Chapter Four — The Companions’ Loving Service

Svarṇādhāre jalaṃ kāścit kṛtvā kautūhalānvitāḥ,
Miṣṭānnaiś ca samāyuktaṃ kāścit kāñcana-bhājanam. (45)

Some eagerly brought water in vessels of gold, while others carried golden dishes filled with sweet delicacies.

Kācid ghaṭaṃ kare dhṛtvā pūrṇa-maireyakaṃ rahaḥ,
Avyagrāgre prema-yutā dadṛśe Rāghavaṃ mudā. (46)

One carried in her hand a jar filled with maireya, a fragrant festive drink. Calm and full of love in that secluded place, she joyfully came before Raghava and gazed upon him.

Sitātapatraṃ kāścit tu dhṛtvā tāmbūlam uttamam,
Kuṅkumāgara-kastūrī-candanādyaiḥ prapūritam. (47)

Some bore a white parasol, while others carried excellent betel prepared with saffron, aloe perfume, musk, sandalwood, and other fragrant ingredients.

Kāndorakaṃ dhṛtāś cānyā Rāma-sevā-parāyaṇāḥ,
Nānā-yantra-karāḥ kāścid iṅgitajñā manoramāḥ. (48)

Other lovely companions, wholly devoted to Rama’s service, held kāndoraka service-vessels; still others carried varied instruments and understood his slightest gesture.