Gita Govinda -Jayadeva 109

Gita Govinda -Shri Jayadeva Gosvami

Act One : sämoda dämodaraù

The Delighted Captive of Love

Song 4

Scene Four

Verse 42

käpi viläsa-vilola-vilocana-khelana-janita-manojam dhyäyati mugdha-vadhür adhikaà madhusüdana-vadana-sarojam harir iha mugdha-vadhü-nikare... Translation “Look, sakhi ! This gopé is meditating on Kṛṣṇa. He arouses lust in the hearts of sensuous young ladies with the romantic sidelong glances of his restless eyes, and she is greedy to drink the honey of his lotus face.” Commentary Describing an enchanted heroine (mugdhä näyikä), Rädhä’s sakhé says, “This gopé is meditating on Kṛṣṇa’s lotus face. As Çyämasundara revels in loving pastimes, his restless eyes display suggestive expressions. He intensifies the sensual appetite of the best of attractive ladyloves by casting his playful glance upon them and he feels immense bliss within the core of his heart.” The mugdhä näyikä is very shy, therefore her amatory endeavours are inhibited by behavioural conventions.