Appendix A: Mahāvāṇī

—and Janaki and Raghunandan become absorbed in their heart-delighting play.
At the feet of Brahman Sri Rama, every living being attains supreme bliss.

Today, companion, behold them dancing in the rāsa-maṇḍala, filled with the colours of rasa.
The forest floor, level as an Ashoka grove and inlaid with gems, radiates immeasurable sunlight.
Sri Raghunandan and Janakanandini bear upon their limbs the beauty of countless Loves.
Crowns and diadems, charming moon-ornaments, and gems set in ornaments blaze upon every limb.
Makara-shaped earrings, pearl necklaces, and Vaijayanti forest garlands hang at their throats.
Sita’s nose-jewel swings over her lips, and marks of saffron and sandal adorn them.
Her hair-parting is filled with pearls; her excellent braid and curling locks resemble hovering bees.
Gemmed bracelets, wrist-ornaments, bangles, and jewelled armlets burn with radiance.
Blue and yellow garments adorn their two bodies; dark and fair beauty meet and steal the heart.
The bells at their waists speak aloud; their hands are crimson lotus-shoots and the anklets at their feet resound.
Calling “thei, thei,” they sustain the notes with every limb and dance with the Beloved, filled with joy.
Mṛdaṅga, ḍholaka, sāraṅgī, cymbals, hand-cymbals, and vīṇā sound richly.
Awake, awake! Between every two companions Raghunandan stands splendidly, hand joined with hand.
He dances with the companions throughout every circle; seeing him, Love repeatedly falls unconscious.
The forest circle is filled with the uproar of the sixteen arts, setting all that moves and does not move into motion.
This garland of rasa, inaccessible to gods and sages but easily reached by rasikas, is to be held in meditation.

The two rasikas are filled with ever-new colours.
In the Ashoka forest’s rāsa-maṇḍala, Janaka’s daughter and dear Raghu steal the heart.
Assuming immeasurable forms through a wondrous enchantment, the dark Beloved stands between every two women.
His crown and diadem sway, and the moon-ornament’s graceful inclination drives Love’s pride far away.
Pearl necklaces shine upon both breasts, and garlands of jasmine and mālatī hang from their necks.
Anklets and little bells make sweet music at their feet, while bracelets and waist-bells resound below.
Muraja, mañjīrā, drum, sāraṅgī, and flute call out.
They develop varied rhythms and music, standing as they cry, “tat-thei, tat-thei.”
Sometimes the Couple smile sweetly and behold one another’s beauty, arms resting upon shoulders.
Sometimes they remember their wedding and the splendid rasikas circle again in bridal rounds.
This rāsa of rasa is a vast ocean of happiness extending twelve yojanas.
The forest and world are filled to overflowing by the garland of rasa; beside it, all creation gleams like a single drop.