Chapter Five — The Eight Presiding Bowers

The foremost ring contains eight petals, each a distinct bower presided over by a principal companion skilled in dancing and the intimate service of the divine couple. (38, completed)

Prathamaṃ veṣa-kuñjaṃ tau praviṣṭau narma-bhṛt tau,
Vilāsinī sakhī tatra dṛṣṭvā Rāseśvarau mudā. (39)

First, the playful divine pair entered the Bower of Adornment. Its presiding companion, Vilasini, joyfully beheld the two Lords of the rāsa.

Veṣaṃ cakāra śīghraṃ sā vastrālaṅkāra-mālyakaiḥ,
Ubhayor vardha-rūpyor anurūpaṃ subhaktitaḥ. (40)

With beautiful devotion she quickly dressed and adorned them in garments, ornaments, and garlands perfectly suited to the ever-increasing beauty of each.

Gatvā tau Mālatī-kuñjaṃ Sāṅgānanda-sakhī yataḥ,
Tasyāḥ sevāṃ saṅgṛhya tau premṇā paramaharṣitau. (41)

They next entered the Jasmine Bower, where the companion Sangananda served them. Accepting her loving service, Sita and Rama became supremely delighted.

Keli-kuñjāntar-gatau Śrīrāmaḥ Sītayā saha,
Yat vṛndā tatra nityā nityānande nimajjati. (42)

Then Sita and Sri Rama entered the Bower of Play. The eternal circle of companions dwelling there is forever immersed in unbroken bliss.