Chapter Eight: Literature of the Rasika Tradition in Hindi

—had been printed by Ramsharan Bhagavan Prasad Ji under the title Rasika Urahāra. In fact, it contains both Vinayamālā and Rasika Urahāra. Yugalotkaṇṭhā-prakāśikā begins with dohās and is followed by songs intended to be sung.

The work opens with homage to Sri Swamini Ji together with her companions. Its dohās, filled with rasa, are exceptionally moving. The entire work produces a powerful effect and is saturated with genuine relish and direct experience of līlā-rasa. Such intensity of separation, such pain, and such an unwavering description of it are not found elsewhere. The place occupied by Ghananand among poets devoted to Krishna is occupied by Jaipur-Chandeli among poets devoted to Rama.

Examples:

Sri Swamini, accompanied by your retinue, you increase every happiness.
Grant me happiness forever; take my hand now.

Without beholding your lotus feet, birth in this world passes in vain.
Come now together with Sita’s bridegroom; every instant and moment passes like an age.

O Sita, daughter of a king! O prince of Raghu’s line!
Without you my heart remains distraught, and not the slightest composure survives.

I have abandoned concern for food and clothing and become indifferent to everything.
The fire of separation continues to grow, while the wind of sighs fans its heat.

Upon that fire clarified butter falls in the form of tears dripping from my eyes.
It is not extinguished but increases further—who can understand this pain?

I wander through house, outdoors, and forest, hoping to steady my mind somewhere.
Wherever I go, the heart remains terrified; this suffering can no longer be borne.

Sometimes I sit alone inside the house with my eyes closed,
Experience the beloved form inwardly, then open them and lament again.

Then I fashion the līlā within imagination as a support for the mind;
The radiance of beloved and lover brings a little coolness.

Even so the heart is not satisfied, so powerful is the flame of separation.
Appear, you two dark-and-fair young lovers, like raincloud and lightning.

The sweetness of your faces is thunder, and your speech nectar joined to the pain of longing.
The fire of separation will be extinguished only when the water of union rains down.

O moon-faced Janaki! O dark bridegroom of Sita!
When will you reveal your moonlike faces and enchanting lotus feet?