Chapter Four — The Dance of Sita and Rama

The fair beloved among Rama’s cloud-dark forms appeared like moonlight rising in the deep darkness of the rainy season. Filled with the joy of play, she sang of her beloved’s deeds. (14, completed)

Surāṅganā-narāṅganā-samīra-pannagāṅganā-gaṇe varāṅganā pada-tviṣā vinirjitā subhāminī,
Priyā priyeṇa vidhṛtā pranṛtyatī śuci-smitā vilola-pāñcavya-nya-sat-paṭāñcalaṃ sucañcalā. (15)

Sita, supreme among women and surpassing the splendour of celestial maidens, royal women, and daughters of the serpent race, was held by both hands by her beloved. Smiling purely, she danced so gracefully that every fold and border of her garments trembled in beauty.

Nṛtya-śramāyāḥ śithilī-kṛtāṅgayā mallī-prasūnāni patanti keśāt,
Apūrva-śobhāṃ nitarāṃ prapedire jalopalānāṃ vikiranti meghāḥ. (16)

As her limbs relaxed from the exertion of dancing, jasmine blossoms fell from her hair. They created an unprecedented beauty, like hailstones scattered from a raincloud.

Alola-pāṇi-caraṇā smita-dṛg-vibhaṅgī vibhrac-calad-valaya-kaṅkaṇa-nūpurādīn,
Āśliṣṭa-kaṇṭha-kucako Janakātmajāyā Rāmo rarāja bhava-nāṭaka-nāṭya-veṣaḥ. (17)

With hands and feet moving in rhythm, smiling eyes casting expressive glances, and bracelets, bangles, and anklets ringing as they swayed, Rama embraced the neck and breast of Janaka’s daughter. He shone as the supreme dancer upon the theatre of existence.