Chapter Two — Harichandana and Parijata Forests

Nānā-prasūna-pravarā yuktā matta-madhuvrataiḥ,
Khagāḥ kanaka-citrāṅgāḥ kūjadbhir abhinanditāḥ. (33)

Excellent blossoms of every kind intoxicated pollen-drinking bees, while many-colored golden birds delighted the grove with their cries.

Suratna-maṇi-māṇikya-vedī-mandira-maṇḍitāḥ,
Sakhīnāṃ gāna-kalayā sugandhānila-sevitāḥ. (34)

Altars and temples of fine gems and rubies adorned the forest. Fragrant breezes served it, and the companions filled it with the art of song.

Krīḍayaṃś ca tataḥ śrīmān yayau vanam anuttamam,
Pārijāta-drumair yatra veṣṭitaṃ paramādbhutam. (35)

Continuing his play, glorious Rama entered another unsurpassed forest, wondrously encircled by parijata trees.

Nānā-ratna-maṇi-stambha-kadambair anvitaṃ gṛham,
Sarva-bhogaiḥ samāyuktaṃ mano-’bhilaṣitaṃ ca yat. (36)

There stood a palace joined to clusters of columns made from many jewels, complete with every delight and fulfilling all the heart’s desires.

Manmathāviṣṭa-hṛtaḥ san ramate Sītayā saha,
Tataḥ santāna-saṃpanne vipine kusumākare. (37)

His heart seized by love, Rama sported there with Sita amid a flowering grove rich in santana trees.