavan. It was composed in the twelfth century CE by the Sanskrit poet Jayadeva. The text consists of twelve chapters, which are further subdivided into twenty-four prabandhas (divisions) with details on the specific raga (mode) and tala (rhythm) for the songs. The epic also expands on the ashta nayika (eight heroines) theme to depict different emotional states. Scenes from the epic were popularly illustrated in Pahari and Rajasthani manuscript paintings. From the Sanskrit, meaning “song of Govinda.”