Literally means “eight steps”, from Sanskrit aṣhṭa (eight) and padhi (steps), but refers to musical compositions with eight lines. Popularly it refers to the Gita Govinda, 12th century compositions of Sanskrit poems written by Jayadheva depicting the life of Kriṣhṇa and Rādha and on relationship between the Gopis (cowgirls) and Lord Kriṣhṇa, symbolizing eternal love of a devotee for the divine.There are 24 Aṣhtapadhis of 8 stanzas each.