Chapter Five — Water Play

Raghava entered the Sarayu with Janaki in supreme happiness and roamed through the water with her like a joyous royal elephant. (8, completed)

Sakhībhiḥ sahito bhāti bhagavān sarva-kāmadaḥ,
Kācit kare karaṃ dhṛtvā hy agādhe prakṣipan mudā. (9)

The Lord who fulfils every loving desire shone among the companions. Taking one maiden by the hand, he joyfully drew her into the deep water.

Kācic ca ketavatyā Rāmāṅge nipataty aho,
Kācic tīrāt prapatati jale kācin nimajjati. (10)

What wonderful play! One mischievous companion leapt upon Rama’s body; another plunged from the bank, while yet another disappeared beneath the water.

Yantritā bāhu-yantreṇa kācit kamala-locanā,
Kācit siñcayantī kara-muktena vāriṇā. (11)

One lotus-eyed maiden was caught in the living snare of Rama’s arms, while another splashed her beloved with streams of water flung from both hands.