Chapter One — The Couple Enters the Forest

Nakha-candrādbhutaṃ dṛṣṭvā cakorāḥ parito bhramuḥ,
Saudāminī-varṇaṃ dṛṣṭvā cātakāḥ paricakramuḥ. (28)

Seeing the wondrous moons of their toenails, the chakora birds circled all around. Seeing the lightning hue of Sriya, the chataka birds wheeled about them.

Gamanaṃ sundaraṃ dṛṣṭvā vañcitā haṃsa-kuñjarāḥ,
Tanvyo lāvaṇyakaṃ dṛṣṭvā mūrcchitau Rati-Manmathau. (29)

Beholding their lovely gait, swans and elephants felt surpassed. Seeing their delicate beauty, Rati and Manmatha fainted.

Hāsya-lāsya-kaṭākṣaiś ca cāṭukārair manoharaiḥ,
Nānā-gānaiḥ sumadhurair vādyair vividha-nirmalaiḥ. (30)

Their laughter, dance, glances, and enchanting playful speech stole every mind, while the companions’ varied songs and pure instruments poured forth sweetness.

Veṣṭitāv ālibhis tau tu gacchantau vara-dampatī,
Paraspara-rasāveśau prāptau tau vanam uttamam. (31)

Surrounded by companions, the excellent Husband and Wife walked on, absorbed in one another’s rasa, and reached the supreme forest.

Tatra divyāsane divyaṃ kāntena maṇi-veṣṭitam,
Virājantau kalābhijñau dṛṣṭvā sakhyaḥ pramoditāḥ. (32)

There they shone upon a divine seat encircled with radiant jewels. Seeing the Couple, knowers of every art, the companions rejoiced.

Pūjayantyaḥ prayatnena gandha-mālyaiḥ susaṃskṛtaiḥ,
Varānna-pāna-bhogaiś ca tarpitāḥ prīti-saṃyutāḥ. (33)

With loving care the companions worshipped them with fragrance and garlands, excellent foods, drinks, and enjoyments.

Pakva-tāmbūla-karpūraṃ dattvā tābhyāṃ prayatnataḥ,
Nanṛtuḥ sumukhāl okya sarvā rāsa-rasotsukāḥ. (34)

They carefully offered prepared betel and camphor. Gazing upon the beautiful faces of the Couple, all danced, eager for the rasa of the rāsa.