Chapter Eight: Literature of the Rasika Tradition in Hindi
Sita holds Rama in the centre of her heart, and Rama holds Sita within his own.
At that moment love stood confirmed and fulfilled, delighting them both.
Gazing upon one another from toenails to crown, they seemed like reflections cast in a mirror;
Yet even after beholding so much, their eyes—like thirsting bees—would not admit that they were satisfied.
“Friends, do not speak of any stratagem; such an occasion will come every day.
From today onward, make it your daily observance to bring her here with her mind intent upon worshipping Girija.”
No likeness fashioned in the heart, throughout all three worlds, pleases my mind as Rama does.
When the Couple sit enthroned together, their beauty subdues millions of Ratis and Love-gods.
How enchanting the dark and fair forms appear—no comparison can reach them, even were Shiva to seek one.
Banadas says: shame upon the life that does not give its love to such a form!
However carefully one contemplates the lovely sight of Rama and Sita, no one can fathom it.
Their profound affection cannot be spoken: perfect modesty and reserve conceal it within their hearts.
Each augments the feeling of the other—what comparison could a poet possibly bring?
Banadas says: greatly blessed is the one within whose heart this form appears.
Their long arms reach the knees like the trunks of young elephants, their broad chests covered in yellow sacrificial cloth.
Golden armlets and bracelets shine upon their arms, while gem-set rings lend their hands a singular splendour.
Their hands are red lotuses, their thighs and knees beautifully full, and the fine lines of hair upon them are exceedingly lovely.
Banadas says: with lion-like waists and four lotus feet, the dark-and-fair Pair are gardens of beauty in every limb.
Crowns of gold inlaid with many jewels shine upon their heads with the brilliance of the sun; their side-locks possess a beauty all their own.
Dark, curling tresses hang like young serpents, clinging and coiling, a most captivating sight.
Or compare them to rows of bees—though poets might seek through all eight directions, no other likeness would equal this garden of beauty.
Banadas says: golden earrings swing at their ears, putting even the flashing grace of fish to shame.
Curving brows, lotus eyes, and radiant faces seem to command every direction, and whoever looks upon them tastes delight.
The broad tilaks upon their foreheads humble the splendour of lightning; the delicate line between them seems naturally unmoving.
Their lips are exceedingly red and wondrous, and neither bimba fruit nor pomegranate seeds can bear comparison with them.
Their rounded cheeks steal the mind without payment; Banadas says their parrot-beak noses seem almost to tremble with life.