Chapter Eight: Literature of the Rasika Tradition in Hindi

Many rhythms sound; feet grow quick, and body, hands, and faces become wonderfully agile.
Pearl clusters fall from the anklets, like many moons rising upon a lake of nectar.
Instruments sound on both sides: the ramsiṅghā cries dhudhu, dhaddhadhū;
kettledrums thunder bhabha, the nafīrī goes taḍ-taḍ, and war-drums and ḍaṅkas roar.
The śahanāī calls piya, piya; mṛdaṅgas pulse and cymbals ring jhana-jhana.
Tambūras, jaṅgas, mucaṅgas, hand-cymbals, and countless other instruments resound.
The flowers of the trees draw in their perspiration, while everyone rejoices, filled with rasa.
The sixteen adornments overflow with amorous rasa, leaving every other flavour outside.

Adornment and service

Drops of perspiration shine upon the faces like pearls within lotus-cups.
Above them lies incomparable red powder—what mind could adequately conceive its beauty?
Dark curls are bees bending and hovering over lotus faces;
they seem like two crooked Rahus newly reconciled after abandoning their battle.

A companion brings a jewelled pitcher filled with fragrant water.
She washes her Lord’s face and gives her heart to that embodiment of happiness.
One holds his arm while he stands; another companion wipes every limb.
One fans him, while another dries his face with the edge of her veil.
One frees an earring that has become entangled in his curls.
Another repairs the crown and arranges the ornaments that have come loose.
One fastens the yellow garment and applies fragrance to his body.
One waves the fly-whisk, while another sings in a sweet, sweet voice.
With his own hands, the Beloved repairs the ornaments of the companions.
They fashion a flower-seat and seat the Lord upon it.
One washes his feet; the beloved offers incense and lamps.
The companions bring fifty-six kinds of food, each dish distinct.
They offer fruits, flowers, roots, leaves, and many other excellent things.
The Lord feeds the companions, and the companions place food in the Lord’s mouth.
Having relished rasa together, they take water for rinsing and then excellent betel.
They perform a divine ārati amid repeated music and song.
Upon a bed fashioned of flowers, they lay their beloved down.
The companions massage his feet, touch the lotus feet, and fondle them.
Laughing, they all ask him to grant the gift of the rāsa.
Lord Ramcharan rises and begins a little recreation in the water.