Chapter Eight: Literature of the Rasika Tradition in Hindi

Śrī Rāma-śata-vandanā

Sri Sitaramsharan Ram Rasrang Mani

This is a repeatedly renewed, tender and feeling-filled salutation to Sri Sita-Rama—the very form of śṛṅgāra—in their splendid appearance as bride and bridegroom. Its couplets are drenched in rasa. At the end are five savaiyā and kavitt verses centred upon spiritual longing. They recall Uddhava’s prayer, “Ah, may I become one who enjoys the dust of their feet,” and Raskhan’s longing beginning, “If I were born an animal…”

I bow to Rama, radiant in a bridegroom’s dress beside Sita in her bridal attire.
Fair and dark, says Rasrangmani, they fulfil every desire of their devotees’ hearts.

I bow as all the brides and bridegrooms arrive at Awadh’s gate;
The delighted mothers perform the welcoming rites, and Rasrang’s happiness knows no limit.

I bow to the four brides and four bridegrooms shining upon the throne.
Groups of mothers worship them; seeing this, Rasrang gives himself in sacrifice.

I bow to Sita’s beloved, the embodiment of happiness, rasa, and śṛṅgāra—
Sovereign of rasikas, Rasrangmani’s incomparable friend and gracious companion.

I bow to Bharat’s elder brother, the embodiment of sweet love and the rasa of friendship—
Ocean of compassion, Rasrangmani’s companion, and sovereign of every rasa.

I bow to Lord Sita-Rama, bestowers of happiness, rasa, and colour,
Distinct yet non-distinct like speech and meaning, or water and its wave.

I bow to Dasharatha’s son, auspicious temple of virtues and rasa—
Sandalwood cooling Sita’s heart, moon-faced and beautiful beyond countless Love-gods.

I bow to Rama, devoted to his father’s command, with Lakshman and Sita beside him;
Renouncing Awadh’s kingdom, he departed for the forest with a heart full of joy.

I bow to Raghuraj, newfound lover and friend of Nishad;
Meeting him, says Rasrangmani, Rama drew him to his heart as dear as life.

I bow to the Lord who sports in Awadh, sports with Sita, and is the abode of joy—
Rama who sports within Rasrangmani’s heart and captivates the minds of sages.

I bow to Raghupati: lord of Raghu’s line, lord of kings, lord of rasa, and lord of Rasrang;
Lord of the path and Lord of the world, whose limbs rival the lord of love.

I bow to excellent Sri Raghubir, heroic in compassion and generosity—
Hero of dharma, says Rasrangmani, hero in war and steadfast in understanding.