Chapter Eight: Literature of the Rasika Tradition in Hindi

Rama is embraced there. Awakening at dawn, the Beloved Lady and her Beloved remain joined to one another, filled with affection. The face and expression of the crown jewel among heroines display the abundance of every beauty and the splendour of her awakened qualities.

Her curling locks are loosened by the loving play that drew the two together. Having meditated upon the noble-hipped Goddess, endowed with divine virtues and līlā, Rama’s beloved, the practitioner should become intent upon service.

Lakshmana, Shyamala, Hansi, and Sugama are four supremely adroit companions who at different times assume masculine form: they serve sometimes as women and sometimes as men.

They become whatever Rama’s desire requires. One should perpetually serve Rama together with Jānaki within the mind.

The companions’ services

Lakshmana serves betel. Shyamala serves fragrant substances such as perfume, together with delicacies such as modakas. Hansi applies sandal paste and other unguents to the Couple’s tender limbs with her soft lotus hands. Sugama presents pale, moon-bright garments.

Nigama serves with the fly-whisk; Surasa attends to the garments; Vagmi serves the lotus feet; and Shastrajna serves by playing many kinds of melodious instruments and singing auspicious songs.

Bahumangala develops the melodic improvisation of many rāgas. Bhogajna remains intent upon song, while Dharmashila performs service at the feet—