Chapter Eight: Literature of the Rasika Tradition in Hindi

First, in the vepa bower, the companion named Namratā humbly seats Sri Sita and Rama. Seeing the two of them, the companion Vilāsinī quickly dresses Sita in garments, bodice, veil, and other clothing; she adorns Raghava’s neck and other limbs with a necklace and additional ornaments. With devotion she fashions the Couple’s two incomparable forms.

Next, they enter the jasmine bower, where the companion named Sāṅgānandā dwells. Receiving the happiness of her service with love, Sita and Rama both attain supreme bliss.

Sri Raghava then enters the “Play Bower” together with Sita, where the companion Vṛndā remains immersed in eternal bliss.

There they roam joyfully. With the wonder of amorous sport and through the play of Love, Sita pleases Raghava.

The Couple next see the delightful bower named Sukhada, whose very purpose is to give pleasure, and attain supreme bliss. The companion Nityā shines there.

They swing again and again in the hindolaka bower, where the companion Prema-pradarśinī resides. She fulfils Sri Raghunandan’s desire.

Sri Raghava, accompanied by beloved Sita, then goes to the beautiful swing-bower, where the companion Vasanta-raṅginī dwells, filled with supreme joy.

In the spring season, Sri Raghava enters the dining bower together with Maithili and the companions. It is enveloped in extraordinarily varied flowers, enlivened by flocks of cuckoos and bees, and capable of increasing the power of Love. There the companion Sadānumodinī joyfully satisfies Sri Sita-Ramachandra with foods encompassing the six flavours and fifty-six varieties of things to chew, eat, suck, and lick: mālpūā, jalebī, laḍḍū, khājā, khurmā, khīr, milk preparations, vermicelli, cream, pūrī, vaṛā, muṅgāre, mithaurī, fine breads soaked in clarified butter, and other dishes; vegetables such as jackfruit, ridge gourd, and pointed gourd; pickles of ginger, mango, and āṃvarā; sour preparations of kilahā, galkā, and karaundā; and chutneys of mango, coriander, and other ingredients.

Seeing the delightful bower named Cāru, intended for repose and furnished with soft beds, Lord Raghava attains great joy.

There the companion Madanamañjarī, endowed with the beauty of Lakshmi herself, is present. Ramachandra lies down together with Sita; afterward, seeing Raghava resting upon the bed, she lovingly awakens him.

In the intermediate angles of the eight-petalled lotus grow the vedī trees: mādhavī, campā, mallikā, punnāga, camelī, clove-creeper, āṃvarā, and tulsi. They are extraordinarily varied, filled with every fragrance, and laden with blossoms whose nectar is sweeter than ambrosia. The companions shine beneath their shelter.

Hear their names, O Agastya. Some behold the Couple while laughing without restraint; some sing and some dance. Vīṇāvatī is absorbed in the lute held in her hand, Sugandhikā bears fragrances, and Kapilā and Ghoṣā—endowed with playful arts and every beauty—produce gentle music—