Chapter Three — The Radiant River

The breeze carried delicious fragrance through the entire region, while honey-intoxicated garlands of bees wheeled about in wonder. (4, completed)

Mahī mayūkhaiḥ khacitā mahārhair maṇi-pravālai rucirā samantāt,
Hiraṇmayī mūrtimatī parā śrīr yatrādbhūtāḥ santi janāś ca nityāḥ. (5)

The earth was inlaid on every side with the rays of priceless jewels, gems, and coral. Golden and embodied as supreme beauty herself, it was the dwelling place of marvellous, eternally liberated souls.

Jalāni śītāṃśu-karākarāṇi go-kṣīra-śaṅkha-dyuti-nirjitāni,
Sudhāśayāne megha-nibhāni kāni Śrīmad-Dhareś cāru yaśāṃsi tāni. (6)

Its waters resembled masses of cooling moonbeams and surpassed the lustre of cow’s milk and conch shell. Deep as a cloud-bank and filled with nectar, they were like the beautiful, stainless fame of the glorious Lord.

Himāgamāc chīta-viḍambitāni svādūni mādhvīka-rasād dhanāni,
Svacchāni sac-cit-samāni kāni karpūra-kundādbhuta-darśanāni. (7)

Cooler than the coming of winter, sweeter and richer than honey, its waters were clear and seemed formed of being and consciousness. Their wondrous whiteness recalled camphor and kunda blossoms.

Mahārhair māṇikya-maṇi-prakārair vaidūrya-vajrāṅkura-suprasannaiḥ,
Ebhiḥ sadā sat-sikatābhir anvitā virājitā sā Sarayū sarid-varā. (8, continues)

The excellent Sarayu shone with beautiful sands composed of priceless rubies and other jewels, bright beryl, diamond, and radiant crystal.