Passage 1
उवाच ताः स्मितज्योत्स्नाधूतविक्लेशतापिकाः। वक्रोक्तिकवितावेधाः श्रीरामो मोदयन्मनः॥१॥
Śrī Rāma addressed them, delighting their hearts. The moonlight of his smile dispelled their burning distress, while the artful poetry of his indirect words pierced deeply. Śrī Rāma said:
Passage 2
अहो हि साहसं स्त्रीणां भीरूणां दृष्टमद्भुतम्। यद् यूयं त्यक्तसर्वस्वा गोकुलान्मामुपागताः॥२॥
“How astonishing is the courage I have seen in women ordinarily so timid! Abandoning everything in Gokula, all of you have come to me.
Passage 3
स तादृक्षः पन्था लुलितरसनाभीमभुजगी- सहस्रैराकीर्णस्तिमिरपटलीभीषणतरः। अतिक्रान्तः कान्ताः कथमिव तदप्यस्तु कुलजा रसज्ञा दुर्वाचां विषजलनिधिर्नैव सुतरः॥३॥
“Lovely ones, how did you cross that road, crowded with thousands of dreadful serpents whose tongues flickered and made still more terrible by masses of darkness? Yet let that be. For women born in honorable families and sensitive to feeling, the poison ocean of harsh words is not so easily crossed.
Passage 4
अनेकान्तं याताः कथमिव वतागारपतिभि- र्यतो दासीदासद्रविणसुतसम्बन्धकुशलम्। इतोऽपि युष्माकं क इव पुरुषः शंसतु गुणान् समाख्यातुं यत्राहमपि लघुशक्तिः समभवम्॥४॥
“How did you escape the many-sided vigilance of the masters of your homes, skilled in managing maidservants, servants, wealth, children, and family ties? What man could adequately praise your qualities when even my own power to describe them has become slight?
Passage 5
इदानीमप्यस्त्वक्षतकुलकथानां किमपि वः कुलं वोढुं कालो व्रजत निजगृहान् पालयत भोः। चिरं तु स्थित्वा मम सविध आभीरदयिता गुणैर्मुक्ता दोषान्तरतनवो भास्यथ भुवि॥५॥
“Even now some remnant of your unstained family reputation may remain. It is time to preserve your houses—go back to your own homes. If you stay long near me, O cowherd beloveds, you will appear in the world stripped of virtue and clothed instead in fault.
Passage 6
कुलं शीलं दाक्ष्यं स्वजनविभवो गौरवगुणाः स्वरूपाद्या मां वै वशयितुमलं नैव जगति। परं त्वेकं प्रेम प्रभवति वशीकारविधये ममात्यन्तक्षेमप्रवितरणदक्षस्य सुदृशः॥६॥
“Family, character, skill, the wealth of one’s kin, dignity, beauty, and the rest are never sufficient to bring me under anyone’s control. Only love can bind me, O beautiful-eyed women—for I am expert at bestowing the highest well-being.
Passage 7
तदेतेन प्रेम्णा सहजरमणीयेन सुदृशो वरोऽहं युष्माकं कथयत भयं किं तु करवै। तथा कार्यं किन्तु प्रसरति कलङ्को न च यथा कुलं वा नो भज्येच्च न भवति लज्जापगमनम्॥७॥
“Through this naturally beautiful love I am indeed yours as a boon, lovely-eyed ones. Tell me what fear troubles you and what I should do. Yet it must be done so that scandal does not spread, your families are not broken, and modesty does not depart.
Passage 8
अतो वो मद्दीक्ष्यावधिरयमजस्रं विलसतु प्रियाः प्रेमक्षेमाकर इति विमृश्यैव मनसि। व्रजन्तु स्वस्थानं न पुनरिह मत्पार्श्वविषये चिराय स्थातव्यं तदिदमपि बुद्ध्या विमृशत॥८॥
“Therefore let this vision of me shine forever as the consummation of your vow. Reflect in your hearts, ‘Our beloved is the treasury that safeguards love,’ and return to your own places. You should not remain here beside me for long—consider this carefully.
Passage 9
राकाहिमकरद्योतद्योतितां रजनीमिमाम्। वीक्ष्यापसर्पततमां परपूरुषपार्श्वतः॥९॥
“See this night illuminated by the cool brilliance of the full moon and now withdraw from the side of another man.
Passage 10
स्त्रीणां हि निर्मितो धर्मो विधिनायं सनातनः। न वै यत् परपूरुषयोगप्रशंसा क्वचिदीक्ष्यते॥१०॥
“Providence established this eternal duty for women; nowhere is union with a man other than one’s husband praised.
Passage 11
तदा वः प्रमदाः सत्यं मया दत्तो महान् वरः। भोगः स्वर्गापवर्गौ च यदिष्टं तत्तु गृह्यताम्॥११॥
“Women, the great boon I gave you remains true. Choose whatever you desire— enjoyment, heaven, or liberation.
Passage 12
अहं राम इति ख्यातो रामास्त्रिभुवने नृणाम्। अकृष्टः कर्मभिर्नूनं रमयामि यतो मनः॥१२॥
“I am famed as Rāma, the delight of people throughout the three worlds, because, untouched by karmic compulsion, I bring joy to their minds.
Passage 13
न सदाचरितं कश्चिद् विघातुं क्षमते जनः। येन स्वस्यैव दोषेण तथा कुर्वन्नधो व्रजेत्॥१३॥
“No one may violate righteous conduct, for by doing so one falls through one’s own fault.
Passage 14
एका च मे सहचरी सहजानन्दिनी प्रिया। तया निर्दिष्टविषये ममात्यावश्यकी कृतिः॥१४॥
“I have one beloved companion, Sahajānandinī. I act only where she has directed me, and her direction is binding upon me.
Passage 15
नूनं गच्छत सद्गृहान् न च स्थातुमिहोचिताः। धवलं वः कुलं नो वा तदङ्कयितुमर्हथ॥१५॥
“Surely you should return to your honorable homes; it is not proper to remain here. You must not stain the spotless honor of your families.
Passage 16
अहमात्मात्मनां वामा यदि प्रियतमोऽस्मि वः। जने स्वपतिरूपे तन्निःशङ्कं रमत स्त्रियः॥१६॥
“Fair women, if I—the Self of all selves—am most beloved to you, then delight in me without fear in the person of your own husbands.
Passage 17
असाधारणता वा चेन्मयि युष्माभिरीक्षिता। तर्ह्यनेनैव रूपेण सदा भावयताबलाः॥१७॥
“Or if you perceive something unique in me, then, O women, contemplate me forever in this very form.
Passage 18
अतिमात्रमुदीक्ष्यापि रूपं मम सुमेक्षणाः। विहाय कामनां बाधां सुखं वर्तध्वमङ्गनाः॥१८॥
“Having gazed fully upon my form, O beautiful-eyed women, give up the torment of desire and live happily.
Passage 19
जानामि मत्प्रणयिनामहं दुःखमयं तमः। तन्निरासाय सततं मुखचन्द्रं प्रदर्शये॥१९॥
“I know the sorrowful darkness suffered by those who love me. To dispel it, I continually reveal the moon of my face.” Rāma completes his outward instruction
Passage 20
श्रुत्वा श्रोत्रपुटैश्चिरं रसनया संकीर्तनैश्चेतसा ध्यानैः सम्परिपाकमृच्छति मम प्रेम्णा प्रमेयातिगे। सम्प्राप्नोति ततश्च दर्शनसुखं जीवश्चिराद् दुर्लभं तन्मात्रेण कृतार्थतामुपगतो नान्यत्र कुर्यात् स्पृहाम्॥२०॥
“By hearing of me for a long time, singing my names with the tongue, and meditating with the mind, love for me—beyond all measure—ripens completely. The soul then attains the long-rare joy of seeing me. Fulfilled by that vision alone, it should desire nothing else.
Passage 21
अथ यान्यपतिस्पृहा स्त्रिया भुवने सा तु विनिन्दिता बुधैः। इति चेतसि संविमृश्य वः स्वपतिः सेव्यतमः परः पुमान्॥२१॥
“The wise condemn a woman’s desire for anyone other than her husband. Reflecting upon this in your hearts, serve your own husbands as the Supreme Person.
Passage 22
कल्याणमेष्यथ यथोदितधर्मकृत्याः संत्यागतो मुदमवाप्स्यथ नो तदर्हाः। लोकोत्तरामितगुणप्रकरास्पदानामेतावतालमुपदेशनिदेशनेन॥२२॥
“You will attain welfare by performing the duties just described; you do not deserve to abandon them and will gain no joy by doing so. You are repositories of countless qualities beyond this world, so let this much instruction be enough.
Passage 23
इति वो धर्मसन्देशं मया निगदितं मुहुः। सावधानतया ज्ञात्वा करिष्यथ यथोचितम्॥२३॥
“Thus I have repeatedly spoken this message of duty to you. Understand it carefully and do what is proper.” The women refuse every substitute for Rāma
Passage 24
इति श्रुत्वा प्रभोर्वाक्यं सर्वास्ता व्रजयोषितः। गिरा निवर्तनं बुद्ध्वा बभूवुः परमाकुलाः॥२४॥
Hearing these words of the Lord and understanding his speech as an order to return, all the women of Vraja became utterly distraught.
Passage 25
त्यक्तः साहजिको धर्मो यस्यार्थं लोक एव च। स चेत् त्यजेत् कमधुना शरणं याम पुरुषम्॥२५॥
“For his sake we abandoned both ordinary duty and the world. If he now abandons us, to what other person can we go for refuge?”
Passage 26
इत्थं विमृश्य सकलोऽयमसङ्घसारवैतथ्यसंजननजातमहार्तिमग्नाः। सद्यो विनष्टनिखिलाशतया विवर्णन्यञ्चन्मुखा अतनुतापनिपातदेहाः॥२६॥
Thinking in this way, they sank into immense anguish born from the apparent falsity and utter hollowness of everything. All hope vanished at once; their faces lost color and bent down, and their bodies collapsed beneath immeasurable pain.
Passage 27
दावाग्निशीलननितान्तमहोष्णवातसम्पत्तिभिः सुपुरुषद्वचनैः स्पृशन्त्यः। बिम्बोष्ठमात्तसुषमान्तरतापताम्र्यच्चित्ताः सुनिःसहतनूरुहणः प्रसक्ताः॥२७॥
The noble Lord’s words touched them like an intensely hot gale produced by a raging forest fire. Their bimba-red lips lost their beauty, their hearts reddened with inward burning, and their helpless bodies trembled and bristled.
Passage 28
एवं ब्रवीति कथमेष न इष्टसङ्गः प्राणप्रियः सखिवरः सुहृदात्मभूतः। इत्थं विचिन्त्य मुहुराहितशोकमङ्घ्र्य- ङ्गुष्ठकोणकुटिला लिलिखुर्धरित्रीम्॥२८॥
“How can he speak like this—he whose company we cherish, dearer than life, our finest friend, well-wisher, and very Self?” Thinking so again and again, they bent the edges of their great toes and traced the ground in grief.
Passage 29
यच्चिन्तया किमपि नीतसमस्तयामा कामान्धकारपिहिताखिलबोधमार्गाः। तस्मिन् पराङ्मुखतया वदतोदसेवं शून्याशयाः सकलगोपसुता बभूवुः॥२९॥
They had passed whole nights absorbed only in thought of him, every path of ordinary awareness covered by the darkness of desire. When he now spoke as if turning away from them, all the cowherd daughters felt their hearts become empty.
Passage 30
ऊचुः स्वरमणं सर्वा रामं कमललोचनम्। ज्ञात्वा पुरुषधौरेयं दुःखसन्तारदायकम्॥३०॥
Recognizing lotus-eyed Rāma as the foremost person who could carry them across sorrow, they all addressed their own beloved.
Passage 31
यन्नो निदेशयसि वीरवरातिहतैः स्निग्धास्त्वदेकविषयव्रतबन्धनद्धाः। बद्धाशयास्त्वयि चिरात्पुरुषप्रकाण्डे तत्ते विगर्हिततमं समुदारपाणे॥३१॥
“Best of heroes, we are tender women wounded by longing, bound by a vow whose sole object is you, our hearts long fastened upon you, the foremost person. That you should order us away is most unworthy of your supremely generous hand.
Passage 32
यदस्माभिः परित्यज्य त्वत्पादाब्जद्वयेऽर्पितम्। तच्चेतसापि न वयं प्रेक्ष्यामो धर्मकोविद॥३२॥
“Knower of dharma, whatever we abandoned and offered at your two lotus feet, we will not even look upon again in our minds.
Passage 33
अपि या लौकिकी प्रीतिस्तस्या अपि जगत्प्रिय। त्वामेवास्पदमालोच्य प्रपन्नाः शरणं हरे॥३३॥
“Beloved of the world, even the love called ordinary finds its true support in you alone. Knowing this, we have surrendered and taken refuge in you, Hari.
Passage 34
ये त्वां विहाय सुहृदं परात्मानं परायणम्। इतरत्र हृदा रक्तास्ते जनाः स्म वयं न च॥३४॥
“Those whose hearts become attached elsewhere after abandoning you—their friend, supreme Self, and final refuge—are ordinary people. We are not among them.
Passage 35
यन्मूलमानन्दकदम्बकस्य विहाय यत्तुच्छमरोषमेव। यस्यांशतश्च स्पृहणीयमेव तमेव देवं स्म गतिं प्रपन्नाः॥३५॥
“Why abandon the very root of every cluster of joy for something trivial and joyless, whose value is desirable only because it contains a fragment of his bliss? We have accepted that Lord alone as our refuge.
Passage 36
यत्क्वापि दूरं स भवान् गतिर्नः सत्कर्मधुरीः स्वप्रणयानुविद्धाः। नित्यप्रपन्नाखिलपालनोत्थं प्राणं विहास्यत्यखिलान्तरात्मन्॥३६॥
“Wherever you may go, even far away, you alone remain our destination. O Self within all, if you abandon those forever surrendered and pierced through by love for you, our lives themselves will depart.
Passage 37
अथो इमाः स्वप्रणयागता नः कैङ्कर्यकर्मोद्यमैकनिष्ठाः। आर्ता विशेषादवतो वतोच्चैर्यशस्तवातीव भवेद् बलिष्ठम्॥३७॥
“We have come through love for you, wholly intent upon the work of service. Protect these especially afflicted women, and your exalted fame will become still more powerful.” Rāma accepts their exclusive surrender
Passage 38
इत्यन्योन्यं नर्मसूक्तैर्मनोज्ञैराभाष्य गोप्यः स च गोकुलेन्दुः। रेमुर्निकुञ्जेषु कलाविशिष्टैः केलिप्रकारैः प्रणयप्रसक्तैः॥३८॥
After this charming exchange of playful words, the cowherd women and the moon of Gokula delighted in the bowers through artful varieties of love-play.
Passage 39
अनन्यधिषणा ज्ञात्वा कायेन मनसा गिरा। ताः स भगवान् रामोऽदधद्रेवं मनोहरम्॥३९॥
Lord Rāma recognized that in body, mind, and speech they possessed no thought of anyone else, and he began the enchanting play of love with them.
Passage 40
यावत्यो लौकिकीः क्रीडाः कामिनीनां च कामिनः। ताः सर्वा अभवंस्तत्र शृङ्गारपरिपोषिकाः॥४०॥
Every form of play known in the world between loving women and their beloved appeared there, now nourishing divine love.
Passage 41
विलोचनैरनिमेषैरीक्ष्याणाः प्रियाननम्। विसस्मरुर्विरहजं तापं ता व्रजयोषितः॥४१॥
Gazing without blinking upon their beloved’s face, the women of Vraja forgot the burning pain born from separation.
Passage 42
समवर्धत माधुर्यसागरः सहजापतेः। सकामनेव चात्मानं ददृशुर्व्रजसुन्दर्यः॥४२॥
The ocean of sweetness belonging to Sahajā’s Lord swelled higher, and the beauties of Vraja saw their own deepest desire embodied before them.
Passage 43
पूरयामास स प्रेयान् कामकेलिरसस्पृहाम्। तासां वदनपद्मानि चञ्चरीक इव प्रियः॥४३॥
Their beloved fulfilled their longing for the rasa of love-play, approaching the lotuses of their faces like a bee seeking nectar. The rāsa love-play blossoms
Passage 44
अपिबद्रूपमाधुर्यमकरन्दरसग्रहः। कपोलयोश्चिबुकयोरधरे नेत्रयोः पृथक्॥४४॥
Like a bee gathering nectar, the beloved drank the sweetness of their beauty, separately savoring their cheeks, chins, lips, and eyes.
Passage 45
अचुम्बदानन्दनिधिर्धन्या आभीरकन्यकाः। आलिङ्गन्त्यो मुमुदिरे लताः कल्पतरुं यथा॥४५॥
The treasury of bliss kissed the blessed cowherd maidens. Embracing him, they rejoiced like vines entwining a wish-fulfilling tree.
Passage 46
श्रीरामस्याङ्गसंस्पर्शादानन्दामृतसागरे। ममज्जुः सकला वामा अर्धोन्मीलितलोचनाः॥४६॥
At the touch of Śrī Rāma’s body, all the women sank into an ocean of blissful nectar, their eyes half closed.
Passage 47
एवमानन्दिताः कान्ताः प्रियेणामृतकेलिना। यथान्योन्यं जहुः क्लेशं सापत्न्यामर्षसम्भवम्॥४७॥
Thus delighted by their beloved’s nectarean play, the lovely women abandoned the mutual distress born from co-wifely jealousy.
Passage 48
विरेजिरे विविधविलासशालिनीः प्रियाङ्गा व्रजवरवामलोचनाः। लसत्सुधाजलधरमध्यसङ्गता यथाद्भुतास्तडित उदित्वरा त्विषः॥४८॥
The finest doe-eyed women of Vraja, rich in many playful arts and joined to their beloved’s body, shone like wondrous flashes of lightning rising amid a radiant cloud of nectar.
Passage 49
प्रियस्य पाणिद्वितयेन योषितो निजं समायोज्य करद्वयं पुरः। भ्रमन्त्य आसादितकेलिसम्भ्रमा बभूर्यथाग्रे चपलाः सुलालिताः॥४९॥
Placing both their hands into their beloved’s two hands, the women whirled in the excitement of play, moving gracefully before him like lovingly tended streaks of lightning.
Passage 50
क्रीडत्युच्चैर्दयितस्य सङ्गमे व्रजाङ्गनाः प्रेममनोभवेरिताः। मञ्जीरनादेन निकुञ्जवीथिका उद्घोषयामासुरिवात्तजागराः॥५०॥
Driven by love’s divine desire, the women of Vraja played exuberantly in union with their beloved. The sound of their anklets seemed to awaken and resound through every pathway of the bowers.
Passage 51
ताः कुञ्जमन्दारलताकदम्बकादिकानि पुष्पाण्यवचीय योषितः। विभूषयामासुरनङ्गजित्वरं प्रत्यङ्गमानन्दितमात्मनः प्रियम्॥५१॥
The women gathered flowers from mandāra vines, kadamba trees, and other bower plants. Delighting in every limb of their beloved, who conquered the god of love, they adorned him throughout.
Passage 52
उष्णीषकञ्चुकपटीकटिबन्धनाय प्राप्यै यथोचितमशेषवपुःस्थलेषु। सम्भूषितः प्रियतमो विभवैर्विशेषान्मूर्तो वसन्त इव पुष्पमयः सुगन्धिः॥५२॥
They placed flowers appropriately as turban, bodice, cloth, waistband, and ornaments over every part of his body. Adorned with such exceptional splendor, their fragrant beloved appeared like spring embodied entirely in flowers.
Passage 53
राकानिशाकरकरप्रकरोज्ज्वलायां रात्रौ कृतातिशयितस्मरकेलिरेषः। पुष्पावतंसकरितः शुशुभे शुभाङ्कच्छत्रं वहन्निव मनोभव एकराज्यः॥५३॥
On the night made brilliant by masses of full-moon rays, he performed unsurpassed love-play. Wearing a flower crest, he shone like Love’s sole emperor bearing the moon as his royal parasol.
Passage 54
प्रियोऽपि भूषयामास प्रेमवश्यमना वधूः। अपचीय प्रसूनानि लताभ्यो ललितानि सः॥५४॥
Their beloved, his heart governed by love, likewise adorned the women after gathering delicate flowers from the vines.
Passage 55
पादाङ्गुल्याभरणरशनादाममञ्जीरहार- स्रक्ताटङ्काङ्गदवलयिताङ्गुष्ठोत्तंसकाद्यैः। प्रत्यङ्गं ताः किमपि रचनावन्दिराकल्पवृन्दै- राभूष्यासौ सपदि कृतवान् कुञ्जसंफुल्लमल्लीः॥५५॥
He adorned every limb with ingenious arrangements resembling toe ornaments, girdles, anklets, necklaces, garlands, earrings, armlets, bracelets, thumb rings, and crests. In an instant he made the women resemble fully blossomed jasmine vines in the bowers.
Passage 56
लतिकाभूरुहांश्चैव विपुष्पीकृत्य कामुकः। कामिनीः पुष्पिताश्चक्रे चित्रं प्रेम्णो गुणाढ्यता॥५६॥
The loving Lord stripped vines and trees of flowers only to make the loving women blossom. Such was the wondrous, abundant power of love.
Passage 57
अन्योन्यालापसन्दर्शनवलनसुखासक्तिदृक्चुम्बनाद्यैः जातः केलिप्रकर्षो मदनमदमनुज्जृम्भितानां प्रियाणाम्। येन प्राग्भूरिभुक्तो विरहभवसमुत्तापसन्दोह आसां प्रत्यस्तो वल्लरीणामिव घनसमये ग्रीष्मकालीन ऊष्मा॥५७॥
Their play reached its height through mutual conversation, gazing, graceful turning, joyful attachment, glances, kisses, and more, as love’s rapture unfolded fully in the beloved women. The great mass of heat they had suffered from separation was driven away like summer’s burning from vines when the rainy season arrives.
Passage 58
ददान आनन्दममेयमन्तः कुर्वाण उच्चैर्विविधाः सुकेलीः। ततोऽपि न श्रान्तिलवं प्रयातो मेने स ताभिः पुरुषप्रकाण्डः॥५८॥
Giving immeasurable inward bliss and performing many beautiful forms of play, the foremost person did not experience even the slightest fatigue; so the women understood him.
Passage 59
यावन्तो वै कामशास्त्रे प्रकाराः केलीनां ते तत्क्षणे प्रादुरासुः। माधुर्याब्धौ चातुरीपुञ्जपात्रे तस्मिन् क्रीडत्यङ्गनामौलिरत्नैः॥५९॥
Every variety of play described in the science of love appeared in that instant as he—the ocean of sweetness and vessel of concentrated artistry— played with those crest jewels among women.
Passage 60
चन्द्रश्चान्द्री चन्द्रिका चन्दनद्रुस्पर्शी वायुर्मल्लिकानां विकासाः। इन्दोलन्तः सारवाम्भस्तरङ्गा जातोल्लासाः कैरवाणां कलापाः॥६०॥
The moon and its moonlight, the breeze touching sandal trees, opening jasmine, the swinging waves of Sarayū’s water, and clusters of newly delighted night lotuses all joined the play.
Passage 61
एकैकस्य श्रीर्महत्याविरासीत् कालस्याज्ञामाधिदेवस्य लब्ध्वा। सर्वस्येशे सर्वसम्पन्निधाने तस्मिन् कुर्वत्यात्मवर्गेण केलीम्॥६१॥
Receiving the command of Time’s presiding deity, the fullest beauty of each season appeared at once while the Lord of all and treasury of every perfection played with his own circle.
Passage 62
एवं तास्तेन कान्तेन रममाणा रमान्विताः। रूपसौभाग्यवर्गेण पूर्णा आसन् व्रजाङ्गनाः॥६२॥
Thus delighting with that beloved and filled with Ramā’s grace, the women of Vraja became complete in every order of beauty and good fortune. Rāma appears beside each woman
Passage 63
ततश्च भगवान् रामः प्रियासौभाग्यरञ्जितः। दिदर्शयिषुरासान्तः क्रीडन्नेव तिरोदधे॥६३॥
Then Lord Rāma, delighted by the good fortune of his beloveds, wished to reveal the inner truth of the rāsa and vanished in the very midst of play.
Passage 64
कस्याश्चिद्भुजसम्पुटवर्ती कस्याश्चित्करसक्तकराब्जः। कस्याश्चित्प्रिय उरसि लग्नः कस्याश्चित्सविधस्थित एव॥६४॥
He had been enclosed within one woman’s arms, his lotus hand joined to another’s hand, pressed lovingly to another’s breast, and simply standing beside yet another.
Passage 65
कस्याश्चिन्मुखचुम्बनलग्नः कस्याश्चित्परिरम्भनिमग्नः। कस्याश्चिद्दशनरससक्तः कस्याश्चिच्चन्दनामृतरक्तः॥६५॥
He was absorbed in kissing one woman’s face, immersed in another’s embrace, attached to the nectar of another’s smile, and anointed with another’s nectarean sandal paste.
Passage 66
कस्याश्चित्कचगुम्फनकारी कस्याश्चिन्मुखदर्पणधारी। कस्याश्चिच्चन्दनरसरञ्जी कस्याश्चित्पदपावकसङ्गी॥६६॥
He braided one woman’s hair, held a mirror before another’s face, delighted in another’s sandal paste, and warmed himself at the firelike feet of another.
Passage 67
कस्याश्चिन्मधुरोदकपायी कस्याश्चित्ताम्बूलकदायी। कस्याश्चित्कञ्चुकपरिधायी कस्याश्चिन्मणिहारनिधायी॥६७॥
He drank sweet water from one, gave betel to another, placed a bodice upon another, and fastened a jeweled necklace upon yet another. Rāma’s many forms of loving service
Passage 68
कस्याश्चिद् बहूनुनयभाषी कस्याश्चित्कुसुमस्रग्भूषी। कस्याश्चिद्व्यजनः श्रमनाशी कस्याश्चित्पदसंवाहनकृत्॥६८॥
To one he spoke many conciliatory words; he adorned another with a flower garland. For one he became the fan that dispelled her fatigue, and for another he performed the service of massaging her feet.
Passage 69
कस्याश्चिद्रशनागुणभञ्जी कस्याश्चित्परिचरणव्यञ्जी। कस्याश्चिन्निविडस्तनगञ्जी कस्याश्चिदवलोकनरञ्जी॥६९॥
He broke one woman’s girdle-string, openly attended upon another, pressed another’s firm, full breasts, and delighted yet another with his gaze.
Passage 70
कस्याश्चिद्विरचितगुणगानः कस्याश्चिद्विस्मितपरिधानः। कस्याश्चित्पुरतोऽञ्चिततानः कस्याश्चित्कृतभूषणदानः॥७०॥
He sang a song of virtues composed by one woman, put on a wondrous garment for another, unfolded a graceful melody before another, and bestowed ornaments upon yet another.
Passage 71
कयापि च सह रतिकेलिं कुर्वन् कयापि चाक्षैर्निभृतं क्रीडन्। कयापि सह कुसुमान्यवचिन्वन् कयापि सह परिहासं तन्वन्॥७१॥
With one he engaged in love-play; with another he quietly played at dice. With one he gathered flowers, and with another he prolonged playful joking.
Passage 72
कयापि हेलित इति परितप्यन् कयापि संक्ष्वेलित इति लुभ्यन्। कयापि मोहित इति संक्षुभ्यन् कयापि संस्तोभित इति मुह्यन्॥७२॥
When one treated him lightly, he grieved; when another played closely with him, he grew eager. Enchanted by one, he became agitated; stirred by another, he appeared bewildered.
Passage 73
कामपि वक्षसि रहसि दधानः कामपि सस्मितमालपमानः। कामपि मानान्मोचयमानः कामपि हृदये शोचयमानः॥७३॥
He secretly held one woman to his breast and spoke smilingly with another. He released one from the bonds of offended pride, while yearning inwardly for another.
Passage 74
कामपि रूपमदादवगणितः कामपि किंचिदपरुषं भणितः। कयापि खलु ताडितोऽब्जहनितः कयाप्युदस्तः पदयोः पतितः॥७४॥
One woman, proud of her beauty, disregarded him; another addressed him with a few gentle words. One struck him with a lotus, while another thrust him away, and he fell at her feet. The beloved disappears
Passage 75
इत्थं सौभाग्यमत्ताभिः स्वेशः प्राकृतवन्मतः। ताभ्यः प्रियायाः सौभाग्यमभिव्यक्तुं तिरोदधे॥७५॥
Thus, intoxicated by their good fortune, they regarded their own Lord as though he were an ordinary lover. To reveal to them the true good fortune of his beloved, he disappeared.
Passage 76
पश्यन्त्य एव सद्यस्तमपश्यन्त्यः सुलोचनाः। विस्मिता इव ता जाता विरहोत्तप्तविग्रहाः॥७६॥
Even as those beautiful-eyed women were looking at him, suddenly they could see him no more. They stood astonished, their bodies scorched by separation.
Passage 77
इतो भविष्यति प्रेयानितः खलु भविष्यति। इतो भविष्यति क्रीडन्नित्याशापाशवेष्टिताः॥७७॥
“Our beloved will be here—surely he will be there—he will appear playing just over here.” Thus they were bound on every side by the noose of hope.
Passage 78
पदोच्चैर्मनितशब्देन नादात्प्रत्युत्तरं प्रियः। तदा गवेषयामासुर्वनादेत्य वनान्तरम्॥७८॥
Their beloved gave no answer to the loud sound of their repeated calls. They therefore went from forest to forest, searching for him in every woodland interior.
Passage 79
व्रजभूमिविपिने वामा विचिन्वन्त्यो विशेषतः। प्रतिकुञ्जं द्रुमतलं प्रियान्वेषणकातराः॥७९॥
The women searched especially through the forests of Vraja’s land. Distraught in their quest for their beloved, they examined every bower and the foot of every tree.
Passage 80
वृक्षान् लतास्तथागुल्मान् भ्रमरीश्चैव कोकिलान्। पद्मानि सरसीश्चैव राजहंसांस्तदङ्गनाः॥८०॥
Those women questioned the trees, vines, shrubs, female bees, and cuckoos; they questioned the lotuses, the lakes themselves, and the royal swans.
Passage 81
वनानि खं मरुत्वन्तं तेजस्तोमं वसुन्धराम्। पृच्छन्त्यः परितः कान्तं मृगयन्त्योऽपि गोपिकाः॥८१॥
The cowherd women asked the forests, the sky, the wind, the host of lights, and the earth, roaming everywhere in search of their beloved.
Passage 82
न लेभिरे यदा स्वेष्टं सखायं सुहृदं च तम्। आत्मनः प्राणदयितं तदा स्तोतुं प्रचक्रमुः॥८२॥
When they could not find him—their chosen Lord, companion, well-wisher, and the beloved of their very life-breath—they began to praise him. The women’s hymn of separation
Passage 83
जय जय जय पारंपरार्ध्य पञ्चशरावतारिन् निरवधिमधुरिमोद्रेक- वशीकृतत्रिभुवनजनमानसमहामहोमहिममनोमोहन मानिनीमाननिरासन शूरासनप्रयुक्तलोचनविशिखनिर्भिन्नमनस्वितमुकुलजावधूमनोधेय कठिनतरसंनाह परस्तादकाण्डविरहवेदनासंवर्धनवदनावलोक- लज्जावतीलोचनलज्जालवलोपन लावण्यभवन मधुराधरसुधारससन्दोह- सुहितसमुद्दृप्तदुर्वंशजघृतानेकविवरवंशिकाकलितकलकाकलीकलाकुलित- अरिबलकुलकामिनीकलापललितमुखचन्द्र मञ्जुलस्मितलवकवलिताबलाजन- हृदयमहोदार दयासिन्धो दीनजनैकबन्धो निजचरणकमलपरागपूरपरिपूत- प्रमोदवनवसुधाविकुण्ठितानेकगीर्वाणवरवितीर्णविपुलाभय प्रभो॥८३॥
Victory, victory, all victory to you, supremely worthy of worship, embodiment of the five-arrowed god of love! The boundless surge of your sweetness brings the minds of the three worlds under its sway, while the greatness of your splendor enchants even the enchanter of minds. You dispel the pride of proud women. The arrows of your eyes, released from love’s heroic bow, pierce the hearts of self-possessed young brides, though those hearts are wrapped in the hardest armor. After suddenly increasing the pain of separation, the sight of your face removes the last trace of reserve from their bashful eyes. O abode of beauty! The abundant nectar of your sweet lips brings complete satisfaction. The artful, melodious warbling of your flute, sounded through its many openings, bewilders whole companies of women—even those belonging to the enemy’s host. The delicate moon of your face, with but a fragment of its lovely smile, captures the hearts of helpless women. O greatly generous Lord, o ocean of compassion, sole friend of the lowly! The earth of the pleasure forest is purified by floods of pollen from your lotus feet, and you grant vast fearlessness exceeding the many boons distributed by the gods.
Passage 84
सकलगुणग्रामाभिराम सुभगाभीरकुलजलधिविवर्धनकुमुदबन्धो मुदिताखिलजनलोचनचकोर परमानन्दसुधाधारासारनवाम्बुवाह प्रियतम प्राणजीवन स्वेष्टसुहृत् सखे सकलमङ्गलालय माङ्गल्यालय नीलमणे जगज्जनदुःखजालमहातमोभिदजागरूक श्रीविग्रह नमस्तव शरणागत- जनतावनगृहीतव्रताभ्यां स्वभावारुणाभ्यां चरणाभ्याम्॥८४॥
O delight of every host of virtues! O moon who makes the ocean-like, fortunate cowherd clan swell and its lilies bloom! O joy of the cakora birds that are the eyes of all people! O fresh rain cloud pouring down torrents of the nectar of supreme bliss! Dearest one, life of our life-breath, our chosen well-wisher and friend; abode of every blessing, dwelling place of auspiciousness, dark sapphire jewel! Your ever-watchful, beautiful form rends the vast darkness of the world’s web of sorrow. We bow to your naturally reddish feet, which have taken a vow to protect all who seek refuge.
Passage 85
अपि च पूर्वमेव रक्षिताः स्म समस्तव्रजजनैः सह कुपितेन्द्रनिर्मुक्त- प्रलयपयोधरप्रबलशम्बरासारसहाशनिसम्पातभीत्यकाण्डज्वलदुज्ज्वल- ज्वालाजालजटिलशुष्काटवीहुताशमहाहिगरसञ्चारजमहाविषदारिमहद्विप- दुःखात् परमदारुणाच्च निजविप्रयोगसमुद्भवप्रलयकालानलात्। किं पुनरपि वितनोषि तादृशमेव निजान्तर्धिविवर्धमानमतिदुःसहमनलं वियोगनामानम्॥८५॥
Before now, together with all the people of Vraja, we were protected by you from the fear of the deluge-clouds and fierce sheets of rain released by angry Indra, from thunderbolt strikes, from the tangled net of blazing flames in the dry forest fire, from the deadly poison spread by the great serpent, from hostile beasts and mighty elephants, and—most terrible of all—from the world-ending fire born of separation from you. Why, then, do you once again spread that same exceedingly unbearable fire called separation, now growing through your concealment from us? The hymn of separation continues
Passage 86
अपण्यदास्यश्चैवं तव संयोगपरमाह्लादभरेण विस्मृतात्मस्वरूपास्त्वयैव लोकोत्तरनिरवधिसम्पदालयेन वितीर्णपरमतमदःसौभाग्यमासादितवत्यो मदाविष्टमानसाः स्म जाताः। तदेव निदानमद्य गवेषणयाप्यलब्धमधुर- मन्दहासोन्मीलितप्रमोदमहोदारमुखचन्द्रावलोकस्य तव विरहवितत- वेदनार्णवस्य॥८६॥
We became your handmaids without bargain or price. Filled with the supreme delight of union with you, we forgot our own nature. You alone—the abode of transcendent and limitless riches—bestowed upon us the highest, incomparable good fortune, and our minds became intoxicated with pride. That very pride has now become the cause of this ocean of spreading anguish in separation from you: though we search, we cannot behold your greatly generous moonlike face, whose sweet, gentle smile opens the full joy of the heart.
Passage 87
अहो निःसीमतपःसङ्कलनतत्पराणां मुनीनामप्यन्तःकरण एव स्वात्मानं प्रकाशयसि न वा क्व पुनरीश सकलकामफलभोगभोजयित्रीभिरिह केलिभिः परमकल्याणगुणप्रसूनभरभाजनत्रिभुवनसभाजनगोचररोचमानस्वरूपानन्द- दानम्॥८७॥
Ah! Even to sages wholly devoted to accumulating boundless austerity, you reveal your own self only within the heart and nowhere else. How then, O Lord, could these sports—which allowed us to taste the fruits of every desire—have given us the joy of your radiant form, filled with blossoms of supremely auspicious qualities and openly honored throughout the three worlds?
Passage 88
तद्यथा भूतपूर्वैव करुणारसकलितं स्वतः कुर्वन्निजानन्यसामान्य- महोदार्यगाम्भीर्याद्यखिलस्वरूपानुबन्धितो गुणान् विमृशन् संलापयेथाः। परसावद्यशतसहस्रलोमशतमानपि निजविप्रयोगानलदन्दह्यमानमानसान् प्रणयमाधुरीपरीपाकप्रकटितस्वसौभाग्यमदानपि स्वजनान् न खलु महाराजोऽप्यर्थिनामौचितीं चेतसि निधाय वितरति तद्योग्यताधिकतरमर्थम्। समर्थोऽसि च त्वमेवास्य निजमुखानवलोकनमहादारुणदारिद्र्यसंहरणे॥८८॥
Be as you were before: let compassion arise of itself, remember the qualities inseparably bound to your unique, extraordinary generosity, gravity, and whole nature, and speak with us again. Even a great king does not dwell upon the defects of petitioners; keeping their need in mind, he grants them more than their worth. Though our hearts burn in the fire of separation from you, and though the full ripening of love’s sweetness exposed our pride in our own good fortune, we are still your own people. You alone are able to end this terrible poverty caused by not seeing your face.
Passage 89
अहो कठिनतास्य हृदयदुराशयस्य यत् क्षणमपि शरत्समुदितसम्पूर्ण- तुषारकरकोटिपराभवोदरत्वन्मुखचन्द्रचन्द्रिकाचमनविधुरेऽपि लोचन- चकोरद्वयेऽचिराच्छतधाविदीर्यमाणे मलयानिललहरीभिरुड्डीय त्वच्चरण- कमलपरागसरागमहोरजःकणत्वेन मिलति त्वदुरःस्थलमण्डलमहामधुर- सालोचितप्रसूनप्रसवसौभाग्यभाजनवनलता भूत्वा प्ररोढुमपेक्षतेषा॥८९॥
Ah, how hard and ill-disposed this heart must be! Even for a moment our two cakora-like eyes are denied a drink of the moonlight from your moonlike face, whose inner brilliance defeats millions of full autumn moons, yet the heart does not at once split into a hundred pieces. This self longs instead to be borne on waves of the Malaya breeze as a great pollen-grain colored by the pollen of your lotus feet, and then to sprout as a forest vine fortunate enough to bear flowers fit for the supremely sweet expanse of your breast.
Passage 90
अये मनसिजमदहरणमहोद्रमाधुरीमहाम्बुराशे सहजसौभाग्यभाग्य- भासितप्रभावितभालपट्टप्रकटितमहोमहोदय मोदयतमां त्वत्सङ्गकृतार्थतां जुष इदानीमिहावस्थातुं निःसहान् प्राणान्॥९०॥
O vast ocean of soaring sweetness that steals away the pride of the god of love! The splendor manifest upon your brow shines with the blessed radiance of your innate good fortune. O greatly glorious one, gladden and sustain these now-helpless life-breaths, which were once fulfilled by union with you but can no longer remain here without you.
Passage 91
प्रायः प्रेयसैवेदं कार्मणपांसुपटलमिव विस्तारितं प्रेम येन पुरःस्थमपि वस्तु विषयीक्तुमशक्नुवतीनां नितान्तमारुण्यरोचनरुचिरञ्जिते गलदनर्गलजलधाराधौतविमलवपुषां व्रजाभीरदारिकाणां लोचने शंतमस्तु। आलोकः परमकदर्थितदुःखकोरकानां नः पद्मिनीनामिव दिवसपरिवृढस्य॥९१॥
Surely our beloved himself has spread this love like a veil of magical dust, for because of it we cannot perceive even what stands before us. The bodies of Vraja’s cowherd girls are cleansed by unchecked streams of tears, and their eyes are deeply reddened and stained with anguish. May the sight of him—the sun for us lotus-women whose buds are grievously tormented—bring peace to those eyes.
Passage 92
अहो कृपाकन्दलिताशयोऽददाद् भवान् स्वमात्मानमपीश दुर्लभम्। वयं पुनः स्पष्टखलाशयाः स्त्रियो मदाविलास्त्वय्यपि वक्रतां दधुः॥९२॥
Ah, your heart blossomed with compassion, O Lord, and you gave us even your own self, so difficult to attain. Yet we women plainly harbored a base intent: clouded by pride, we behaved crookedly even toward you.
Passage 93
क्वापीदृशः पौरुषसारभूषणः स्वभावदुष्टे कुटिलेऽधमे जने। भवेदनन्यं हितमेव सन्दधन्महामहोदारगभीरमानसः॥९३॥
Where else could there be one like you—the ornament and essence of true heroism—whose immensely generous and profound heart seeks only the welfare of a person naturally corrupt, crooked, and low?
Passage 94
जयामितप्रेमसुधामहोदधे जय प्रमोदाटविचारुचेष्टित। जय प्रपन्नाशयशर्मकृद्धरे जय प्रमोदाटविचन्द्र पाहि नः॥९४॥
All victory to you, vast ocean of immeasurable nectarous love! Victory to your beautiful sports in the Forest of Joy! Victory, O Hari who brings happiness to the hearts of those who surrender! Victory, moon of the Forest of Joy—protect us.
Passage 95
सुरा नराः किन्नरयक्षपन्नगा नगाः खगा मौनधराश्च योगिनः। रमन्ति ये त्वय्यतुलप्रमोदे तेनैव ते नाम जगत्सु कीर्तितम्॥९५॥
Gods, humans, kinnaras, yakṣas, serpents, mountains, birds, silent sages, and yogins all delight in your incomparable joy. For that very reason your name is celebrated throughout the worlds.
Passage 96
गायन्ति ते नाम यशः सुराङ्गना नभोऽङ्गणे मङ्गलकारि पावनम्। विमानवर्येषु विभूषिताः स्थितास्तृणीकृतस्वामृतभोगभोजनाः॥९६॥
Standing adorned upon the finest celestial vehicles, the women of heaven sing your purifying name and glory, which bring blessing to the courtyard of the sky. In doing so they regard their own nectarean enjoyments as mere grass.
Passage 97
वैमानिकानां हृदयानि कर्षता दुरन्तपापं नाशयता जगत्त्रये। सुरापगातीर्थसहस्रपाविना भवच्चरित्रेण विभूषितो व्रजः॥९७॥
Vraja is adorned by your sacred deeds, which draw the hearts of heaven’s inhabitants, destroy invincible sin throughout the three worlds, and purify more powerfully than thousands of bathing places along the celestial Gaṅgā.
Passage 98
विभूषितं ते वपुषा जगत्त्रयं महामहैश्वर्यमहोऽतिभास्वता। समूर्तिकन्दर्पसहस्रशोभिना महायशःसौरभसारशालिना॥९८॥
The three worlds are adorned by your body, radiant with the brilliance of immense majesty, beautiful as a thousand gods of love embodied together, and filled with the concentrated fragrance of great renown.
Passage 99
तव प्रपत्तिः सकलार्तिहारिणी समस्तकल्याणकदम्बकारिणी। परन्त्वलभ्या भुवि सान्यसाधनैर्विना तवानुग्रहमीश मानिनाम्॥९९॥
Surrender to you removes every affliction and produces every cluster of blessing. Yet on this earth, O Lord, the proud cannot attain it by any other discipline without your grace.
Passage 100
यावत्सदहं चेतसि सम्भृतो नृणां कुलस्वरूपाभिजनादिसम्भवः। तावत्त्वमत्यन्तमिहासि दुर्लभो निष्किञ्चनानां प्रणयैकगोचरः॥१००॥
So long as people treasure in the heart the ego born from family, beauty, lineage, and the like, you remain exceedingly difficult to attain. You are known through love alone by those who possess nothing.
Passage 101
व्रजाधिहन्ता प्रमुदाटवीविधुर्माङ्गल्यसौभाग्यनिधिर्भवान् प्रभो। स्वविप्रयोगाधिधुरस्य कामिनीजनस्य दैन्यं दल इन्दिरापते॥१०१॥
O Lord, you destroy Vraja’s distress; you are the moon of the Forest of Joy and the treasury of auspicious good fortune. O Lord of Indirā, crush the misery of these women who bear the heavy anguish of separation from you.
Passage 102
येषां त्वमानन्दनिधे समीपगो दुःखान्तकृद्दर्शनदानकोविदः। तेषां नृणां प्राग्भवभूरिसञ्चितं न शक्यतेऽद्धा सुकृतं निरूपितम्॥१०२॥
O treasury of bliss, you remain near those to whom you expertly grant the vision that ends all sorrow. The abundant merit accumulated by such people in former births truly cannot be measured. Rāma returns
Passage 103
नमो नमो दीनजनावनात्मने नमो नमः स्वाश्रितदैत्यनाशिने। नमो नमः स्वाभयदानकर्मणि स्फुरद्दीक्षाय विभो तवाङ्घ्रये॥१०३॥
Homage again and again to him whose very nature is to protect the lowly; homage to the destroyer of the demons threatening those who take shelter in him. O all-pervading Lord, repeated homage to your feet, where the radiant vow to grant fearlessness to your own is ever manifest.
Passage 104
इति तास्तोष्टुवन्त्यस्तं विवृद्धविरहापदः। तथाप्यलब्धदृशयो रुरुदुः करुणं स्त्रियः॥१०४॥
Thus the women praised him while the calamity of separation continued to grow. Still unable to see him, they wept piteously.
Passage 105
अथ तासां प्रभूतार्तिनाशनाय सतां पतिः। आविरासीत् स्मेरमुखः प्रमोदवनचन्द्रमाः॥१०५॥
Then, to destroy their immense anguish, the Lord of the faithful appeared, his face smiling—the moon of the Forest of Joy.
Passage 106
ताः स्थिताः सरयूतीरप्रभूतवनगह्वरे। दृष्ट्वैव तं समुत्तस्थुः सद्यः प्राप्ताः सुजीवनाः॥१०६॥
The women had remained in a deep and luxuriant forest recess on Sarayū’s bank. The instant they saw him, they rose, at once restored to the fullness of life.
Passage 107
वामतः सहजानन्दा दक्षिणे श्यामसुन्दरी। उभे अपि प्रिये शश्वत् सर्वसन्दोहसेविते॥१०७॥
Sahajānandā stood on his left and Śyāmasundarī on his right. Both were his eternal beloveds, attended by their entire circles.
Passage 108
बिभ्राणः परमोदारस्मितसौन्दर्यशोभितः। उभयोरपि दाक्षिण्यान्मनोरञ्जनपण्डितः॥१०८॥
He shone with the beauty of a supremely generous smile. Through his gracious attentiveness to both beloveds, he proved perfectly skilled in delighting their hearts.
Passage 109
वामपार्श्वस्थितां वामां दृष्टिदानेन मोदयन्। दक्षिणस्थां तु हस्ताब्जव्यापारैर्विकलाशयाम्॥१०९॥
He delighted the lovely woman standing at his left by bestowing his gaze, and the woman at his right—whose heart was overcome with love—by the movements of his lotus hand.
Passage 110
करेणैकेन सततं लीलाकमलकोरकम्। भ्रामयन् मुखचन्द्रेण द्योतयन् सकला दिशः॥११०॥
With one hand he continually twirled a playful lotus bud, while the moon of his face illuminated every direction.
Passage 111
कटौ सुकाञ्चिकां बिभ्रन्नानारत्नविचित्रिताम्। उच्चैः पीताम्बरं बिभ्रदंसयोराततं शुभम्॥१११॥
Around his waist he wore a fine girdle variegated with many jewels, and a splendid yellow garment spread broadly across his shoulders.
Passage 112
महाहरत्नप्रत्युप्तकेकिपिच्छावतंसभृत्। असावसक्तरुचिरप्रियादक्षिणबाहुकः॥११२॥
He wore a peacock-feather crest set with magnificent jewels, while his lovely beloved clung to his right arm.
Passage 113
नवीनोल्लाससंशोभिपुण्डरीकविलोचनः। कल्याणगुणसन्दोही मन्दिरामन्दविग्रहः॥११३॥
His lotus eyes shone with ever-fresh delight. He was a treasury of auspicious qualities, his divine form exceedingly beautiful.
Passage 114
माणिक्यवयस्राजन्नासापुटमनोहरः। अनर्घ्यरत्नरसनाचारुकेसरिमध्यकः॥११४॥
His nose was charming with the radiance of a ruby ornament, and his lionlike, slender waist was beautiful with a girdle of priceless jewels.
Passage 115
भूषामकुटविद्योतध्वस्तकुञ्जतमोभरः। लसत्कौस्तुभरत्नाढ्यकण्ठग्रीवविराजितः॥११५॥
The brilliance of his ornaments and crown dispelled the mass of darkness in the bower. His neck and throat shone, enriched by the radiant Kaustubha jewel.
Passage 116
प्रसादसुमुखो देवो युगपत्ताभिरीक्षितः। उत्थानस्वागतार्हाभिः सम्भाव्य प्राणजीवनम्॥११६॥
All the women simultaneously gazed upon the gracious-faced Lord. Rising to welcome and honor him, they recognized him as the very life of their life-breath.
Passage 117
आनन्दविकचैरक्षिकमलैः पर्यपूजयन्। आतस्तरुः प्रियायास्मै सोत्तरीयासनानि ताः॥११७॥
They worshiped him with their lotus eyes now fully blossomed in joy, and spread their upper garments as seats for their beloved.
Passage 118
रञ्जितानि सुगन्धीनि कुचकश्मीरकद्रमैः। आवृत्य च स्थिताः सर्वास्तारा इव कलानिधिम्॥११८॥
Those garments were fragrant and tinted by streams of saffron from their breasts. Then all the women surrounded him like stars encircling the moon.
Passage 119
वैदूर्यमिव रत्नानि तमालं स्वर्णवीरुधः। भक्तिस्वरूपसिद्धान्तप्रश्नाक्षरनिरूपणैः। अन्योन्यं समभूत्तत्र समालापः सुखावहः॥११९॥
They resembled jewels encircling a sapphire, or golden vines surrounding a tamāla tree. A joyful exchange then arose between them, expressed through questions and answers concerning the essential truth of devotion. The nature of pure and mixed devotion
Passage 120
गोप्य ऊचुः— विहाय लोभं दम्भं च भजतां प्रीतिपूर्वकम्। कच्चित्प्रसीदसि न वा वदस्वैतद्विनिर्णयम्॥१२०॥
The cowherd women said: “When people abandon greed and hypocrisy and worship you with love, are you pleased with them or not? Please give us a decisive answer.”
Passage 121
श्रीभगवानुवाच— शुद्धमिश्रविभेदेन भजनं द्विविधं मम। त्रिविधं मिश्रमाख्यातं ज्ञानोपासनकर्मभिः॥१२१॥
The blessed Lord said: “Worship of me is of two kinds—pure and mixed. Mixed worship is described as threefold, according to its association with knowledge, contemplative practice, or action.
Passage 122
शुद्धमेकविधं प्रोक्तमित्थं भक्तिविनिर्णयः। मिश्रं तु भजनमङ्ग ज्ञानस्य मुख्यता॥१२२॥
“Pure devotion is declared to be of one kind; such is the determination concerning devotion. In one form of mixed worship, dear ones, knowledge is predominant.
Passage 123
भवेत्तद्वान्ममात्मैव नात्र कार्या विचारणा। उपासनामपि तथा भजनेनैव साधयेत्॥१२३॥
“One established in that knowledge becomes my own self—there is no need to doubt it. In the same way, contemplative worship should itself be brought to completion through devotion.
Passage 124
तया संस्कृतचित्तस्तु ज्ञानमेवाधिगच्छति। तथा कर्मापि भजनात् साङ्गं कुर्वन्ति केचन॥१२४॥
“A person whose heart is refined by that worship ultimately attains knowledge. Others, through devotion, perform ritual action complete with all its limbs.
Passage 125
तेषामुपासनार्थाय कर्मैव भवति स्फुटम्। सर्वत्र पञ्चधा मुक्तिः फलं भवति गोपिकाः॥१२५॥
“For them, action plainly serves the purpose of worship. O cowherd women, in all these mixed paths the result is liberation in one of its five forms.
Passage 126
मया सह तु यो भोगः सर्वकामफलात्मकः। संशुद्धभजनेनैव प्राप्यते व्रजयोषितः॥१२६॥
“But the enjoyment shared directly with me, containing the fruit of every desire, is attained only through completely pure devotion, O women of Vraja.
Passage 127
मत्स्वरूपान्यथाप्रेक्षावर्जितः प्रणयोज्जितः। भजनात्मा महान् योगः स लभ्यः कृपया मम॥१२७॥
“The great yoga whose very essence is devotion is free from seeing my true nature in any other way and is radiant with intimate love. It is attained by my grace.” Rāma is conquered by pure love
Passage 128
अथवा भवतीनां वै प्रसादात्सुलभो भवेत्। साधनानि तु सर्वाणि यत्र पूर्तिं व्रजन्ति हि॥१२८॥
“Or rather, it becomes easily attainable through your grace, for in this path all spiritual disciplines reach their fulfillment.
Passage 129
अथ युष्माकमाकूतं सख्यो विदितमेव मे। भवत्यः खलु मन्निष्ठा भजन्त्यो मां दृढव्रताः॥१२९॥
“Friends, I already know the intention within your hearts. Firm in your vows, you are wholly devoted to me and worship me alone.
Passage 130
भवतीनां प्रियो नित्यं तेनाहं संस्थितो वशे। अथ प्रत्युपकाराय नालमस्मि चराचरे॥१३०॥
“Because I am eternally your beloved, I remain under your control. Nothing in the moving or unmoving universe enables me to repay you.
Passage 131
तेनोपढौकितः सख्यः स्वात्मैव सुचिरं मया। अनेन विहरिष्यध्वं मृत्युमूर्धपदाब्जकाः॥१३१॥
“Therefore, friends, I have long since offered you my very self. With me you lotus-footed women shall sport, standing above the head of death.
Passage 132
एवमन्योऽपि चेत् कश्चिन्मां भजेन्मृगलोचनाः। तस्याप्यहं स्वमात्मानं दास्ये नैवात्र संशयः॥१३२॥
“Doe-eyed women, if anyone else worships me in this same way, I will give that person my own self as well. There is no doubt of it.
Passage 133
सर्वात्मभावयुक्तेन प्रेम्णा तेन व्रजाङ्गनाः। अमूल्यक्रीत एवाहं युष्माकं करयोः स्थितः॥१३३॥
“Women of Vraja, through that love joined with the offering of one’s whole being, you have purchased me without price, and I now remain in your hands.
Passage 134
परमात्मैकलभ्यत्वमात्मनो व्यञ्जयन्नहम्। तिरोहितेन रूपेण युष्माकं प्रेम दृष्टवान्॥१३४॥
“To reveal that my true self is attained only through the highest love, I hid my form and witnessed the depth of your love.
Passage 135
अहो हि सख्यो युष्माकमार्तिरेषा वियोगजा। स्पृष्ट्वा ममापि चात्मानं स्थानस्थितमचालयत्॥१३५॥
“Ah, friends! This anguish born of your separation touched even my own self and moved me from the place where I had remained.” Where Rāma eternally dwells
Passage 136
गोप्य ऊचुः— क्व ते स्थानं सुनिहितं सुखितेन्द्रकुमारक। इति वेदितुमिच्छामः कथयस्व कृपानिधे॥१३६॥
The cowherd women said: “Delightful prince, where is that deeply hidden abode of yours? We wish to know it; please tell us, O treasury of compassion.”
Passage 137
भगवानुवाच— यत्र मत्प्रेमनिरता मम दासा मदात्मकाः। भजन्ते मां परं वेद्यं तत्र नित्यं वसाम्यहम्॥१३७॥
The Lord said: “I dwell eternally wherever my servants, absorbed in love for me and having me as their very self, worship me as the supreme reality to be known.
Passage 138
परस्परं कीर्तयन्तश्च परस्परहितैषिणः। स्मरन्ति यत्र मां भक्तास्तुष्यन्ति प्रीतमानसाः॥१३८॥
“I dwell where devotees sing of me to one another, seek one another’s welfare, remember me, and rejoice with loving hearts.
Passage 139
तत्राहं सततं सख्यस्तिष्ठामि परया मुदा। सर्वात्मभावयुक्ताश्च सेवन्ते यत्र मां जनाः॥१३९॥
“Friends, I remain there always in supreme delight—where people serve me with the feeling that their whole being belongs to me.
Passage 140
नाहं वैकुण्ठभवने तिष्ठामि सविधे श्रियः। मम स्थानं परं नित्यं प्रमोदविपिनं महत्॥१४०॥
“I do not dwell in Vaikuṇṭha’s palace beside Śrī. My supreme and eternal abode is the great Forest of Joy.
Passage 141
इति ज्ञात्वा भजत मां मुदा सर्वात्मभावतः। अहमेव फलं धन्याः सर्वभोगसुखाय वः॥१४१॥
“Knowing this, blessed women, worship me joyfully with your whole being. I alone am your reward and the bliss contained in every enjoyment.” The jeweled rāsa arena
Passage 142
ततश्च भगवान् रामस्तास्तदा प्राणसम्मिताः। आनिनाय स्वयं देवो विहर्तुं मण्डलोत्तमम्॥१४२॥
Then Lord Rāma himself led those women, dear to him as his own life, to the supreme circular arena so that they might sport there.
Passage 143
तत्र सोमवटस्याधः कोटिसूर्येन्दुभासुरम्। पञ्चवर्णमहारत्नमणिमाणिक्यमण्डितम्॥१४३॥
Beneath the Soma banyan stood an arena radiant as millions of suns and moons, adorned with rubies and great jewels of five colors.
Passage 144
वटशाखान्तसंस्राविसुधासम्पातशीतलम्। प्रेमानन्दपदं नित्यं प्रेमसाम्राज्यभाजनम्॥१४४॥
It was cooled by cascades of nectar streaming from the tips of the banyan’s branches. It was the eternal station of love’s bliss and the seat of love’s sovereign realm.
Passage 145
राकासुधाकरकरद्विगुणीकृतरोचिषम्। कुञ्जद्रुमलतागुल्मगोचरद्युतिदीपितम्॥१४५॥
The rays of the full moon doubled its splendor, and the visible brilliance of its bower trees, vines, and shrubs illumined it.
Passage 146
अनेकरत्नसम्भ्राजत्कमलावलिभूषितम्। रचितानेकमाणिक्यचतुष्करुचिरद्युतिम्॥१४६॥
It was adorned with rows of lotuses shining like many jewels, and beautified by the lovely radiance of numerous courtyards fashioned from rubies.
Passage 147
अनेककुञ्जविटपिमञ्जरीकृतदीधितिम्। समन्ततः समुद्भ्राजद्गगनस्पृक्प्रभाभरम्॥१४७॥
Light clustered like blossoms upon the trees of its many bowers, while an abundance of effulgence rose brilliantly on every side and touched the sky.
Passage 148
अक्षरानन्दमध्यस्थप्रेमानन्दरसालयम्। भावानन्दमयं दिव्यनृत्यगीतादिसेवितम्॥१४८॥
Within imperishable bliss, it was the abode of the rasa of love’s own bliss. It consisted wholly of the joy of sacred emotion and was served by divine dance, song, and every allied art.
Passage 149
तत्रस्थः शुशुभे रामो दिव्यगोपीकदम्बगः। अलौकिकपरिभ्राज्यनृपः सिंहासनं यथा। प्रभावोत्साहकान्त्यादिसहजानन्तशक्तिभिः॥१४९॥
Standing there amid the divine circle of cowherd women, Rāma shone like a king of transcendent majesty upon his throne, attended by his innate and infinite powers of splendor, ardor, beauty, and more.
Passage 150
रामस्योभयपार्श्वगे परभया कान्त्या स्फुरन्त्यौ मुदा देवी श्रीसहजेश्वरी परकला कृष्णाभिधे वल्लभे। रेजाते रसनायकस्य सविधे सौवर्णवैदूर्यभा- सन्दोहाङ्कितमुदावली इव दृशोः कल्याणसंवर्धिके॥१५०॥
At Rāma’s two sides, joyfully radiant with supreme beauty, stood his beloveds: the goddess Śrī Sahajeśvarī and the supreme potency named Kṛṣṇā. Beside the Lord of rasa, those two who increased the eyes’ delight shone like a joyful necklace marked by gathered rays of gold and sapphire.
Passage 151
तयोः सखिवरास्तत्र यथापूर्वं विराजिताः। शुशुभुर्मण्डलश्रेष्ठकान्तिसन्दोहभूषिताः॥१५१॥
The foremost companions of the two beloveds took their places there as before. Adorned by the massed radiance of that supreme arena, they shone beautifully. The great rāsa begins
Passage 152
अथ तत्र महारासः प्रवृत्तो मण्डलोत्तमे। रामस्य व्रजरामाणामन्योन्यस्य सुखावहः॥१५२॥
Then the great rāsa began in that supreme circular arena, bringing mutual joy to Rāma and the beautiful women of Vraja.
Passage 153
कदाचित्सहजासार्धं कदाचित्कृष्णया सह। अनृत्यद्रामरसिकः शक्तिद्वयसुशोभितः॥१५३॥
Rāma, the connoisseur of rasa, danced sometimes with Sahajā and sometimes with Kṛṣṇā, beautifully attended by his two powers.
Passage 154
एकस्य नन्दिनी शक्तिः परा सा चित्कलात्मिका। उभाभ्यां सहितो रामो विरेजे रासमण्डले॥१५४॥
One was his delight-bestowing power, and the other his supreme potency whose essence is conscious energy. Accompanied by both, Rāma shone within the rāsa circle.
Passage 155
कदाचित् सहजासख्यः स्वस्वामिन्या सहान्विताः। कदाचिद्रामसुन्दर्यः सख्यः स्वस्वामिनीयुताः॥१५५॥
At times Sahajā’s companions joined their own mistress; at other times the beautiful companions of Rāma’s other beloved joined theirs.
Passage 156
नरीनृत्यन्त स्म रासे दर्शयन्त्यो विशेषतः। स्वस्वचातुर्यसन्दर्भमन्योन्यं विजिगीषवः॥१५६॥
They danced intensely in the rāsa, each displaying the full range of her own special artistry and wishing to excel the others.
Passage 157
कलासमूहेन विभूषिताङ्ग्यः स्त्रियः समस्ताः परिणाहिभासः। उत्साहयन्ति स्म मनः प्रियस्य तस्मिन् महारासरसप्रसङ्गे॥१५७॥
All the women, their bodies adorned with every art and surrounded by radiant splendor, inspired their beloved’s heart in that unfolding of the great rāsa.
Passage 158
प्रभाभिरामाः परिभूतकामाः पूर्णेन्दुधामान इव त्रियामाः। सुवर्णदामान इवातिभामा बभुः सरामा व्रजवासिरामाः॥१५८॥
Beautiful in effulgence and surpassing the god of love, the women of Vraja shone with Rāma like nights illumined by the full moon, or like exceedingly brilliant garlands of gold.
Passage 159
बभौ नवेन्दीवरदामकोमलः कलाविशेषात् सललामतां दधत्। प्रमोदकारी वनितासु वल्लभोऽमृतप्रवर्षीव लतासु वारिदः॥१५९॥
Soft as a garland of fresh blue lotuses and preeminent through his mastery of the arts, the beloved delighted the women like a rain cloud showering nectar upon vines.
Passage 160
नृत्यगीतादिजातीनां सङ्गीतादिभिदाजुषाम्। यदाधिदैविकं रूपं तदाविरभवत्तदा॥१६०॥
The presiding divine forms of every class of dance and song, together with all the divisions of music and their allied arts, manifested at that moment.
Passage 161
सार्धं रामविलासिना परमया प्रीत्या नटन्त्योऽबलाः कन्दर्पोर्ध्वकतेरूपसुषमासारा उदाराशयाः। नव्येनामृतवारिदेन सहिते व्योम्नि भ्रमन्त्यो यथा विद्युद्वच्छ्रिया उदीर्णमहसो रासे विरेजुस्तराम्॥१६१॥
Dancing with playful Rāma in supreme love, the generous-hearted women were the very essence of a beauty surpassing Cupid. Their expanding splendor made them shine in the rāsa like lightning flashing through a sky joined to a new cloud of nectar.
Passage 162
तासां नूपुरमेखलावलयिकापादाङ्गुलीभूषणा- ध्वानक्षुब्धरसाम्बुराशिलहरीसन्दोहनादोपमः। रासः प्राङ्गणतः समुल्लसितवान् ब्रह्मसद्मावधिः प्राप्तः प्रेमबलात् समाधिमहरद्योगीश्वराणामपि॥१६२॥
The sound of their anklets, girdles, bracelets, and toe ornaments resembled the massed roar of waves stirred upon an ocean of rasa. Rising from the rāsa courtyard, it reached as far as Brahmā’s realm and, by love’s power, stole even the meditation of the greatest masters of yoga.
Passage 163
विहायैकाग्रतां योगनिद्रां चचाल योगात् स ततस्तदानीम्। तदङ्कगा पर्वतराजपुत्री क्षुब्धाशयाभूद्रसमात्रबाह्या॥१६३॥
At that moment the great yogin abandoned one-pointed yogic sleep and moved from his absorption. The daughter of the mountain king seated upon his lap also became inwardly agitated, though she remained outside that realm of pure rasa. The music reaches gods and sages
Passage 164
महेन्द्रलोके रसिकेन्द्रवंशीनिनादसौख्यातिमिते प्रजायते। पुलोमजावल्लभबाहुयन्त्रगताप्यतिक्षोभमवाप लौल्यात्॥१६४॥
When the immeasurable delight of the flute of rasa’s sovereign arose in Indra’s heaven, Śacī—though held within the embrace of her husband—became profoundly restless with longing.
Passage 165
इत्थं सर्वपतिव्रताकुलमनःसंक्षोभलोलाधरे श्रीमद्राममहारसेन्द्रमुरलीनादे तदा जाग्रति। शब्दाद्वैतमयानि यद्यपि जगन्त्यासुः परं त्रीण्यपि स्वेच्छातः खलु सूक्ष्मदर्शनवतामेवोपलम्भोऽभवत्॥१६५॥
Thus, when the flute of glorious Rāma, sovereign of the great rāsa, awakened and made the lips and minds of devoted wives tremble in agitation, all three worlds became one undivided mass of sound. Yet by his will it was perceived only by those endowed with subtle vision.
Passage 166
स्वर्णाद्रेरधिकन्दरं सुरमुनिश्रेष्ठाः सुसंविद्बला ब्रह्मानन्दसमुद्रसान्द्रलहरीनिर्मग्नचित्ता अपि। सद्यः श्रीरघुवंशजस्य मुरलीनादं श्रवःसम्पुटै- राकर्ण्यामितविप्रयोगजननीं प्रेम्णो दशां लेभिरे॥१६६॥
Deep within the caves of the golden mountain, the foremost divine sages, strong in perfect awareness and with minds submerged in the dense waves of the ocean of Brahman’s bliss, heard the flute of the descendant of Raghu. At once they entered a state of love that gives birth to immeasurable separation.
Passage 167
रसिकेन्द्रमनोज्ञवंशिकाध्वनिमाकर्ण्य गलत्समाधयः। सनकादिमहामुनीश्वराः विरहापद्गतचेतसोऽभवन्॥१६७॥
Hearing the enchanting flute of the sovereign of rasa, the great sages headed by Sanaka lost their meditative absorption and their minds entered the calamity of separation. Dancing within the circle
Passage 168
अनृत्यन् नृत्यचतुरा अगायन् गानकोविदाः। आलापनिपुणाः कान्ता आलपन् रासमण्डले॥१६८॥
Those skilled in dance danced; those expert in song sang; and the lovely women gifted in melodic exposition improvised within the rāsa circle.
Passage 169
चक्रोद्घटनं कारिश्च तत्क्रियाकुशलाश्च याः। रामस्तु सर्वनिपुणः सर्वं चक्रे क्रमागतम्॥१६९॥
Some were skilled in opening and shaping the circle, and others in each corresponding movement. Rāma, expert in everything, performed every part in its proper sequence.
Passage 170
द्वयोर्द्वयोर्मध्यगतो विलासी रेजे प्रियास्कन्धगतोर्ध्वबाहुः। तास्त्वेकहस्तं दिवि नर्तयन्त्यः प्रियस्य नाभौ चलदन्यहस्ताः॥१७०॥
The playful Lord shone between each pair of women, his raised arms resting upon his beloveds’ shoulders. Each woman danced with one hand lifted toward the sky while the other moved gracefully near her beloved’s navel.
Passage 171
इत्थं परस्पराबद्धबाहुनामन्तरे प्रियः। तडिद्द्वितयमध्यस्थो रेजे नीलघनो यथा॥१७१॥
Thus the beloved stood between pairs whose arms were linked together, shining like a dark rain cloud positioned between two flashes of lightning.
Passage 172
कदाचित्समसंख्येन स्वरूपेण विराजितः। मोदयामास सर्वास्ता दर्शितानन्यगामितः॥१७२॥
At times he manifested as many identical forms as there were women. Showing that he went to no one else, he delighted every one of them.
Passage 173
दशनस्पर्शनालापचुम्बनालिङ्गनादिभिः। चक्रे रसिकशार्दूलः सर्वासां कामपूरणम्॥१७३॥
Through smiles, touch, intimate speech, kisses, embraces, and more, that tiger among connoisseurs fulfilled the loving desire of every woman. Rāma’s dance and the women’s artistry
Passage 174
अङ्घ्रीमञ्जीरमञ्जुध्वनिकुशलतमो नाटयन् भूप्रदेशे प्रोद्भूतात्यद्भुतश्रीमदनमदभरं मर्दयन्नङ्घ्रिपातैः। नासाभ्रूलोचनोष्ठावयवविचलनोदारचातुर्यमञ्चन् किञ्चित्किञ्चिन्निषिञ्चन् युवतिजनमनोविप्रयोगौघपात्रम्॥१७४॥
Supremely skilled in producing the lovely sound of his anklets, Rāma danced across the ground. With the beat of his feet he crushed the swelling pride of the wondrously glorious god of love. Displaying noble artistry through subtle movements of nose, brows, eyes, lips, and limbs, he poured delight little by little into the young women’s hearts, which had been vessels of flooding separation.
Passage 175
कोटीन्दुद्योतिकोटिद्युमणिरुचिलसत्केकिपिच्छावतंस- च्छायामालोकयंस्त्यक्तसितगुणगणभैरिगर्वायमाणः। पादन्यासाननेकांस्तदनु च बहुशो हस्तजांश्चैव तन्वन् रामो रामाभिरामाकृतिरपि जगतां मोहयन् मानसानि॥१७५॥
The shade of his radiant peacock-feather crest carried the brilliance of millions of moons and millions of suns. Proudly surpassing every host of fair and shining virtues, he unfolded countless patterns of footwork followed by many gestures of the hands. Rāma, whose form delighted the beautiful women, enchanted the minds of all the worlds.
Passage 176
अखेलत् खेलनकलापण्डितो मण्डितोऽमरैः। खेचरीभिर्वीक्ष्यमाणः किशोरवरशेखरः॥१७६॥
The crest jewel among youthful lovers, master of every art of play and honored by the gods, sported while celestial women watched from the sky.
Passage 177
प्रोद्यमञ्जीरनादाः कटितटरसनालोलघण्टीनिनादाः केयूरान्दोलनश्रीमधुरभुजलताः कङ्कणध्वानवत्यः। लीलालोलालकालीवलितमुखरुचः कोकिलाकाकलीभिः कण्ठे कल्याणकलाभिर्नभो भूषयन्त्यः॥१७७॥
The women’s anklets rang out, and the little bells upon the girdles at their waists sounded as they moved. Their sweet vine-like arms, beautiful with swaying armlets, resounded with bracelets. Rows of playfully tossing curls framed the radiance of their faces, and their throats adorned the sky with auspicious arts and cuckoo-like melodies.
Passage 178
पद्भिर्भङ्ग्याक्रमणविधिषु प्रस्फुरद्भूरिभङ्ग्यो हस्तैरुच्चावचगतिमतो हर्तुकान्दर्शयन्त्यः। भ्रूदिग्भेदैः स्मितविलसितैर्भावकान् भावयन्त्यो लीलालोलाञ्चलपटपरिव्यक्तवक्षोजशोभाः॥१७८॥
Their feet flashed through numerous graceful patterns of advance, while their hands displayed captivating movements high and low. Through differentiated directions of the brows and playful smiles they awakened emotion in those who understood it; their beauty was revealed as the edges of their garments moved playfully across their breasts.
Passage 179
नृत्यार्थोद्द्रावितबहुपरीवर्तनावर्तनाभि- र्गत्युत्कर्षैस्त्रुटिमिव तनुमध्यभागे नयन्त्यः। गण्डाभोगप्रतिफलनगानर्घ्यताटङ्कशोभाः शश्वन्नृत्यश्रमजलकणार्द्रीभवद्वक्त्रपद्माः॥१७९॥
They moved through many swift turns and circling revolutions suited to the meaning of the dance, their excellence of motion making their slender waists seem almost to break. Priceless earrings reflected across the fullness of their cheeks, and drops of perspiration from ceaseless dancing moistened their lotus faces.
Passage 180
नृत्यादिष्टाः शिथिलितकचग्रन्थिशोभाविशेषाः काञ्चीवस्त्रोद्ग्रथनविवशाः सम्भ्रमेणालसाङ्ग्यः। स्निग्धस्वान्तप्रियतमभुजाक्रान्तिसत्कान्तिभाजः काञ्चिल्लक्ष्मीं पुपुषुरबला रासचक्रान्तरस्थाः॥१८०॥
Directed by the dance, the women acquired a special beauty as their knotted hair loosened. Overcome by loosened girdles and garments and wearied by the excitement, they gained a lovely radiance beneath the arms of the beloved of their tender hearts. Standing within the rāsa circle, they manifested an indescribable splendor.
Passage 181
स्वस्वलोचनवक्त्राङ्करव्यापारभाजनम्। कुर्वन्त्यो रमणं रामाः स्वरमेव विजह्रिरे॥१८१॥
Each woman made her lover the object of the movements of her own eyes, face, lap, and hands. In this way the beautiful women sported with the Lord as though he belonged to her alone.
Passage 182
कदाचिन्नाट्यसंवेशा गानाविष्टा कदाचन। उभयोरप्यभावेऽभूद्रहःकेली परस्परम्॥१८२॥
At one moment they were wholly absorbed in dance and at another immersed in song. When neither art occupied them, intimate play arose between each woman and her beloved.
Passage 183
परस्याः क्रियमाणास्तानाज्ञाप्य परया स्त्रिया। स्वस्वाभिमतलाभेन सर्वा मत्तदृशोऽभवन्॥१८३॥
One woman would direct another to perform the movements being danced by a rival. Each attained what she personally desired, and all their eyes became intoxicated with joy.
Passage 184
तं तादृशं रतिपुषं पुरुषप्रकाण्डमासाद्य कान्तमतुलं व्रजवामनेत्राः। तद्बाहुदण्डसविशेषगृहीतकण्ठ्यः केलीकलाकुलितमत्तहृदो विरेजुः॥१८४॥
Having attained that matchless beloved—the foremost person and perfect embodiment of love—the doe-eyed women of Vraja shone with their necks held especially close by his strong arms, their enraptured hearts overwhelmed by the arts of play.
Passage 185
अंसे स्थितः प्रियभुजः परतः प्रियाया आत्तकुटिलक्रम आतुरत्वात्। मर्मस्पृशि प्रकटितास्फुटकण्ठनादश्चक्रेऽखिलामृगदृशः स्खलितोरुवीर्याः॥१८५॥
One beloved arm rested upon a shoulder, while another woman, overcome by the crooked and intoxicating course of love, sounded indistinct notes from her throat that touched the heart. The strength of all the doe-eyed women faltered in their rapture.
Passage 186
ताः कान्तसङ्गमवशेन सुविह्वलाङ्ग्यः सन्नृत्यगीतभवदिष्टतयालसाश्च। संस्तम्भितुं ननु पदा स्ववपुर्न शेकुः पार्श्वस्थिते प्रियमतीव तदालिलिङ्गुः॥१८६॥
Overwhelmed in every limb by union with their beloved and exhausted by the ecstasy born of dance and song, they could no longer support their bodies upon their feet. With their beloved beside them, they embraced him tightly.
Passage 187
इत्थं सर्वाः प्रियतमं भरं न्यस्य सुनिर्भरम्। स्वच्छन्दं गोदुहां दारा विजह्रुः श्रीप्रमोदने॥१८७॥
Thus every cowherd woman placed the full weight of her body upon her dearest one and sported freely in the glorious Forest of Joy. The moon witnesses the rāsa
Passage 188
दृष्ट्वा भगवतः केलीं महारासाभिधां नृप। चन्द्रमा लज्जितो भूत्वा रूपगर्वोपराजितः॥१८८॥
O king, beholding the Lord’s play known as the great rāsa, the moon became ashamed, his pride in his own beauty utterly defeated.
Passage 189
आत्मानं चन्द्रसरसि न्यमज्जयदुदाशये। अनन्धकारितं वीक्ष्य सर्वे देवा नभस्तलम्॥१८९॥
Despondent, the moon submerged himself in Candra-saras. Seeing the sky deprived of his light, all the gods took notice.
Passage 190
आययुर्ब्रह्मणः पार्श्वं ब्रह्मा सर्वैः सुरैः सह। आययौ भगवान् यत्र गोपीभिः सह नृत्यति॥१९०॥
They went to Brahmā, and Brahmā came with all the gods to the place where the Lord was dancing with the cowherd women.
Passage 191
दृष्ट्वा रघुपतेः केलीमानन्दरसनिर्भराम्। चन्द्रं च चन्द्रिकां चैव हृदयं रवमेनिरे॥१९१॥
Seeing the Lord of Raghu’s play filled completely with the rasa of bliss, they understood both the moon and moonlight to be mere reflections of that inner radiance.
Passage 192
अथ स्नानसमायातगोपीपादाब्जसङ्गमम्। प्रसादं प्राप्य सहसा चन्द्रः स्वस्थो दिवं गतः॥१९२॥
Then the moon received the grace of contact with the lotus feet of the cowherd women who had come there to bathe. At once restored to himself, he returned to the sky.
Passage 193
सर्वाश्चन्द्रसरस्तोयैः स्नात्वाभ्युक्ष्य परस्परम्। कृत्वा च पद्मकिञ्जल्कलोलाद्याभूषणं तनौ॥१९३॥
All the women bathed in the water of Candra-saras and sprinkled one another. They then adorned their bodies playfully with lotus pollen and other natural ornaments.
Passage 194
प्रातः प्रबोधसमये वनिताव्रजस्य लग्नाशया यद्यपि गन्तुमनीहमानाः। आमन्त्र्य रामरमणं सहजादियुक्तास्तस्याज्ञया स्वसदनाभिमुखा बभूवुः॥१९४॥
At dawn, although the women’s hearts remained bound to Rāma and they had no desire to depart, they took leave of their delightful Lord. Sahajā and the others then obeyed his command and turned toward their homes. Maṅgalā’s protection of the līlā
Passage 195
राजोवाच— तासां वै गेहपतयो नादृह्यन् किञ्चिदप्युत। जानन्त एव मनसि स्वस्वसन्निधिवर्तिनीः॥१९५॥
The king said: “Surely the husbands of those women suspected nothing at all, for in their own minds they understood their wives to be present beside them.
Passage 196
ध्रुवं समागता गोप्यो रामस्य खलु सन्निधौ। कथं नु पतयोऽजानन् स्वस्वसन्निधिवर्तिनीः॥१९६॥
“Yet the cowherd women had certainly assembled in Rāma’s presence. How could their husbands have believed each woman was still beside her own husband?
Passage 197
एतन्मे ब्रूहि रामस्य सखे नूनं सुकण्ठ भोः। यत्रैश्वर्यगुणव्यक्तिर्जायते हृदये सताम्॥१९७॥
“Please explain this to me, O Sukaṇṭha, dear friend of Rāma, through whom the manifestation of the Lord’s majestic power arises in the hearts of the faithful.”
Passage 198
सुकण्ठ उवाच— उक्तमेतत् पुरा तुभ्यं राजमौलिमणे मया। लीलाशक्तिः प्रभोरस्य मङ्गला सिद्धयोगिनी॥१९८॥
Sukaṇṭha said: “Crest jewel among kings, I explained this to you before. Maṅgalā, the perfected yoginī, is this Lord’s power of divine play.
Passage 199
दुर्घटं सुघटं कुर्याद्घटिताघटितं तथा। रामलीलाविनोदार्थं त्रैलोक्यमपि मोहयेत्॥१९९॥
“She makes the impossible easy and makes what has occurred appear not to have occurred. For the delight of Rāma’s līlā, she can enchant even the three worlds.
Passage 200
तया विमोहिताः किं किं नाभिपश्यन्ति जन्तवः। लीलानुकूलतां नित्यं सम्पादयति सा व्रजे॥२००॥
“What is there that creatures enchanted by her do not see or fail to see? In Vraja she eternally arranges everything so that it supports the divine play.
Passage 201
तदर्थसिद्धयोगिन्याः सर्वे चाज्ञाकरा व्रजे। प्रियस्यापि प्रियायाश्च लीलापरिकरोऽखिलः॥२०१॥
“For that purpose everyone in Vraja obeys the perfected yoginī, including the entire retinue serving the līlā of the beloved Lord and his beloved.
Passage 202
शक्त्यैव सिद्धयोगिन्या भवेत् सङ्घटितो वने। अतस्ता एव ते जानन् स्वस्वसन्निधिवर्तिनीः॥२०२॥
“The meeting in the forest was brought about solely by the power of that perfected yoginī. Therefore the husbands continued to perceive their wives as remaining beside them.
Passage 203
वनाधिदेवता देवी मङ्गला नाम सन्ततम्। लीलार्थं कुरुते सैव प्रमोदवनमुत्तमम्॥२०३॥
“The goddess named Maṅgalā is the presiding deity of the forest. She herself continually fashions the supreme Forest of Joy for the sake of the līlā.
Passage 204
मङ्गला नाम देवीयं सदा सिद्धयोगिनी। लीलाधिदेवतेशस्य त्रैलोक्यस्यापि मोहिनी॥२०४॥
“This goddess named Maṅgalā is eternally a perfected yoginī. She presides over the Lord’s divine play and can enchant all three worlds. Eightfold invocation
Passage 205
मङ्गलायै नमो नित्यं प्रमोदवनमङ्गले। नमस्ते रामरमणचित्तरञ्जनराशये॥२०५॥
Eternal homage to Maṅgalā, auspicious power of the Forest of Joy. Homage to you, treasury of all that delights the heart of Rāma, the divine lover.
Passage 206
नमस्ते मङ्गलादेव्यै व्रजमण्डलमोहिनि। पूर्णमण्डलचन्द्रायै रामलीलैकशक्तये॥२०६॥
Homage to the goddess Maṅgalā, enchantress of the realm of Vraja; homage to the full moon of the circle and the unique power of Rāma’s līlā.
Passage 207
नमः श्रीसहजादेव्यै रासस्याह्लादशक्तये। नमः प्रेमरसानन्दरूपिण्यै रामभक्तये॥२०७॥
Homage to the goddess Śrī Sahajā, the delight-bestowing power of the rāsa; homage to Rāma’s devotion embodied as the bliss of love’s rasa.
Passage 208
नमो रामस्य चिच्छक्त्यै चेतयन्त्यै सतां मनः। कृष्णायै नीलरत्नाभश्रीविग्रहलसद्रुचे॥२०८॥
Homage to Kṛṣṇā, Rāma’s conscious power, who awakens the hearts of the faithful and whose beautiful form shines with the splendor of a blue jewel.
Passage 209
नमः श्रीरासचन्द्राय लीलानन्दरसात्मने। प्रमोदवनचन्द्राय परब्रह्मस्वरूपिणे॥२०९॥
Homage to the glorious moon of the rāsa, whose essence is the rasa of blissful play; homage to the moon of the Forest of Joy, the embodiment of the supreme Brahman.
Passage 210
नमो रासविलासादिलीलानन्दरसाब्धये। कोटिकामाभिरामाय रामाय रमणात्मने॥२१०॥
Homage to the ocean of the blissful rasa of rāsa-sport and every divine play; homage to Rāma, the eternal lover, more beautiful than millions of gods of love.
Passage 211
इत्यष्टकं प्रातरुत्थाय राजन् पठेत् सदा प्रेमरसानुरक्तः। नेत्रे समन्मील्य रसाम्बुराशेरानन्दलीलां पश्यति सद्य एव॥२११॥
O king, one who rises in the morning and always recites this eightfold hymn with deep attachment to love’s rasa closes both eyes and immediately beholds the blissful play of the ocean of rasa.
Passage 212
अलं कर्मायासैरलमलघुसायासतपसा अलं योगैः साङ्गैरलमथ बहुज्ञानविभवैः। परप्रेमानन्दप्रसरपरिपूत्येकजनिका प्रभोर्लीलां ध्यायन् दलितभवबन्धो विजयते॥२१२॥
Enough of the exertions of ritual action; enough of severe and arduous austerity. Enough of yoga with all its limbs, and enough of the abundance of many kinds of knowledge. One triumphs with the bonds of worldly existence shattered by meditating on the Lord’s līlā, the sole source of the complete, overflowing expansion of supreme love’s bliss.
Passage 213
इति ते सर्वमाख्यातं यथा रामो रसात्मकः। आदिव्रजे विहरति प्रेमाक्तैः स्वजनैः सह॥२१३॥
Thus I have told you everything concerning how Rāma, whose essence is rasa, sports in primordial Vraja with his own people, who are saturated with love. Colophon इति श्रीमदादिरामायणे ब्रह्मभुशुण्डसंवादे पूर्वखण्डे दशरथतीर्थयात्रायाम् आदिव्रजागमने त्रिंशाधिकशततमोऽध्यायः ॥ १३० ॥ Thus ends Chapter 130, concerning the coming to original Vraja within Daśaratha’s pilgrimage, in the Pūrva-khaṇḍa of the dialogue of Brahmā and Bhuśuṇḍa in the venerable Ādi-Rāmāyaṇa. Source control note Chapter 130 occupies registered source leaves 922–941 of the Pūrva-khaṇḍa volume (physical PDF pages 923–942) and contains 213 continuously numbered passages. It begins on physical page 923; Chapter 131 begins below the Chapter 130 colophon on physical page 942. All twenty source pages were reviewed directly against the scan in batches of no more than two pages, with the final leaves rendered one at a time directly to memory because the data volume was full. No disposable scan images were retained. The English is a fresh translation from the scan-controlled Sanskrit; the edition’s recorded witness variants were consulted where they materially affected the reading.