Chapter Two — The Kadamba Forest

Agastya said:

Tataḥ kiṃ kṛtavān Rāmo Jānakī-prema-lampaṭaḥ,
Kathyatāṃ rasika-śreṣṭha yan manaḥ susthiraṃ bhavet. (1)

O foremost rasika, what did Rama—passionately devoted to Janaki’s love—do next? Tell me, so that by hearing it my mind may become completely steady.

Hanuman said:

Tau tatra dṛṣṭvā vipinaṃ manoharaṃ varaṃ kadambaiḥ pariveṣṭitaṃ mahat,
Yan-mūla-vedī maṇi-māla-saṃyutā hemair mahārhaiḥ paritaḥ prasannā. (2)

There the two beheld a vast and enchanting forest, excellent and encircled by kadamba trees. The platforms at their roots shone on every side with garlands of precious jewels and finest gold.

Prasanna-dīptau paramāsana-sthau virājamānau ca vibhūṣaṇāñcitau,
Parasparāveśa-vilāsa-saṃbhramau śuci-smitau nitya-vayaḥ-kiśorau. (3)

Radiant with joy, seated upon the supreme seat and adorned with beautiful ornaments, the eternally youthful Couple shone in sacred splendour. Absorbed in one another, thrilled by their play, they smiled gentle, pure smiles.

Nānā-sugandhīni vanāni kāni prakullitānīha samaṃ samantāt,
Hireka-mālāḥ śubha-saṃyutāni pibanti mādhvīṃ karasāni sarvataḥ. (4, continues)

On every side the many fragrant groves flowered all at once; auspicious garlands shimmered, while bees everywhere drank the honeyed essence.