Chapter Five — The Lotus Pavilion

In the heart of the jeweled lion-throne shone a radiant sixteen-petalled lotus. Surrounded by the foremost companions, Sita and Rama took their seat upon it. (24, completed)

Tatra kuñjāny anekāni phullitāni hi sarvataḥ,
Pakṣi-saṅghāś ca ninadanti tāni manoharāṇi. (25)

All around were innumerable bowers bursting into flower, and flocks of enchanting birds filled them with melodious cries.

Vasantādi-ṛtavo yatra phala-puṣpa-samanvitāḥ,
Nava-pallava-namrāgrā bhramad-bhramara-veṣṭitāḥ. (26)

There all the seasons, beginning with spring, were present at once. The trees were laden with fruit and flowers, their tips bending beneath tender new leaves and encircled by wandering bees.

Vahanti vātāḥ padmāni sukha-sparśā manoramāḥ,
Kāmadā kāminīnāṃ ca manohlādakarāḥ parāḥ. (27)

Delightful breezes carried the fragrance of lotuses. Their touch was gentle and blissful, fulfilling the lovers’ desires and bringing supreme joy to their hearts.

Tat-patre ṣoḍaśa-dale vayasyaḥ santi ṣoḍaśa,
Krameṇa tāsāṃ nāmāni śṛṇutāṃ munisattama. (28, continues)

Upon the petals of that sixteen-petalled lotus dwell sixteen intimate companions. O best of sages, hear their names in order.