Chapter Eight: Literature of the Rasika Tradition in Hindi

Many companions hold cleansing cloths for the mouth, while many bring fragrant preparations.
Many hold parasols, fans, and fly-whisks, and many create a cooling breeze.
Many companions play instruments of every kind, while others mark deep rhythms.
Ramcharan’s fair companions sing in sweet and solemn voices.

First behold the soles of the feet, then the nails, the jāvaka, and the twelvefold beauty of the anklets.
The companions perform ārati for those dearer than life, contemplating the beauty of wise Rama.
Next come the girdle-bells and lovely waist-cord, and then the quick red nectar of the lips.
The companions become moon-birds before the Couple’s faces, pause there, and then bow to the entire body.
Next behold the crown and lunar pendant; Ramcharan’s companions drink them in.
Drinking the nectar of each limb’s beauty, they behold Ramlala and Jānaki.

Friend, behold the beauty of the youthful lover and maiden!
Raghunandana and the Daughter of Janaka are the paired fruit of the tree of adornment.
Dark Rama’s complexion gleams like a peacock’s neck, while fair Jānaki is polished gold.
Bow and arrow shine in Ramachandra’s hands, while Sita’s lotus hand carries a charming flower-ball.
A yellow garment crosses Ramachandra’s waist and shoulder; a blue sari covers fair Sita’s body.
It seems Rama’s dark sari has clothed Sita, while Sita’s yellow cloth has entered Rama’s form.
Who could describe this ornamented beauty? What companion’s mind would it not steal?
I sacrifice ten million Kamas and Ratis upon every lovely limb of the Couple.
Many companions stand nearby in service; many fill the air with dance, melody, and song.
Ramcharan says: Sanaka and the others, Shesha, Shuka, Shiva, and Hanumat hold this vision as their very home.

Immersed in supreme love, body and mind drenched, the companions perform the tasteful service of ārati.
Before the paired moons, every mind becomes a cakora bird, while Kama and Rati offer themselves.
Their eyes move like fish through the treasury of Sita-Rama’s nectar-filled beauty.
Seeing the essence of beauty in every limb, their moonlike eyes pause and drink again and again.
Many companions stand ready with every article; music, rhythm, and sweet song resound.
Ramcharan’s companions perform ārati, offering mind, action, speech, and all desire.

“Come now to the bedchamber, my beloved Rama and Sita.
Look upon the moon-faces of all the companions; much of the night has passed.”
Seeing their eyes languid and drowsy, the companion Sahaja entreats them:
“Darling and Beloved, come to sleep; I sacrifice myself upon you.” All the companions fold their hands.
Hearing their words, lover and beloved rise and descend from the throne.
The companions smilingly remove the ornaments of Rama and Sita, leaving only a few upon their heads—