Chapter Eight: Literature of the Rasika Tradition in Hindi

Companies upon companies of young women shine within those palaces, all appearing as the shadows of Sita’s arms.
Whenever the Lord performs his many deeds for devotees,
They assume incomparable forms and manifest beside Sita-Rama, each perfectly suited to the desired role.

They become guru, father, mother, kin, and family; they become innumerable friends and servants.
Assuming countless bodies, they perform the līlā according to the beautiful preferences of Sita and her beloved.
They become birds and deer, ornaments and garments, fragrances, horses, elephants, flutes, chariots, and pleasant seats;
Palaces, treasuries, beautiful couches and bedding, fly-whisks, parasols, gems, rubies, and gold.

Whatever manifestation belongs to the līlā is a form of Sita’s retinue—
Real, conscious, and made of bliss, incomparable and beyond the three guṇas.

Whatever keeps Sita-Rama delighted, the companions lovingly perform.
Through the Couple’s grace every companion is all-capable, though they regard themselves as lowly.
They assume whatever form a place and occasion require and fulfil the Lord’s incomparable purpose.
When the work is completed, they return to their companion forms and sport happily beside the Couple.

Rama alone is the one Man; all others are female companions and treasuries of virtue.
Saketa is the eternal manifested abode, whose eternal recreation the unconscious cannot perceive.
Wherever Sita-Rama sport together, no other man has any function.
Ornaments, garments, couch, and every instrument of happiness are conscious and lovely forms of the companions.

Assuming many forms as Sri Sita’s companions, they serve the Lord and preserve love.
Kanak Bhavan, where Sita-Rama reign, is celebrated throughout the world;
No comparison is adequate for it anywhere in all worlds or heavenly realms.

There Sita-Rama, ocean of compassion, perform their rasa-filled deeds amid the companions.
At the centre of the palace shines a lovely lake with stainless water and heart-enchanting bathing steps.
Spacious flower gardens spread on every side, artfully and gracefully maintained in many forms.
Vast bowers overflow with treasuries of happiness, and many splendid jewelled lamps shine.

Many couches are spread and swings hang everywhere; delight is abundant in every bower.
Limitless and wondrous images made of gems beautify the walls in many ways.
Within the palaces where Sita-Rama dwell, their pleasure and recreation cannot be spoken.

Countless excellent women serve their feet; the names of the principal companions are given here:
Shruti, Kirti, Mandavi, Urmila, Kaushiki, Kamala, Vimala, and Shila;
Chandrakala, Sri Lakshmana, Charushila, Shashibhala, Hema, Kshema, Jamuni, Madankala, and Rasamala;

Premlata, Sri Yugalviharini, Dugdhavati, Subhaga, Sukhakarini, Jnanakala, Kovida, Kripani, Saguna, Sarasvati, and Mudakani.