Chapter One — The Companions of the Great Rāsa

Mahārāsa-rasollāsī vilāsī sarva-dehinām,
Jñātvā tayor mano-bhāvaṃ sakhyaś ca paramotsukāḥ. (17)

The companions, who sport within the hearts of all embodied beings and delight in the rasa of the great rāsa, understood the inward feeling of the Divine Couple and became supremely eager.

Sukeśāḥ susmitāś caiva suśroṇyaḥ paramādbhutāḥ,
Rūpa-yauvana-śālinyaḥ sarvābharaṇa-bhūṣitāḥ. (18)

They had beautiful hair, gentle smiles, and lovely hips; they were marvellous, endowed with beauty and youth, and adorned with every ornament.

Sujaghanā dṛḍhoraskāḥ kāścid bilva-phala-stanāḥ,
Gāna-vidyā-kalālāpa-kuśalāḥ prema-pūritāḥ. (19)

Beautiful of thigh and firm of breast—some with breasts like bilva fruit—they were learned in song, skilled in the arts and graceful conversation, and filled with love.

Vidagdhā vividhākārāḥ kāma-vidyā-viśāradāḥ,
Nānā-vāditra-kuśalā Rāma-cittāpahārikāḥ. (20)

Refined and diverse in form, adept in the art of love and in many instruments, they were expert at stealing Rama’s heart.

Yāsāṃ kalā-kalāṃśena jātā nāryaḥ śriyādayaḥ,
Sarvā Rāmārpita-dhiyo Jānakī-paricārikāḥ. (21)

From the slightest portion of their arts arose Lakshmi and all other glorious women. Every one had offered her mind to Rama and served Janaki.