Chapter Five — Service at the Innermost Throne

I bow to Sita and Rama, the inseparably embraced sovereigns of rāsa. Immersed in one another through smiles, playful words, and perfect knowledge of each other’s heart, they are the inviolable source of every form of happiness. (63, completed)

Tatra sakhyaḥ prasevante sasītaṃ Rāghavaṃ mudā,
Lakṣmaṇā Cāruśīlā ca Bhadrā Mānavatī tathā. (64)

There four principal companions joyfully serve Raghava together with Sita: Lakshmana, Charushila, Bhadra, and Manavati.

Paramānanda-jananīṃ kṛṣṇā sarvāṅga-śobhitā,
Dhṛtvātapatraṃ kācit tu mayūra-puccha-gucchakam. (65)

The youthful assembly, beautiful in every limb and the source of supreme bliss, attends them closely. One companion holds a parasol, another a cluster of peacock feathers.

Kācid dhṛtvā cāmaraṃ ca kācit tāmbūlam uttamam,
Sarvāṅgādarpaṇaṃ kācij jalaṃ kācit tu sattamā. (66)

One bears a fly-whisk and another excellent betel; one holds a full-length mirror, while another noble companion brings water.