Chapter Eight: Literature of the Rasika Tradition in Hindi

Heavy hips and slender waist seem newly formed in the lion’s manner;
this union of weight and leonine grace has reached its twelfth year.
A garment of many colours clothes the bank of the waist,
as though the longings of millions of women clung to that body.
Three stainless folds are like three currents of Love’s river;
or are they waves in the ocean of beauty where youth never sleeps?
Upon the small belly shines a stainless line of hair,
like the glimmering shadow of one straight curl descending from above.
Looking upward, a row of ants proceeds toward jars of nectar;
has an overflowing current of śṛṅgāra surged within the colourful heart?
Or do wagtail birds—the Beloved’s mind—sport within the world of that line,
a subtle mantra inscribed to bring Hari’s mind under her power?
Joined to it, a pearl necklace is strung upon a crimson cord;
the clever Lady’s limbs glitter, each shining with a different colour.
Sarasvati and the celestial river appear to meet and give the sun’s radiance,
forming a sacred triple confluence in which the Beloved’s eyes may bathe.
Countless necklaces and pendants, and a jeweled ornament upon the breast,
mingle with gold, many gems, a forehead garland, and excellent flowers.
A dark bodice fits tightly over the elevated breasts—
Love’s drum sounds above while the elephant of youth moves beneath.
Upon her palms shine steady lines of great marital fortune;
her Lord reads them every day with love, abandoning even the blink.
Fragrant, crimson, shapely fingers shine upon her hand—
five arrows of King Love, or fresh saffron buds.
Upon the fair chin appears a tiny dark mark,
like the Sovereign of rasa seated upon a golden throne.
Or does the moon lovingly play with its child upon its lap?
Or does a young bee drink lotus fragrance without ever becoming satisfied?
Is that gleam between her teeth Rahu dwelling in the parrot’s home,
or the Rasika gem, her Beloved, suddenly captivated by Sita?