Chapter Four — The Rasa Celebration

With great skill, the women filled the bowers with the sound of mṛdaṅgas, flutes, vīṇās, drums, cymbals, and many other instruments. (21, completed)

Sapta-svareṇa gāyanti chollākyaṃ rāga-rāgiṇīḥ,
Mādhuryeṇa varārheṇa vidagdhā Rāma-sad-guṇān. (22)

The accomplished singers used the seven notes to unfold varied melodies and their feminine modes. With incomparable sweetness, they sang of Rama’s noble virtues.

Tena vādyena gānena mohito Raghunandanaḥ,
Sva-guṇena guṇa-grāhī kāminī-kāmanāspadaḥ. (23)

Enchanted by that music and song, Raghunandana—the discerning appreciator of excellence, whose own virtues make him the object of every loving woman’s desire—became wholly absorbed in delight.

Priyayā sahitaḥ premṇā hāsya-lāsye mano dadhe,
Rāsājire rasāveśāt kārayāmāsa maṇḍalīm. (24)

Together with his beloved, he lovingly gave his heart to smiling dance and graceful play. Immersed in rasa upon the dancing ground, he formed the dancers into a circle.

Raṇayan nūpurau pāde kvaṇayan kaṅkaṇau kare,
Kalayan kiṅkiṇīṃ kaṭyāṃ valayān vādayan muhuḥ. (25, continues)

Anklets rang upon his feet and bracelets chimed upon his wrists; the little bells at his waist sounded while his bangles beat out their music again and again.