Chapter Three — The Awakening of Divine Desire

Dṛḍha-vrata-vrata-haram ā-kīṭa-brahma-mohanam,
Prasūna-cāpa-triguṇaṃ vibhrat pañceṣubhiḥ saha. (32)

The god of love, who can break the vows of even the most resolute and enchant every being from the smallest insect to Brahma, appeared carrying his triple-strung flower bow and five flower-arrows.

Dampatyoḥ sāmprataṃ cittaṃ mohayan tatra kānane,
Priyaḥ priyāṃ kaṭākṣeṇa kṣiptenākalanena ca. (33)

There in the grove he enchanted the hearts of the Divine Husband and Wife. The Beloved drew his beloved toward him with a sidelong glance, and she answered his attraction.

Bodhayāmāsa tāṃ premṇā svecchayā ramaṇecchayā,
Raghuvaṃśa-yaśaś-candraḥ kāntābhiḥ sahitāṃ hi tām. (34)

Moved by love and the free desire for amorous play, Rama—the moon of the fame of Raghu’s line—communicated his wish to Sita in the presence of her companions.

Rāmasya hṛd-gatiṃ jñātvā Jānakī svāṅgato ’sṛjat,
Nāryo ’ṣṭādaśa-sahasram aṣṭottara-śatair yutam. (35)

Understanding the movement of Rama’s heart, Janaki manifested from her own body eighteen thousand one hundred and eight women.