Today's Beautiful Gem: An aSTapadi on Spring by Jayadeva (Part I)

lalita-lavangalatA-paris'Ilana-komala-malaya-samIre
madhukara-nikara-karaMbita-kokila-kUjita-kunja-kuTIre [1]
viharati harir iha sarasa-vasante
nRtyati yuvatijanena samaM sakhi virahijanas'ya durante [dhruvam]

It is beautiful spring time.
The tender clove creepers are caressed
by the gentle breeze from the south;
The flower-bushes are echoing
with the buzz of the bees and the zealous cuckoos.
Krishna is strolling here dancing with many young women;
It is beautiful spring time,
the season of never-ending sorrow for the separated lovers. [refrain]

unmada-madana-manoratha-pathika-vadhUjana-janita-vilApe
ali-kula-sankula-kusuma-samUha-nirAkula-vakula-kalApe [2]

It is beautiful spring time,
The women-folk of wayfarers are grieving
with overwhelming passionate desires;
The vakula trees are sporting bunches of flowers
with swarms of bees humming around.
Krishna is strolling here...

mRga-mada-saurabha-rabhasa-vas'aMvada-nava-dala-mAla-tamAle
yuvajana-hRdaya-vidAraNa-manasija-nakha-ruci-kiMs'uka-jAle [3]

It is beautiful spring time,
The tamaala trees have sprouted new leaves,
and are spreading kastuuri-like aroma;
The kimshuka flowers appear as if they
are Kaama's bloody nails when he tore the hearts of the young!
Krishna is strolling here...

madana-mahIpati-kanaka-daNDa-ruci-kesara-kusuma-vikAse
milita-s'ilImukha-pATala-paTala-kRta-smara-tUNa-vilAse [4]

It is beautiful spring time,
The kesara flowers have bloomed looking
like the golden parasols of the Love god;
The pATala flowers with surrounded bees
look like the quivers of the Love god.
Krishna is strolling here...

Om s'aantih: Peace! - J. K. Mohana Rao

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