The Autumn Moon Shines in His Face
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 147
Doha 147 · Movement 1 of 2
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His face carries the tranquil beauty of the autumn moon. Grace rests upon cheek, chin, and neck. Red lips open over luminous teeth, and the smile outshines moonbeams. Fresh lotus buds seem to have lent their charm to his eyes, whose glances enter the heart without effort.
The curve of his brows surpasses Kama's bow, and a radiant tilaka shines upon the forehead. Crocodile shaped earrings frame the face. Above curls dark as a gathering of bees rests a crown, while Shrivatsa, a forest garland, necklaces, and precious gems adorn the broad chest.
His neck has a lion's strength. The sacred thread descends across his body, ornaments encircle the arms, and graceful hands extend like the smooth reach of an elephant's trunk. A quiver rests at his waist. Bow and arrows remain in his hands, joining immeasurable tenderness to the readiness of divine protection.
Moonlight smiles from his face while the bow rests effortlessly in his hand.
Read the passage from the Manas
सरद मयंक बदन छबि सींवा। चारु कपोल चिबुक दर ग्रीवा।। अधर अरुन रद सुंदर नासा। बिधु कर निकर बिनिंदक हासा।। नव अबुंज अंबक छबि नीकी। चितवनि ललित भावँती जी की।। भुकुटि मनोज चाप छबि हारी। तिलक ललाट पटल दुतिकारी।। कुंडल मकर मुकुट सिर भ्राजा। कुटिल केस जनु मधुप समाजा।। उर श्रीबत्स रुचिर बनमाला। पदिक हार भूषन मनिजाला।। केहरि कंधर चारु जनेउ। बाहु बिभूषन सुंदर तेऊ।। करि कर सरि सुभग भुजदंडा। कटि निषंग कर सर कोदंडा।।
His face is the very frontier of beauty, like the autumn moon. Lovely cheeks, a graceful chin, and a slender neck. His lips glow red, His teeth are beautiful, His nose is perfect. His smile puts to shame whole clusters of moonbeams.