Chapter Five — Arrival at the Sarayu

With music, dancing, parasols, and fly-whisks surrounding them, the divine couple shone as they walked toward the river with the graceful majesty of swans and elephants. (4, completed)

Prāptau tau salilābhyāsaṃ sat-taraṅgair upaśobhitam,
Gandhavantaṃ śriyā juṣṭaṃ kāma-sandīpa-kārakam. (5)

The two reached the water’s edge, beautified by lovely waves, fragrant and filled with splendour—a place that kindled the tenderness of love.

Sarayūs taṃ priyaṃ dṛṣṭvā Jānakyāliṅgitaṃ vibhum,
Śītalena sugandhena jalena pada-paṅkajam. (6)

The Sarayu beheld her beloved Lord embraced by Janaki and washed his lotus feet with her cool, fragrant waters.

Pūjayitvā prasūnena jalajena prapūjya vai,
Nānopacāra-naivedyaiḥ pūjayām āsa sā satī. (7)

That faithful river-goddess worshipped him with flowers and water-born lotuses, then honoured him lovingly with many offerings, services, jewels, and food.

Tataḥ parama-harṣeṇa Jānakyā saha Rāghavaḥ,
Krīḍayan vāri-madhye ca yathā matta-mataṅgajaḥ. (8, continues)

Then Raghava, filled with supreme delight, entered the water with Janaki and sported there like a joyful, love-intoxicated elephant.