Chapter Eight: Literature of the Rasika Tradition in Hindi

Colourful Lord of Ayodhya swings upon the swing.
He wears excellent green garments, fine ornaments, and a glittering crown.
Even Shesha and Ganesha cannot describe his beauty; Saraswati’s understanding falters.
Having arranged every delight, Sita’s companions swing him; their bodies shine in blue cloth.
Servant Haricharan says: may this Divine Couple dwell within my heart.

Friend, behold the beauty of their swinging and break a straw to ward away the evil eye.
Dark-bodied Rama is the lovely raincloud and Sita the lightning; the two swing upon the bank of the Sarayu, turning their laughing faces toward one another.
Graceful jewelled pillars and a wondrous gem-studded seat shine; their green garments and jewels steal consciousness away.
The beloved gives such a strong push that the swing will not stop; Haricharan says the dear lady implores, “Look toward me from the corner of your eye.”

Friend, the companions swing Rama and Sita upon the swing.
They wear a skirt of fine satin and a sari whose beauty of colour admits no comparison.
Necklaces sway, delicate jewelled strands tremble, vermilion adorns the head, and flowers rest in their hands.
Upon the bank of Sri Sarayu Ji they sing kajrī and unfold melodic phrases.
Servant Haricharan says: day and night behold this secret beauty of Sawan.

Sita swings with the beloved who is dearer than life.
A hundred million suns lose their radiance upon beholding his autumn-moon face.
Earrings flash and excellent curls hang like rows of bees gathering there.
A gorocana mark adorns his broad forehead; his tender lotus eyes are tinged with red.
A jewel at his nose shines above his lips, and a Vaijayanti garland beautifies his throat.
A tinkling girdle and lovely yellow cloth encircle his waist; his lotus hands bear bow and arrows.
His gentle smile enchants both Rati and Love, and his glance steals away our hearts.
Proud Sawan clouds gather from every side, and dense, dark cloudbanks thunder.
Servant Haricharan says: every companion sacrifices body, mind, and wealth to this swing vision.

Today Sita’s bridegroom swings upon the swing.
Sawan is exceedingly beautiful and sacred, spreading its beauty upon the riverbank.
Bakula, kadamba, tamala, and celestial trees flower throughout the pleasure forest.
Hearing cuckoos call and companions sing, even sages forget their meditation.
The beloved youth’s friends appear in fine attire, matched by Sita’s companions.
Lord and beloved place arms around one another’s necks and surge with the sovereign essence of rasa.
Gem-covered pillars, silken ropes, and a golden seat form the delightful swing.
Servant Haricharan beholds it every day, for the fortune of the worlds has opened there.