Chapter Five — The Jeweled Bower

Sarvābhir lalibhis tatra cābhāti jaya-śabdakam,
Tato mañjulakaṃ kuñjaṃ praviśya paramādbhutam. (20)

Surrounded by all the playful companions, the divine couple entered a supremely wondrous and beautiful bower, which resounded with cries of victory.

Tatas tu sukhadaṃ dhāma gamanecchur Raghūttamaḥ,
Hāsya-lāsya-vinodena prāpya sthānam anuttamam. (21)

Then Raghuttama desired to proceed to the abode of bliss. Amid laughter, graceful dance, and joyous entertainment, he reached that unsurpassed place.

Surāga-mūle vimale maṇḍape maṇi-maṇḍite,
Toraṇair hema-kalaśair maṇi-stambhair virājite. (22)

Beneath a splendid wish-fulfilling tree stood a pure pavilion adorned with jewels, shining with ornamental arches, golden finials, and gem-studded pillars.

Rākāyās taraṇe divye vistīrṇe paramāsane,
Tatra siṃhāsanaṃ kāntaṃ nānā-maṇibhir āvṛtam. (23)

Upon a vast divine spread gleaming like the full moon stood a charming and exalted lion-throne covered with many kinds of precious stones.

Tan-madhye ṣoḍaśa-dalaṃ parama-jyotirmayaṃ param,
Nyavasad Rāghavas tatra Sītayā saha suvrataḥ. (24, continues)

At its centre was a supreme sixteen-petalled lotus made of pure radiance. There the noble Raghava sat together with Sita.