Gita Govinda -Jayadeva 187

Gita Govinda -Shri Jayadeva Gosvami

Act Four : snigdha madhusüdanaù

The Tender Slayer of Madhu

Scene Eight

Song 8

Verse 6

vilikhati rahasi kuraìga-madena bhavantam asamaçara-bhütam praëamati makaram adho vinidhäya kare ca çaraà nava-cütam sä virahe tava dénä Translation “O Shri Kṛṣṇa, in a secluded place, Rädhä is painting a picture of your captivating form in musk, considering you to be Kämadeva himself. After depicting you with mango-bud arrows in your hand and riding upon a makara, she bows down to offer respectful obeisances to your portrait.” Commentary “When Rädhä sits in a secluded place and paints your portrait with liquid musk (kastüré), she portrays you as Kämadeva – the god of sensual love – because, other than you, who can drive her heart insane with desire? Only you can fulfil her cherished ambitions. Then she paints mango buds in your hand. They are the most powerful amongst all the arrows of Kämadeva. She depicts you riding upon a makara, just like the predominating deity of lust. Furthermore, to attain liberation from the burning sensation of amorous desires, she respectfully bows down before you and offers heartfelt prayers.” This verse includes upamä alaìkära.