Appendix A: Mahāvāṇī

“Both of the Darling’s Eyes Are Filled with Love”

Both of the darling’s eyes are filled with love.
Anointed with collyrium, they delight and enchant the mind and give the companions happiness.
Wagtail, fish, and lotus petal have fled far away, forming some army in the water.
Rati says, “I am filled with Love”; the eyes reply, “Then what equality can there be with us?”
Uma, Rama, Brahmani, and the others all speak, “Take wisdom into yourself.”
O dear princess of Mithilesh, who could offer a comparison for your beloved eyes?
In whatever manner they smile and look, they moisten the heart, shower joy, and cannot be described.
Yugal Viharini says: the Beloved alone knows them, for he gazes upon them day and night.

“The Young Girl’s Incomparable, Nectar-Filled Words”

The young girl’s words are incomparable and filled with rasa.
Neither nectar, the moon, the parrot, the cuckoo, nor even the kokila can equal them.
A gentle laugh, shining teeth, and the snare of her lips’ beauty give repose to her beloved.
Limb after limb and beauty after beauty—poet, goddess of intellect, and Sarasvati cannot describe them.
She performs boundless sport with her beloved in Kanak Bhavan, the giver of happiness.
Sri Yugal Viharini says: filled with ardour, the companion serves them day and night.

Intoxicated and beautiful, she seizes her beloved and drenches him in the colour of love.
Smiling gently, she turns her face; then the sudden shaking of her eyes steals his heart.
She snatches the colour-syringe from his hand and makes faces at the excellent lover.
The rasika companion joins Raghava’s hands, holds him in her lap, and refuses to release him.

“Raghunandan Plays Holi”

Raghunandan plays Holi.
Janakanandini is joined by a great host of companions, while Hari’s male friends form the other side.
Phag-revelry erupts with instruments and songs; clamour rises on every side.
Every beautiful pair shines.
The current of saffron and vermilion makes the Sarayu’s bank and every house red.
Goddesses shower colour and dance; no one can keep her clothing in order.
Every limb is steeped in colour.
Rama challenges his friends, while the other side advances with the united strength of the companions.
They seize dear Bharata, Shatrughna, and Lakshmana and drag them to their side,
Doing with them whatever pleases their minds.
They remove all ornaments and garments and bind the brothers according to their own device.
When they finally release everyone at Sri Ramacharan’s plea, victory is proclaimed for Janaka’s daughter.