Chapter Eight: Literature of the Rasika Tradition in Hindi

Supreme bliss surges through bower after bower wherever the two moons move.
Jnanakala is the authorised mistress of this bower, dear to Sita and her beloved.
She comes and massages their feet, recognising herself as greatly fortunate.

Then happiness-giving Sri Premlata leads them toward the sleeping bower.
Entering it with honour, Sita-Raghurai recline upon the couch.
The dark-and-fair Pair are enchanting, the beautiful young Kishori bestowing happiness.
Companions gaze from every side like a flock of cakora birds surrounding two moons.

They eat a little sweet refreshment and rinse with pure water.
Smiling, companion Premlata happily places betel into their mouths with her own hand.

With the companions beside them, they proceed to the bower of loving play, following the direction of Sita-Raghunath’s feet.

Yugalpriya, the bower’s officiating mistress,
Recognises the time and joyfully sends a companion to the Couple within the swing bower.

They proceed delightedly toward the swing bower, accompanied by a great company of young women.
Assuming many forms of the monsoon season, they serve the Lord, the root of happiness.
Only a rare rasika whose heart is stainless understands this mystery.

Sometimes the two swing one another; nothing in all three worlds is fit for comparison.
As the arc rises, beloved Sita grows frightened and clings to her lover’s body, arms about his neck.
Garments flutter and ornaments resound; pearl necklaces break and fall upon the ground.
Dark curls loosen upon both sides and flow in lovely waves, captivating the heart.

Supremely fortunate companions, devoted to the Couple’s lotus feet, gaze upon them.
Sometimes the beloved swings Sita and gains immense happiness from beholding her beauty from toenails to crown.
Sometimes the companions wave fly-whisks or fans; sometimes they dance and sing the virtues of Sita and her beloved.

The Rāsa Bower

Sita and Raghubir sit upon a lovely throne amid a dense company of companions.
Receiving permission to begin the rāsa, the companions bow their heads.

Kamala, Vimala, Lakshmana, Kripa, Kaushiki, Bala, Aghovara, Jamuni, Vagmati, and Shashibhala.

The Secret

With joined hands I ask this of the rasikas: hear my petition, compassionate ones.
The hidden play performed by the Couple is what Shiva and the other gods hold in meditation.