Chapter Eight: Literature of the Rasika Tradition in Hindi

Gods, humans, Nagas, and kings give themselves in sacrifice;
She illumines the entire dynasty of Nimi.
Her companions drive the swing, flashing and bending,
While the sky resounds with rasa-filled song.

The current of rasa has grown exceedingly strong;
The women swing one another in turn.
Gyanali gazes with an overwhelmed heart—
What an extraordinary course love has taken!

This monsoon, let happiness touch us a hundredfold as we behold the beloved swinging with her lover.
In the vine bowers of Sri Pramodavana, its shower of sweetness can never be fully described.
Sita is lightning and enchanting Ghanshyama the cloud; filled with fresh delight, their limbs and arms touch.
The ever-fresh companions swing them and sing in sweet upon sweet sounds through all seven notes.

Clouds resound and lightning flashes through the ten directions as Shyama grasps Shyama’s hand.
Gyanali says: day and night in the monsoon, may lover and beloved remain saturated with beauty and joy.

They send the swing forward, bend, and receive its rush.
Crickets ring jhanan-jhanan in a wondrous play.
Clouds surge, gather, encircle, and spread overhead.
Gyanali says the heart-enchanting monsoon brings an ever-new procession of happiness.

The fresh Couple flash and sway upon the swing.
The new hanging seat blossoms within a bower on the bank of Sri Sarayu.
Their fresh bodies gain new splendour from their ornaments;
New garments and new mutual affection become the root of happiness for the companions.

The fresh young lovers shine amid their large company.
Their matchless beauty from toenails to crown can be equalled only by the Lady herself.
New clouds spread on every side;
Gyanali beholds a rain of rasa and feeling, and the thorn in her heart disappears.

Companion, my heart is restless with thoughts of my beloved day and night.
Monsoon has come, delighting the mind, yet its days continue to pass.
Shall I sway and flash upon the swing beside him, touching his enchanting body?
Hearing Gyanali’s longing for union, he has come and met her with a smile.

Companion, the connoisseur will not listen; he cannot satisfy his heart however long he swings.
I was sleeping within my own palace when suddenly he awakened me—