Chapter Four — The Rasa Celebration

As the dance quickened, anklets rang at the feet, bracelets chimed upon the hands, and the girdle’s little bells and circling bangles sounded again and again. (25, completed)

Nīla-pītāmbara-dharau sragviṇau ca śuci-smitau,
Virājete mahāpīṭhe tumule rāsa-maṇḍale. (26)

Clad in blue and yellow garments, garlanded and smiling with spotless joy, Sita and Rama shone upon the exalted seat amid the jubilant circle of the rāsa.

Sarvāḥ sarve pranṛtyanti nṛtyayanti parasparam,
Gāyanti gāyayantyaś ca nandanti nandayanti ca. (27)

Every woman and every companion danced, and each inspired the others to dance. They sang and made one another sing; they rejoiced and caused one another to rejoice.

Lolālakāḥ pariśrāntyā veṇī-śreṇī-virājitāḥ,
Vaṅka-tāṭaṅka-dhāriṇyo gaṇḍa-maṇḍala-maṇḍitāḥ. (28)

Wearied by dancing, their loosened curls swayed around rows of shining braids. Their curved earrings moved against their cheeks, adorning the lovely circles of their faces.