Chapter Eight: Literature of the Rasika Tradition in Hindi

Śrī Sarayū Rasa-raṅga-laharī and Avadha-pañcaka

Sri Rasrangmani

In this work Sri Rasrangmani Ji describes the glory of Sri Sarayu Ji in exceptionally magnificent language. The poet never tires of singing the virtues of Sri Sarayu Ji, the divinely beautiful ground of Sita-Rama’s charming recreation.

For example:

Taking Rama’s Name upon the lips, says Rasrangmani,
Bestows such joy in her company that the heavy fear of worldly existence is forgotten.
Like the gentle rays of the autumn moon,
Her high, liquid waves eradicate every fever.

When one touches her water, within the garden of love for Sitanath
The creeper of playful rasa spreads, bears fruit, and flowers.
Upon the banks of the Sarayu, who asks after wealth, occult power, or enjoyment?
Liberation herself swings amid clusters of bushes and thickets.

Victory to Vasistha’s river, whose sweet water is our lineage’s chosen deity!
The sight of her removes misfortune and bestows immeasurable happiness.
Victory to the lovely current that adorns and sustains Kosala!
She is Raghubir’s grace in liquid form, the destroyer of worldly sorrow.

Victory to the Mother, says Rasrangmani, whose radiant deeds are renowned throughout the world!
Victory to her who arose from Raghubar’s lotus eyes—victory, victory to the river Sarayu!

Just as Rama’s Name is foremost among all names,
And Rama’s enchanting form foremost among forms;
Just as the Ramayana, essence of the Vedas, is foremost among scriptures,
And the excellent Sama Veda foremost among the Vedas;

Just as the Sarayu is the crest-jewel among rivers,
And Hanuman, conqueror of desire, foremost among devotees;
So too, says Rasarama, among all sacred abodes
Awadh is the crown: Rama’s abode and sovereign of holy places.