The jeweled crown appears so charming upon the bridegroom, so deeply pleasing— one cannot tell whether the flower-girl’s hands deserve the praise, or Ramachandra’s head.
The sandal paste appears so charming upon the bridegroom, so deeply pleasing— one cannot tell whether the learned priest’s hand deserves the praise, or Ramachandra’s brow.
The necklace appears so charming upon the bridegroom, so deeply pleasing— one cannot tell whether the goldsmith’s craft deserves the praise, or Ramachandra’s throat.
The fitted garment appears so charming upon his body, so deeply pleasing— one cannot tell whether the tailor’s craft deserves the praise, or Ramachandra’s form.
The red dye appears so charming upon his feet, so deeply pleasing— one cannot tell whether the barber’s application deserves the praise, or Ramachandra’s feet.
The Couple Shines Within the Pavilion — Pada 86
The couple shines within the pavilion: an emerald beside gold, lightning flashing within a dark cloud.
Behold the nectar-essence, the ocean of love; Mithila’s beauty brims over and spills.
A golden vine clings longingly to a dark tamala tree; the pair shines utterly still and changeless.
This alone is Yogeshvara’s longing: may this divine couple forever remain so.
Pada 87
Behold today the prince of Awadh arrayed as bridegroom— he whom the Vedas describe only by saying, “Not this, not this.”
See the splendor of the jeweled crown upon his enchanting head, as though ten million suns had risen at once.
Behold the wondrous play of sweetness upon sweetness; astonishing is the beauty of his wedding crown today.
See the heart-stealing tilak upon his brow,