A golden platter holds scented oil and fragrant ubtan; their perfume spreads through all ten directions. Five auspicious companions rub ubtan on their limbs, singing sweetly in the fifth mode.
At the touch upon their bodies, transcendent happiness arises— joy too vast for the heart to hold. Seeing this mystery, heavenly women yearn for it and shower down flowers in delight.
They cleanse the paste from their limbs, line their eyes with kohl, and offer them fragrant betel. Absorbed in delight, they gaze without blinking upon that beauty, forgetting mind, understanding, and heart.
Warding the Evil Eye from Sri Kishori — Pada 23
The companions perform the chumavan for dusky Siya, smiling softly all the while.
With milk and rice they circle every auspicious limb and her head, turning away the evil eye. Is she Sati, Sachi, Saraswati, Vishnu’s beloved, or Rama herself—or Rati?
The palanquin sways and the headdress upon her head flashes with divine brilliance. Friend, Moda’s heart leaps whenever she rises and presses close.
Pada 24
“O woman of Mithila, dark Shyam will take you as his bride. Friend, I dreamed this very delight: he will come today with the sage.
“He will break the bow, place the victory-garland upon his breast, and circle the sacred fire with you. Do not worry now, Janak’s cherished daughter— you will obtain a bridegroom of Raghu’s line.
“Each day he will give you joy amid the rasa-play and pleasures of the delight-grove. Whenever you sit offended in the palace, he will fold his hands and coax you.