Passage 1
जय जय सहजेश्वरि त्वद्विलासाय भाति प्रमोदाटवी मञ्जुरूपात् सद्भृत्यवर्येण सद्यो वसन्तेन सम्यक्कृता चित्रलेखेन लीलापटीवातिचित्र- विचित्रद्रुमस्तोमसोमच्छन्नशालालसन्मञ्जरीभूतभ्यो रसालद्रुमालम्बि- वल्लीलोकवल्लोकितकोकिलालापरुच्या कदम्बाटवीपुष्पधावद्रजोधोरणी- धूमधारानुमीतस्मराधीशचापप्रतापानलज्वालाजालायितप्रोल्लसत्- किंशुका भासते॥१॥
“Victory, victory to you, Sahajeśvarī! For your play, the Pramoda forest shines in a charming form, perfectly fashioned at once by Spring, your excellent servant, like a play-cloth painted by Citralekhā. Its astonishing multitudes of trees are canopied by the moon; cuckoos call from vines hanging upon mango trees heavy with blossoms; and streams of pollen racing from kadamba flowers rise like smoke, making the blazing kiṃśukas appear as flames from the fierce fire of Love’s bow.
Passage 2
विकचवकुलनागपुन्नागहिन्तालतालीतमालद्रुमालीसमालीढलोलल्लवङ्गी- लतावृन्दचञ्चदञ्चललच्चञ्चरीकौघझङ्कारतारस्वराकर्णनप्रोद्यदानन्द- खेलत्कुरङ्गीकुला केतकीकाननोद्धूतधूलीभरज्ञातचेतोभवच्छत्रभृद्- भूरिसेनातुरङ्गाटवीटापटङ्कत्रुटद्भूरजश्छन्नदिङ्मण्डला वञ्जुलानोकहोल्लासि- मञ्जुस्फुरन्मञ्जरीपुञ्जरत्नोप्तशाखाहरित्पर्णपूर्णद्युतिद्योतिता सन्ततोल्लासभृच्चम्पका राजते॥२॥
“It glitters with rows of fully blossomed bakula, nāga, punnāga, hintāla, palm, and tamāla trees embraced by swaying clove vines. Herds of deer play in joy upon hearing the high humming of restless hosts of bees. Dust rising from ketakī groves veils the quarters like the road-dust of the many horses in Love’s parasol-bearing army, while vañjula branches set with jewel-like clusters of blossoms and green leaves gleam beside ever-exultant campakas.
Passage 3
मरकतमणिवर्यविद्योतिवैदूर्यविस्फारिगारुत्मतव्रातसम्मिश्रनव्येन्द्रनील- प्रभाभारभास्वन्निकुञ्जाङ्गणस्फुटमाणिक्यमुक्ताचतुष्कासनासीनसानन्द- हृन्मेघनादानुलासिस्फुरद्गेहविस्तारसच्चन्द्रकस्तोमशोभावती फुल्लपङ्करुहानन्दकिञ्जल्कपुञ्जसञ्चलद्धूलिधाराविचित्रीकृतानेककासार- पातःपतद्राजहंसावलिक्वाणकोकिलालापातिकोलाहला सिद्ध्यञ्चेषुविद्धा- खिलग्राम्यधर्माढ्यजीवा जरीजृम्भते॥३॥
“The courtyards of its bowers blaze beneath masses of new sapphire light mingled with the brilliance of excellent emeralds, cat’s-eye gems, and garuḍa-stones. Ruby-and-pearl platforms, expansive cloudlike pavilions, and clusters of moons shine within. Drifting streams of pollen from delighted full-blown lotuses variegate the many ponds, where descending lines of royal swans cry amid the calls of cuckoos; every creature, rich with earthly feeling, awakens as though pierced by Love’s arrows.
Passage 4
इह विलसति कापि वल्लोलसत्तुङ्गगुच्छस्तनी कापि पङ्करुहोड्डीन- भृङ्गीवरश्रेणिवेणीधरा कापि रामाननावेक्षणैकस्पृहानिमेषीकृतात्यर्थ- मत्तालिनी तारकोद्भासिसंफुल्लपुष्पेक्षणा कापि संफुल्लपुष्पस्मितद्योतिता कापि सत्पल्लवारक्तबिम्बाधरा कापि चञ्चच्छुकीचञ्चुनासापुटद्योति- मृद्वीफलस्थूलमुक्ताफला कापि मूलक्वणन्मत्तकादम्बयुग्मस्फुरत्कोमला- ङ्घ्रिद्वयनूपुरा केलिसद्माङ्गनानासीव भ्राजते॥४॥
“Here one vine-woman shines with tall swaying flower clusters for breasts; another wears as a braid a line of excellent bees flying from lotuses; another, longing only to behold Rāma’s face, has intoxicated bees stilled like unblinking pupils within her star-bright flower eyes. One glows with a smile of open flowers, another with red bimba-fruit lips of tender leaves, another with a parrot-beak nose and great pearl-like mṛdvī fruits, and another with soft feet ankleted by pairs of maddened kadamba birds calling at her roots. Thus they shine like women in the courtyard of a pleasure palace.
Passage 5
मदाज्ञावशगेनेदं चित्रं सुरभिणा कृतम्। प्रमोदवनमुद्भाति मणिवेद्यैर्मौक्तिकैः॥५॥
“Obedient to my command, Spring has fashioned this wonder. The Pramoda forest shines with jeweled and pearl-covered terraces.
Passage 6
विचित्रा मणिमाणिक्यैः समन्तात्कुञ्जभूमयः। स्वराज्ये रसराजस्य श्रिया शुद्धीकृता इव॥६॥
“The bower grounds are wondrous on every side with gems and rubies, as though purified by the splendor of the sovereign realm of the king of rasa.
Passage 7
क्वचिन्मरकतद्योति क्वचिद्वैदूर्यकं स्फुरत्। क्वचिन्माणिक्यसम्मिश्रनानारत्नविचित्रम्॥७॥
“In one place emerald light gleams, elsewhere cat’s-eye gems flash, and elsewhere many kinds of jewels mingle wonderfully with rubies.
Passage 8
पत्रितं पुष्पितं चैव फलितं च समन्ततः। हरितं चित्रितं चारु नानावर्णविराजितम्॥८॥
“Everywhere it is leafing, flowering, and fruiting—green, variegated, beautiful, and resplendent with many colors.
Passage 9
पश्य प्रिये क्षणेनैतत्प्रमोदवनमीदृशम्। कृतं मया महामञ्जु त्वत्केलिरसपुष्टये॥९॥
“See, beloved, how in a moment I have made the Pramoda forest supremely beautiful in this way, to nourish the rasa of your play.
Passage 10
दृष्टिपातेन समलङ्कुरु तावत्समन्ततः। प्रमुदं षडृतवः शोभयन्ति प्रतिक्षणम्॥१०॥
“Now adorn it everywhere with the fall of your glance. All six seasons beautify the joyful forest at every moment.
Passage 11
पृथक्पृथङ्निकुञ्जेषु गृहीतावताराः स्फुटम्। ऋतवः षडपि प्राप्ता युगपत्प्रमुदाटवीम्॥११॥
“Taking clearly manifest forms in separate bowers, all six seasons have reached the Pramoda forest simultaneously. Rāma waits alone in the bower
Passage 12
स तत्र दयितो रामस्त्वदागमनकौतुकि। उद्वेजित इवात्यर्थं निशितैर्मान्मथैः शरैः॥१२॥
“Your beloved Rāma waits there, eager for your arrival and intensely agitated by the sharp arrows of Love.
Passage 13
त्वन्नूपुररवोद्घोषग्रहणाय श्रुतिद्वयम्। मुहुरुत्कण्ठयन्नास्ते हन्त प्राणप्रियस्तव॥१३॥
“Alas, your beloved, dearer than life, remains there repeatedly straining both ears to catch the ringing sound of your anklets.
Passage 14
विसृज्य मुरलीनादं विसृज्य सुहृदः सखीन्। विसृज्य नैचिकीवृन्दं स तत्र सखि वर्तते॥१४॥
“Friend, he has dismissed the sound of his flute, sent away his boyhood and intimate companions, and released the circle of female attendants; he remains there alone.
Passage 15
मया पद्मदलैः शय्या रचिता कुञ्जसद्मसु। नानावर्णप्रसूनाढ्या प्रान्तकिञ्जल्कभूषिता॥१५॥
“I have fashioned a bed of lotus petals in the bower residence, rich with flowers of many colors and ornamented at its edges with pollen filaments.
Passage 16
सान्धकारेषु वल्लीनां मण्डपेषु मया सखि। लसन्मणिमयैर्दीपैर्दिवैव रजनी कृता॥१६॥
“Friend, within the shadowed vine pavilions I have made night appear even by day through glittering jeweled lamps.
Passage 17
न यत्र खलु सूर्यांशुसम्बन्धस्तेषु सद्मसु। रत्नभित्तिकरस्तोमैः प्रकाशो व्यरचि स्फुटम्॥१७॥
“Although the sun’s rays have no access to those chambers, masses of jeweled walls produce a clear radiance within them. Maṅgalā completes her description of the bower
Passage 18
येषु वल्लीनिकेतेषु दुर्लभः पवनागमः। तेषु वातायनद्वारा कृतोऽतिसुलभो मया॥१८॥
“Where the wind could scarcely enter those vine residences, I have made its arrival effortless through windows and doorways.
Passage 19
प्रकाशितप्रदीपाभेनैव चाम्पेयकोरकैः। क्रियते परमा शोभा मध्ये कुञ्जनिकेतनम्॥१९॥
“Campaka buds shine like lighted lamps, producing supreme beauty within the bower dwelling.
Passage 20
कर्पूरागुरुकस्तूरीकुङ्कुमद्रवसौरभैः। आयाति रुचिरो वायुः समन्तात्कुञ्जसद्मसु॥२०॥
“A lovely wind enters the bower chambers from every side, fragrant with camphor, agarwood, musk, and liquid saffron.
Passage 21
विलसदभिनवश्रीरोचमानं वसन्ता- द्यृतुसमुदयलीलाभाजनत्वं प्रयातम्। रसपतिबहुकेलीकौशलोद्योगबीजं प्रमुदवनमिदानीं दृश्यतां सानुरागम्॥२१॥
“Now lovingly behold the Pramoda forest, radiant with ever-fresh splendor, become the playground where Spring and all the seasons rise together—the seed from which the lord of rasa’s skill in countless pastimes unfolds.” Maṇḍalā promises to conceal the lovers’ play Maṇḍalā said:
Passage 22
मया त्वत्केलिसम्प्राप्त्यै सर्वेषां व्रजवासिनाम्। आच्छाद्य चित्तज्ञानानि प्रेमवृद्धिर्वितन्यते॥२२॥
“To secure your play, I cover the mental awareness of all Vraja’s residents and extend the growth of your love.
Passage 23
न किञ्चिल्लक्ष्यते भेदो युवयोः प्रेमगोचरः। अभिज्ञा अपि पश्यन्ति मूढवद्व्रजवासिनः॥२३॥
“Not the slightest distinction revealing the sphere of your mutual love can be perceived. Even perceptive residents of Vraja look on as though bewildered.
Passage 24
युवयोः प्रेमलेशोऽपि न कस्यचिदपि प्रिये। दृष्टिगोचरतां याति ततः केलिर्निरन्तरा॥२४॥
“Beloved, not even a trace of the love between you two enters anyone’s sight; therefore your play may continue without interruption.
Passage 25
मन्यते कुशलो गोपो भवतीं पार्श्ववर्तिनीम्। इत्यज्ञातरतिक्रीडा रमस्व प्रेयसा सह॥२५॥
“The worthy cowherd believes you remain nearby. Thus, your love play unknown, sport with your beloved.
Passage 26
प्रत्यक्षापि त्वदासक्तिलेखा श्रीरामचन्द्रके। न लक्ष्यते व्रजजनैरिति मे महिमा स्फुटम्॥२६॥
“Although your attachment to Śrī Rāmacandra is directly before them, the people of Vraja cannot perceive even its trace. This plainly displays my power.
Passage 27
दृष्ट्वापि रासदयिते नित्यं रतिमतीं स्फुटम्। मन्यते गोकुलेऽनन्यपातिव्रत्यं पतिस्तव॥२७॥
“Beloved of the rāsa, although your husband constantly sees you visibly full of love, he considers your fidelity unique throughout Gokula.
Passage 28
चतुर्याममिताकारां त्रियामामपि कामिनि। ब्रह्मायुर्यापनोदीर्णां करिष्यामि न संशयः॥२८॥
“Passionate one, I will make even a night measured by four watches expand to the duration of Brahmā’s life—there is no doubt.
Passage 29
गुरूणां दृष्टिमाच्छाद्य मातृणां दुष्टचेतसाम्। पिशुनानामपि नृणां केलीं संवर्धये तव॥२९॥
“Veiling the sight of elders, ill-minded matrons, slanderers, and other people, I shall increase your play.
Passage 30
रहस्यं युवयोः कान्ते देवानामप्यगोचरम्। इति विज्ञाय निःशङ्कं रमस्व त्वमनुक्षणम्॥३०॥
“Beloved, the secret of you two is beyond even the gods. Knowing this, sport fearlessly at every moment.
Passage 31
कुञ्जे मृदङ्गसाहस्रसम्भवो घोष उच्चकैः। पटुश्रवणयुक्तानामपि नित्यमगोचरः॥३१॥
“Even the loud sound produced by a thousand mṛdaṅgas within the bower will forever remain beyond the ears of those possessing the keenest hearing.
Passage 32
कुतस्तरामङ्गभूषाघोषः स्याच्छ्रुतिगोचरः। इति विज्ञाय रमय गीतवाद्यपुरःसरम्॥३२॥
“How, then, could the sound of bodily ornaments reach anyone’s hearing? Know this and delight your beloved amid song and instrumental music—
Passage 33
प्रियं त्वत्केलिसोत्कण्ठं क्षणविश्लेषपीडितम्। सहजानन्दिनीप्राणजीवातुं मदनार्तिदम्॥३३॥
“your beloved who longs for your play and suffers from even a moment’s separation, the life-restoring medicine of Sahajānandinī’s heart, yet himself tormented by Love.
Passage 34
तव लीलारसाभिज्ञा तन्मात्रविहिताश्रया। त्वामानेतुमहं प्राप्ता सहजे सुखय प्रियम्॥३४॥
“I know the rasa of your play and exist solely to support it. Sahajā, I have come to bring you; go delight your beloved.
Passage 35
तव केलिविनोदेन प्रमोदवनवास्तवाः। कल्पयन्ति मुदं पूर्णां पशुपक्षिगणा अपि॥३५॥
“Through the delight of your play, even the animals and birds dwelling in the Pramoda forest experience complete joy.” Maṅgalā introduces Rāma’s songs of the seasons Maṅgalā said:
Passage 36
सत्यं श्रीमण्डलादेवी वदतीति विचिन्तय। आवां हि सहजानन्दे तव लीलाप्रवर्तिके॥३६॥
“Understand that the goddess Śrī Maṇḍalā speaks the truth. Sahajānandā, we two are indeed the facilitators of your play.
Passage 37
अथ तेऽहं प्रवक्ष्यामि गीता रामेण गाथिकाः। ऋतुषट्कं समालम्ब्य विरही याः प्रगायति॥३७॥
“I shall now recite for you the verses Rāma sings in separation, taking the six seasons as their theme.
Passage 38
शृङ्गाररससम्पृक्ताः स्वयं रामेण निर्मिताः। आकर्ण्य सहजे गाथास्तत्परा त्वं भविष्यसि॥३८॥
“Rāma himself composed these songs, wholly infused with amorous rasa. Hearing them, Sahajā, you will become completely intent upon him.
Passage 39
एकैकमृतुमालोक्य मण्डपेषु पृथक्पृथक्। सङ्कल्पयंस्त्वन्मिलनं रामो वर्णयति स्म ह॥३९॥
“Beholding each season separately within its own pavilion, Rāma imagined his union with you and described it. Rāma’s rainy-season song
Passage 40
अवलीढगाढपरिपाकलसन्नवलीमिलद्घनवनप्रतिमम्। रावलीभवत्तनुतडिद्विरहः कवलीकरोति घनजन्मतमः॥४०॥
“The massed forest of dense, ripened clouds appears like a fresh dark canopy, its slender lightning becoming a radiant line; yet the darkness born of those clouds engulfs one who suffers separation.
Passage 41
जलमावृणोति जगतीं जटिलं बलमादधाति मदनो धनुषि। कलमालपन्ति परितः शिखिनः कलमाकुला कलय भूमिरियम्॥४१॥
“Water covers the earth; Love places formidable force upon his bow. Peacocks call melodiously on every side—see how the earth is filled with their cries.
Passage 42
अवनी समुल्लसति कन्दलिनी धवनीपसौरभि विभाति वनम्। नवनीलनीरदि विरोति वियद्धवनीभवन्ति परदेशिजनाः॥४२॥
“The earth shines with new shoots; the forest glows fragrant with dhava and nīpa blossoms. The sky resounds beneath fresh blue rain clouds, while travelers in foreign lands become desolate.
Passage 43
हरितः स्फुरन्ति हरिताल्पतृणैः सरितः पतन्त्युभयकूलगताः। तरितस्करा इव घनैः पवनाः परितः शनैर्विरहिजीवहराः॥४३॥
“The quarters flash green with tender grasses; rivers rush between their two banks. Winds move slowly around the clouds like stealthy thieves, stealing the life of those in separation. The rainy season deepens separation
Passage 44
नयनाम्बुभिर्विरहिणां जलदाः शयनान्तरायगुणतां दधति। अथ नान्तरञ्चति कदम्बकुलं जघनान्तरीयकतया मदतः॥४४॥
“Clouds, joined by the tears in separated lovers’ eyes, acquire the power to obstruct their beds. Drunken masses of kadamba blossoms form a garment around the earth’s waist.
Passage 45
मदनाशुगा नवकदम्बमयाः कदनानि यद्विरहिणां दधति। सदनानि सम्प्रति विहाय जनास्तदनाश्रिता न भवत प्रियया॥४५॥
“Love’s arrows, now made of fresh kadamba flowers, inflict torment upon those in separation. People abandon their houses; beloved, do not remain without shelter in such a time.
Passage 46
चपला क्षणं ननु चमत्कुरुते प्रपलाय्य गच्छति घनावृतिषु। अपलायिता नववधूरिव तन्न पलायनमीहते गृहव्यवधिम्॥४६॥
“Lightning dazzles for a moment and flees into coverings of cloud. Like a new bride who has not run away, she seeks the concealment of the house rather than open flight.
Passage 47
ज्वरकारणानि भृशमध्वजुषां करका लसन्ति भुवि तोयकणैः। स्मरकालवक्त्रगुलिकातुलिताः परकातरोरुमधुना न कथम्॥४७॥
“Hailstones shine upon the earth with drops of water, producing fever in those who travel the road. How could they not terrify the already fearful, like pellets fired from the deathly mouth of Love? Autumn follows the rains
Passage 48
हरदाहितस्मरविभूतिमहावरदायिनः कुमुदकाशरुचिः। ज्वरदारुणाः सपदि पान्थजनाः शरदागता कथय कात्र गतिः॥४८॥
“The brilliance of white lotuses and kāśa grass resembles the sacred ash of Love burned by Hara and grants great boons; yet travelers remain fiercely fevered. Autumn has arrived—tell me, where can they go?
Passage 49
अहिमालिकेव विगताश्रततिर्महिमानमेति पुनरेव नभः। सहिमातपरुचमुपैति विधुर्न हि सानसम्बुजदृशाद्रियते॥४९॥
“Freed from its garland of serpentlike clouds, the sky regains its greatness. The moon assumes the cool brilliance of frost, yet without the lotus-eyed beloved it brings no comfort.
Passage 50
धरणी विभाति गतपङ्कचया शरणी पुनः प्रकटभावसिता। तरणीयतां क्वचिदुपैति सरित्तरणीभिरासद तेन गृहम्॥५०॥
“The earth shines after its masses of mud have gone, and the roads again become clearly visible. Rivers can once more be crossed here and there by boats—therefore come home.
Passage 51
शिरसि भस्म समभाव्य तपद्धिदुरं तदश्रुमणितुलनिभम्। वियद्विभाति तनु नाकमहो विदुरञ्जसा यदिदमिन्द्रधनुः॥५१॥
“The subtle sky shines as though sacred ash had been placed upon its head, while the distant rainbow gleams like a jeweled line born from tears.
Passage 52
जितरोचना नवरुचिः सुमुखी हितरोषितापि न दधाति रुषम्। इतरोऽपि सद्म न जहाति निजं सितरोचिषोज्ज्वलमुदीक्ष्य नभः॥५२॥
“The lovely-faced one, newly radiant and surpassing every other beauty, cannot maintain anger even when affectionately offended. Seeing the sky bright with white light, no one wishes to leave his own home.
Passage 53
कमलं विहाय वसुधावलये कमलङ्करोति न निजादयितः। अमलो विधिस्तदिदमुल्लसितं समलं कलङ्कमिषतः कुरुते॥५३॥
“Leaving the lotus behind upon the circle of earth, the beloved moon adorns the world; though spotless in nature, he displays a slight stain as if by destiny.
Passage 54
करुणारवं त्यजति चक्रवधूर्वरुणालये च शयनं मधुभित्। अरुणास्यदृष्टिरिव जागरिता तरुणार्कमण्डलमकल्पि जनैः॥५४॥
“The cakravāka hen gives up her plaintive cry, and Madhubhit rests upon the ocean. People imagine the young sun’s orb to be the awakened gaze of a red-faced beauty.
Passage 55
हरिणाङ्गना स्वपतिमाद्रियते हरिणाङ्कुसंवलनमेति निशा। हरिणांशुना रुचिमिताः ककुभो हरिणाजसेव नववल्लविकाः॥५५॥
“The doe honors her mate; night enters the embrace of the moon marked with a deer. The quarters gain beauty from his deer-soft rays, like young cowherd girls radiant with affection. Winter contracts the world
Passage 56
बलिना हिमेन कृतमन्दरुचं कलिना मुनीशमिव वीक्ष्य रविम्। नलिनानि लोपमुपयान्ति शनैरलिनाश्रयते क्वचन तद्विरहात्॥५६॥
“Seeing the sun’s radiance weakened by powerful frost, as a great sage is dimmed by the age of Kali, lotuses slowly disappear and bees lose their places of refuge.
Passage 57
दिवसं तु सङ्कुचदतिशीतवशादिव सम्प्रयाति रविररिनिदिशम्। निवसन्ति कान्तसहिताः सुदृशः शिवसहिताङ्गिरिजोपमिताः॥५७॥
“The day contracts under extreme cold, and the sun seems to enter the enemy’s quarter. Beautiful women remain beside their beloveds, resembling Girijā joined bodily with Śiva.
Passage 58
अजनीद्द्वियामवितता रात्रिस्तथा रजनी दिनेन लघुतानुगता। व्रजनीतिनावनवरेण यथा न जनीहिता न शिशुना महता॥५८॥
“Night has expanded by two watches while day has become brief. The balance of time is overturned, as when the welfare of elders is displaced by the young.
Passage 59
शिशिरस्पृशं विततमिन्दुमणिदृशिरं धमत्प्रकृत्कृतिभिः। दिशि रन्तुमेति दहनस्य रविर्निशि रङ्गमाश्रयति कामिजनः॥५९॥
“The moonstone spreads a winter-cold touch; the sun seeks the quarter of fire, while at night lovers take refuge in the chamber of pleasure.
Passage 60
ललितं सुधाकरवदूर्ध्वदृशां चलितं हिमेन रविबिम्बमभूत्। स्खलितं हिमं बहु कुहेलिकया पलितं दिशामिव जनैरकलि॥६०॥
“The sun’s disk, lovely as the moon to upward-looking eyes, appears shaken by frost. Thick falling mist is taken by people for the gray hair of the quarters.
Passage 61
धरणीसुरादशनवेणिकतां करणीयमज्जनवशाद्धृतः। अरणीषु वह्निमतिमय्यकिणाभरणीभवन्ति करजाङ्गुलिभिः॥६१॥
“Brāhmaṇas resort to heated water for bathing; people crowd around kindled fires, their fingers becoming ornaments as they stretch their hands toward the flame.
Passage 62
भवनानि नैव जहतीह जनाः पवना वहन्ति न तु नभोभिदः। न वनानि यान्ति मुनयोऽपि सदा हवनाय बिभ्रति रात्रौ ज्वलने॥६२॥
“People do not leave their houses, and no sky-cleaving winds blow. Even sages do not enter the forests; at night they constantly maintain fire for sacrifice.
Passage 63
विहिताश्रयस्य दहनावृतिभिः पिहितामवेति नवतूलपटैः। स्निहितारहारपरिहारवती निहिता हृदि प्रियतमा यदि न॥६३॥
“Though sheltered by encircling fires and wrapped in new cotton cloths, a man finds no relief from the cold unless his affectionate beloved rests in his heart. Spring awakens Love’s army
Passage 64
मधुना विकासितमिदं विपिनं मधुनाशिनेव रघुवंशकुलम्। मधुना कुलानि मुदितान्यलिनां मधुना कथं कथय कानुकथा॥६४॥
“Spring has opened this forest just as Madhunāśin made the Raghu lineage flourish. The families of bees rejoice in honey—tell me, what story can equal the sweetness of this season?
Passage 65
तरवः स्फुरन्ति विविधैः कुसुमैर्मधु पिबत्यलिगणोऽत्र मधु। स्मरवस्तु किञ्चन विरोति पिकीमरवः परं विधिवशात्पथिकाः॥६५॥
“Trees flash with varied blossoms and swarms of bees drink honey. Love’s substance rises in the cuckoo’s call, while travelers suffer under fate.
Passage 66
सति कानने कुसुमिते मनसा कति कामिनो न कलयन्ति मुदम्। रतिकामुकज्वलनदाववशादतिकातरानिह विना पथिकान्॥६६॥
“When the forest is flowering, what lovers fail to feel joy in their hearts? Only travelers, terribly distressed in Love’s forest fire, are excluded.
Passage 67
मलयानिलस्खलनलोलतलाः सख्या इव प्रतिलसन्ति लताः। वलयानि गुञ्जदलिपुञ्जमिषात्कलयन्ति हन्त बल्यन्त्य इव॥६७॥
“Vines sway beneath the passing Malaya breeze and shine like playful companions; clusters of humming bees seem to become bracelets upon their arms.
Passage 68
समदालिशालिकुसुमालिभरान्नमदङ्गतां दधति भूमिरिह। क्रमदारुणे पथि निजे मदनः कमदादयं न मधुमासि जनम्॥६८॥
“The earth bends beneath masses of proud bees and rows of flowers. In this spring month, Love follows his cruel path and spares no person from longing.
Passage 69
स बकोऽत्र मौनमुरीकुरुते नवकोकिलोऽतिकलमालपति। भवकोटरे मिलति शालिफले यवकोद्रवे कथय कस्य रुचिः॥६९॥
“The crane embraces silence while the fresh cuckoo sings with surpassing sweetness. When rice fills the household granary, tell me who retains a taste for barley or coarse kodrava grain?
Passage 70
नवतण्डुलैरतनुभक्तिपरा यवतन्तुभिः कुसुमानि शनैः। अवतंसयन्ति सुरभौ स्मृतिभिः स्वतन्त्रनिर्णयविदो वनिताः॥७०॥
“Women deeply devoted to fresh rice and versed in choosing freely adorn themselves slowly with flowers threaded upon barley fibers, remembering the fragrant season.
Passage 71
यदनन्तषट्चरणचक्रनिभाच्छदनं यदा भ्रमसि जालनिभम्। नदनं पिकस्य विजयध्वनयस्तदनङ्गसैन्यपतिरेष मधुः॥७१॥
“Endless wheels of six-footed bees spread like a net overhead, and the cuckoo’s call becomes a cry of victory: Spring is the commander of Love’s army. Summer concludes the six-season song
Passage 72
जलमज्जनेऽधिकरुचिं जनयन् कलमद्भुतं परभृतान् विनयन्। नलमत्स्यकेलिकुतुकानि हरन् नलमल्पयन्निशमपेति तपः॥७२॥
“The heat creates a stronger desire to plunge into water; it draws forth a wondrous soft note and brings even the cuckoos to restraint. It steals the delight of play among reeds and fish, and then passes away while making the night ever shorter.
Passage 73
पनसातिसौरभविशेषभरा मनसाममन्दमुदमादधते। घनसारचन्दनरसग्रहणेन न सादरः सकल एष जनः॥७३॥
“The extraordinary abundance of the jackfruit’s fragrance brings no slight joy to the mind. At this season everyone eagerly takes up camphor and cooling sandal paste.
Passage 74
सविता तथा तपति हन्त यथा न चितायतेऽहनि निशीव जनैः। जविताश्रितः शिखिकलापभरः सवितानको भवति भोगिगणः॥७४॥
“Alas, the sun burns so fiercely that people treat the daytime as though it were night. Pleasure-seekers hurry into shelter, where broad masses of peacock-feather fans become their canopy.
Passage 75
अहनीह शोणितपुरीव शुचौ महनीयतीव्रकटुतापवशात्। दहनीयतामुपगता धरणिः सहनीयतां कथमुपैतु मम॥७५॥
“In the summer day the earth, subjected to an immense, fierce, biting heat, appears like a city of fire and has itself become fit to burn. How, then, can she become bearable to me?
Passage 76
अवधूनयन्ति लतिकाः सुमनोभवधूलिभिर्धवलिता मरुतः। न वधूजनं विरहितं न मुहुर्जीवधूतधीरतरुमूलशिखाः॥७६॥
“The winds, whitened by the pollen of flowers, shake the tender vines. They do not spare a bride parted from her beloved: again and again they shake out her very life, just as they shake the roots and crowns of steadfast trees.
Passage 77
क्षपयन्निशामतितरामनिशं जनयन्निशावधिकदीर्घमहः। तनयन्नदीरुपकरोति चिरं सनयं रथाङ्गमिथुनस्य तपः॥७७॥
“Constantly diminishing the night, producing a day far longer than night, and making the rivers thin, the season compassionately relieves for a long while the anguish of the cakravāka pair.
Passage 78
जलदानशीतलतरेषु शनैर्बलदायिषु स्मृतिभुवोऽनुपधि। नलदालयेषु शयनं नृपबहुलदात्तयो विदधते शबराः॥७८॥
“Forest dwellers prepare their beds in houses of fragrant nalada, cooled most deeply by the sprinkling of water. Such shelters slowly restore strength against the undisguised assault of Love.
Passage 79
तनुभासुरेऽभिनवमज्जनतो ननु भाग्यवानिह जनः सदने। अनुभावयत्यपि सुखं वनिता ननु भावनाशरणमेव मम॥७९॥
“A fortunate person, his body shining from a fresh bath, may indeed experience comfort within his house. But for me the beloved woman is found only by taking refuge in imagination.
Passage 80
सरसीकरोति हृदयं परितः सरसीषु मज्जनमुपास्य सुखम्। वरसीकरः सुममरन्दमयोऽधरसीत्कृतिश्च सुखकृत्सुदृशाम्॥८०॥
“Immersion in the lakes brings comfort and cools the heart on every side. A fine spray filled with flower nectar, together with the soft sound of lips, brings delight to lovely women.
Passage 81
अलकेषु शैत्यमधुना सुदृशां जलकेलिशीतलतरेषु रतम्। नलकेषु शीतलनिषिक्ततरस्थलकेषु च स्मरविलाससुखम्॥८१॥
“Coolness now rests in the tresses of lovely women absorbed in refreshing water play, in the lotus stalks, and upon well-sprinkled, cool ground. There the pleasures of Love’s sport are found. Rāma’s song gives way to longing
Passage 82
किमहमृतुसमूहं विस्तृतं वर्णयामि प्रसरति परितो मे तद्वियोगेन मूर्च्छा। यदि भवति समीपे कामिनी यामनीषा- द्युतिवदनविनोदात्तत्समस्तं सुखाय॥८२॥
“Why should I describe the whole cycle of seasons at such length? Faintness spreads through me on every side because I am separated from her. If the woman whom my heart desires were near, the play of her radiant face would turn all of this into happiness.
Passage 83
इयमियमुपयाता साङ्गनामौलिरत्नं नहि नहि नवकुञ्जे काञ्चनीवल्लरीयम्। अयमुदयति तस्याः पादमञ्जीरघोषो नहि नहि कलहंसोकान्तकेलीनिनादः॥८३॥
“Here she comes—the crown-jewel of all women! No, no; that is only a golden creeper in the fresh bower. Now the music of her anklets rises! No, no; it is only the amorous call of a royal swan.
Passage 84
जातं विस्मरणं किमेतदथवा श्वश्रूरभूद्विघ्नकृत् किं वा कामपि कामिनीं स्वहृदये संचिन्त्य रुष्टाभवत्। संकेतं मम दत्तवत्यवितथं तत्किं न सा प्रेयसी वक्रेन्दुद्युतिभिश्चिरादसुखयच्चेतश्चकोरं सखि॥८४॥
“Has she forgotten? Or has her mother-in-law become an obstacle? Or has she grown angry, imagining that I hold some other woman in my heart? The tryst she gave me was surely not false. Friend, why has my beloved not come and, after so long, delighted the cakora bird of my heart with the radiance of her moonlike face?
Passage 85
तावत् कुर्वन्तु मोहं मे दुर्बलस्य तु वेधकाः। यावन्नायाति रक्षित्री सा सेना स्मरभूपतेः॥८५॥
“Let Love’s piercing shafts bewilder me in my weakness only until she comes— the protectress who is herself the army of King Love.
Passage 86
इत्थं महाकवेस्तस्य श्रुत्वा रामस्य गाथिकाः। तदेकनिष्ठहृदया तमेव व्रज सत्वरम्॥८६॥
Maṅgalā said, “You have heard these songs of that great poet Rāma. With your heart fixed upon him alone, go to him quickly.” Lulitā arrives with Rāma’s message
Passage 87
सुकण्ठ उवाच इत्युत्साहितमानसा सपदि सा कामेश्वरस्याग्रत- स्ताभ्यां श्रीप्रमुदाटवीश्वरतमा लीलेश्वरीभ्यां पृथक्। नत्वा देवमुदग्रकामवरदं यावत्प्रयात्यन्तिकं तावन्नर्मसखी प्रियस्य ललिता नाम्ना ततोऽभ्याययौ॥८७॥
Sukaṇṭha said: “Thus encouraged, Sahajā at once bowed separately before the Lord of Love and the two sovereign ladies of the glorious Pramoda forest and its play. As she was about to approach the god who grants the highest gifts of love, an intimate companion of her beloved named Lulitā arrived there.
Passage 88
पुष्पभूषामत्रहस्ता सा निदेशकरीशितुः। उवाच सहजानन्दां स्मितमञ्जुलभाषिणी॥८८॥
“She carried flower ornaments in her hand and came in obedience to her lord’s command. Smiling and speaking sweetly, she addressed Sahajānandā.
Passage 89
लुलितोवाच सखि मध्यन्दिनात् किंचिदुत्तीर्णे रश्मिमालिनि। विहाय निद्रामुत्तस्थौ प्रियस्तव सविभ्रमम्॥८९॥
Lulitā said: “Friend, when the garlanded sun had passed a little beyond noon, your beloved abandoned sleep and rose with captivating grace.
Passage 90
संमार्जिताक्षिपक्ष्मास्यो राज्य[ज]वेशमनोहरः। शिखावलेरावणाद्यैर्निजनर्मसखैर्युतः॥९०॥
“Having refreshed his eyes, lashes, and face, he looked enchanting in royal dress. He was accompanied by his intimate companions, beginning with Śikhāvalī and Rāvaṇa.
Passage 91
नन्दिग्रामाद्विनिःसृत्य प्रमोदवनमागतः। गुञ्जन्मधुकरारावरमणीयतमद्रुमम्॥९१॥
“Leaving Nandigrāma, he came to Pramoda forest, whose supremely lovely trees resounded with the humming of bees.
Passage 92
कूजत्कोकिलनिध्वानयुक्तान्तरतरुगह्वरम्। लवङ्गलतिकामोदसुवासितदिगन्तरम्॥९२॥
“The recesses among its trees echoed with calling cuckoos, and every quarter was perfumed by the fragrance of clove creepers.
Passage 93
पृथक् पृथङ्मण्डपेषु ऋतुषट्कनिषेवितम्। राजहंसकुलक्वाणमनोज्ञसरसीशतम्॥९३॥
“In separate pavilions it was served by all six seasons, and it held hundreds of delightful lakes filled with the calls of royal swans.
Passage 94
अथ गाः पाययित्वासौ सारसं विमलं जलम्। निदेश्य लक्ष्मणं तासां रक्षणाय विचक्षणम्॥९४॥
“He then gave the cows clear lake water to drink and instructed discerning Lakṣmaṇa to remain there and protect them. Lulitā names Rāma’s flower-gathering companions
Passage 95
निजनित्यसखैर्युक्तः स्वयं सङ्केतमागतः। सखि मञ्जुवटे तस्याः सख्यस्ताः सङ्गता वयम्॥९५॥
“Accompanied by his eternal intimate companions, he personally came to the rendezvous. Friend, we companions gathered there at the lovely banyan tree.
Passage 96
लुलिताहं मञ्जुलान्या कोकिला कलकण्ठिका। कलहंसी कलालापा मधुरा च वनप्रिया॥९६॥
“I am Lulitā; the others are Mañjulā, Kokilā, Kalakaṇṭhikā, Kalahamsī, Kalālāpā, Madhurā, and Vanapriyā.
Passage 97
लोला शीला नवैवास्याः सख्यः कमललोचनाः। आसनाशनपानादौ सहचर्यः सुचित्रिताः॥९७॥
“With Lolā and Śīlā, we are his nine lotus-eyed companions, skilled in attending him with seats, food, drink, and other services.
Passage 98
युवयोः केलिरसिकाः कृष्णायाः प्रतिपक्षिकाः। सङ्गताभिस्ततोऽस्माभिः प्रियः केलिकलापटुः॥९८॥
“We relish the play of you two and stand opposed to Kṛṣṇā’s party. When we had assembled, your beloved, expert in the arts of play, Rāma fashions Sahajā’s flower ornaments
Passage 99
भूयोऽवचययामास पुष्पाणि सखि भूरिशः। त्वदर्थे भूषाविधये स्वयं चावचिकाय सः॥९९॥
“had us gather a great abundance of flowers, friend, and he himself gathered them to fashion ornaments for you.
Passage 100
अवचीयातिविकचलताभ्यः पुष्पधोरणीम्। सखीभिर्गुम्फयामास विविधाः खलु मालिकाः॥१००॥
“Collecting streams of flowers from the vines in fullest bloom, he had the companions weave many different garlands.
Passage 101
जुगुम्फ चातिचतुरः स्वयमप्येष वल्लभः। हारकेयूररशनाकङ्कणादीन् पृथक्पृथक्॥१०१॥
“Your exceedingly clever beloved himself separately wove necklaces, armlets, girdles, bracelets, and other ornaments.
Passage 102
कदम्बचम्पकस्वर्णयूथिकास्वर्णजातिभिः। अपराजितायाः पुष्पाणि नीलोत्पलदलानि च॥१०२॥
“He used kadamba, campaka, golden yūthikā and golden jāti flowers, aparājitā blossoms, and petals of blue lotuses.
Passage 103
एकीकृत्य जुगुम्फासौ हारान् सखि विचक्षणः। अन्यानि चापि पीतानि नीलानि च महामतिः॥१०३॥
“Combining them, that discerning and greatly intelligent one wove necklaces, friend, together with other yellow and blue flowers.
Passage 104
संयोज्य रचयाञ्चक्रे हारकेयूरकादिकान्। वेणीताटङ्कवतंसकाञ्चीकङ्कणनूपुरान्॥१०४॥
“Arranging them together, he created necklaces, armlets, braid ornaments, earrings, ear-flowers, girdles, bracelets, and anklets.
Passage 105
सानुरागो विनिर्माय भूषाः सर्वाङ्गगोचराः। इमास्ता मम हस्तेऽसावर्पयित्वा ततः सखि॥१०५॥
“Lovingly fashioning ornaments for every limb, he placed all these in my hands, friend,
Passage 106
सद्यः सम्प्रेषयामास त्वत्समीपं स्मरातुरः। स उवाचातिमधुरमिदं वाक्यं मम प्रियः॥१०६॥
“and, tormented by love, immediately sent me to you. Your beloved spoke these exceedingly sweet words to me: Rāma’s urgent message
Passage 107
लुलिते परिधाप्यैता भूषास्तां प्राणवल्लभाम्। द्रुतमानय चावङ्गीमिमं देशं मनोहरम्॥१०७॥
“‘Lulitā, dress my beloved, who is dearer than life, in these ornaments and quickly bring that graceful-limbed girl to this delightful place.
Passage 108
द्रुततरमभिसार्य तां किशोरीमपहर मे विरहं तापकर्तप्तम्। सुखयतु सततं तदाननेन्दुश्चिरतरतापवहौ च दृक्चकोरौ॥१०८॥
“‘Bring the young girl to the rendezvous with utmost speed and remove the separation that scorches me with burning anguish. May the moon of her face continually delight my cakora-like eyes, which have long borne this pain.
Passage 109
यथा विलम्बते कान्ता त्रपाललितमन्मथा। तथावसीदन्ति मम गात्राणि विरहाग्निना॥१०९॥
“‘The longer my beloved, whose love is adorned by bashfulness, delays, the more my limbs sink in the fire of separation.
Passage 110
यदवधि हृदयं जहार सा मे द्रुतकनकोत्तमकान्तिगात्रयष्टिः। तदवधि समभूत्सखि प्रवासो मम हृदयाच्च विलोचनात्सुखस्य॥११०॥
“‘Since that bodily form, radiant like the finest molten gold, stole my heart, friend, happiness has departed from both my heart and my eyes.
Passage 111
तन्मुखेन्दुप्रकाशेन विना सखि दिशोऽखिलाः। अन्धकारकुलाक्रान्ता इव सम्प्रति भान्ति मे॥१११॥
“‘Without the light of the moon of her face, friend, every direction now appears to me overwhelmed by hosts of darkness.’
Passage 112
इति मुहुर्मुहुरुक्तिशतेन मां स विनिबोध्य सखि त्वदुपान्तिकम्। प्रियतमो विससर्ज विलग्नधीस्तव पदाम्बुजनूपुरकध्वनौ॥११२॥
“Speaking hundreds of such statements again and again, friend, your beloved instructed and sent me to your side, his mind fixed upon the anklet sound of your lotus feet.
Passage 113
नातः परं विलम्बस्ते कर्तव्यः सहजेश्वरि। प्रियप्रेषितभूषाभिर्भूषयित्वा तनुं व्रज॥११३॥
“Sahajeśvarī, you must delay no longer. Adorn your body with the ornaments your beloved sent and go.” Sahajā leaves for the rendezvous Sukaṇṭha said:
Passage 114
ततो विभूष्य रमणी प्रसूनाभरणैस्तनुम्। शनैः शनैस्ततः स्थानात्प्रतस्थे हंसगामिनी॥११४॥
The swan-gaited young woman then adorned her body with flower ornaments and slowly set out from that place. Colophon इति श्रीमदादिरामायणे ब्रह्मभुशुण्डसंवादे पूर्वखण्डे दशरथयात्रायां व्रजागमने षड्विंशाधिकशततमोऽध्यायः॥ १२६ ॥ “Thus ends Chapter 126, concerning the coming to Vraja within Daśaratha’s pilgrimage, in the Pūrva-khaṇḍa of the dialogue of Brahmā and Bhuśuṇḍi in the venerable Ādi Rāmāyaṇa.” Source control note Chapter 126 occupies registered source leaves 886–895 of the Pūrva-khaṇḍa volume (physical PDF pages 887–896). The edition prints passages 1–114 in a continuous sequence. Chapter 127 begins below the Chapter 126 colophon on the final physical page. The edition’s footnote beneath passage 4 states that the Rewa witness lacks the text from that point through passage 109. The complete printed text is retained from the primary 1975 edition; within that witness gap, especially in the dense sound-play of the six-season songs, the English resolves only what the immediate syntax and narrative securely support. All ten source pages were reviewed directly against the scan in batches of no more than two rendered pages, and the English is a fresh translation from the scan-controlled Sanskrit.