Chapter Eight: Literature of the Rasika Tradition in Hindi

Some inspect every cluster of flowers, calling again and again upon Rama and their beloved’s face.
Others seize trees and vines to question them; in separation from Rama they have no awareness of body or understanding.
Knowing herself bitten by the serpent of separation from Rama, one wanders swaying, saturated with the rasa of love.
Another woman, utterly distraught and overcome by love, speaks as though she herself were Rama Bihari:

“I am the jewel among kings, long-armed; I extend my arms with the weapon beside me.
I am the one who broke Shankara’s hard bow and tied the wedding-knot with Sita.
I am Raghupati, resident of Pramodavana; I am Natavar, excellent and playful Rama.”

This lovely devotion is sung as prema-bhakti; now hear of the happiness-giving supreme devotion.
One woman says, “My beloved comes when he hears singing, so let all of us gather and sing of discerning Rama.”
They all go together to the Sarayu’s bank and dance and sing until his form covers their eyes.

Raghunandan appears that very instant, and all the young women receive him as their very life.
He holds bow and arrows in his hands, his body like the wondrous form of millions of Love-gods.
The sweetness of Rama’s form is immeasurable; seeing it, Kama forgets his own bow.
A jewelled crown rests above curls strung with bells; seeing him eat betel, even shame cannot remain firm.

One companion spreads her sari to fashion a seat and invites beloved Awadh Bihari to sit.
Another woman draws her brows and says, “We know the pride you conceal.”

Sita performs all sixteen adornments, stealing the heart of Awadhesh’s prince.
Vermilion fills her hair-parting, her oiled braid is artfully arranged, and a sandal mark bestows immense happiness.
She eats betel and speaks gentle words; her flashing teeth steal the Lord’s eyes.
Ornaments inlaid with jewels, crescents, and other decorations delight the mind upon every limb.

Gems and rubies are threaded into her garments, while even without gold her limbs shine exceedingly.
A tightly fitted bodice, skirt, and other garments are brought;
Her veil is dark Shyama’s colour, says Ramsakhe, and she is a treasury of beauty.

Flower garlands and pearl-woven hair ornaments, bracelets and earrings, and collyrium upon the eyes adorn her.
Musk and rose perfume are applied to face and breast, drawing bees that hum amid the fragrance.
Henna colours her hands and crimson lacquer her feet; seeing her again and again, Rati becomes bewildered.
Sita’s beauty cannot be described, and the Lord remains forever captivated by it.

The dark cloud Shyama likewise receives all sixteen adornments for the sake of Sita, the lightning of his heart.
Beneath the curls lies a sandal mark; crown and other ornaments adorn him, and collyrium darkens the eyes.
Jewels shine at his face and a ruby necklace rests upon him; every limb is covered in fragrance.
Flowers are woven and placed upon every limb, and a pearl garland rises upon the breast.

A fitted waistcloth, brilliant lower garment, and yellow cloth wrap his body—