Chapter Eight: Literature of the Rasika Tradition in Hindi

A gold-worked, gem-studded robe enchants exceedingly; many excellent jewels shine upon it.
A yellow sash rests at the waist, with gems and pearls attached along its ends.
His lovely shoulders resemble those of a bull, and his neck a fine conch.
His face humbles the pride of the autumn moon and marks the limit of beauty.
Crimson lips and a soft row of teeth steal devotees’ hearts when he smiles;
It is as though celestial beings within a coral aerial car showered excellent flowers upon an assembly.
His chin is handsome, his nose lovely, and a wondrous ornament gleams there.
How can his graceful cheeks be described? Their radiance shames both Love and the moon.
Fine earrings sway upon his beautiful ears,
Touching his cheeks and purchasing the heart without price.
His lovely paired eyes shine with fullness;
Lotus, wagtail, deer, and fish are ashamed before them.
No such beauty exists within the three worlds;
His lovely glance appears to irrigate the devotee with nectar.
Above, his eyebrows possess still greater beauty,
Impossible to describe even as Love’s bow.
A broad, excellent forehead mark shines;
Seeing his hair, rows of bees are ashamed.
Curls are steeped in varied fragrance,
More beautiful than the dark wings of a crow.
A wondrous yellow turban has been arranged, with a jewelled wedding crown above it.
Seeing this still more delightful beauty, even Brahma’s understanding wanders.
Beholding Raghunandan again and again with his younger brothers, all the women
Hold that sweet form within their hearts and become overwhelmed by love.

Amorous Jesting with the Companions in Janakpur

Drawn by restless eyes and eager for the vision, Rama came before the companions.
Seeing the delightful Lord, every woman felt happiness like a fish that has found water.
Then every woman rejoiced like a cakora beholding the full moon.
The clever leading companion Siddhi took the Lord’s hand, curved her brows, and covered her face with her veil.
She said, “Hear me, royal prince—you are a great thief who steals hearts.
After stealing my heart, you have come directly before my mother-in-law.”

Hearing Siddhi’s words, Sri Raghubir replied:
“Lady, do not reverse the matter; confess your own fault to me.
Knowing that I was coming, it was you who tried to hide yourself.”

The poet once more bows his head at the feet of the Lord of rasikas and tells this story that bestows happiness upon connoisseurs. Many royal maidens came at the invitation of Mithila’s king, their faultless limbs clothed in excellent garments and every ornament arranged like a snare for the heart—