|
Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 4: Chapter 25: Verses 19-31
Introductory part of the parable of Puranjana
There was no molestation caused in that park by the various species of wild animals, that were (all) wedded to non-violence like hermits. The passer-by thought himself invited to that place by the notes of (its) cuckoos. In that garden he beheld a most charming damsel-who had arrived (there) by chance-coming with ten attendants, each of whom was the spouse of a hundred wives. She was guarded on all sides by a five-hooded serpent, that was a bodyguard to her. Sixteen years of age and capable of assuming any form at will, she was out in quest of a husband. The girl had a shapely nose, beautiful teeth, lovely cheeks and a charming countenance, and bore in her symmetrical ears the splendour of (brilliant) ear-rings. Clad in a tawny skirt and adorned with a girdle of gold, that lady with well-formed hips and swarthy of complexion looked like a goddess as she walked with her feet making a tinkling sound by their anklets. Moving with the (stately) gait of an elephant, she covered (every now and then) with the end of her garment out of modesty her close-knit, symmetrical and spherical breasts, which bespoke the advent of youth. Pierced by (the arrow of) her affectionate sidelong glances, with the outer corner of her eyes serving as its shaft and her eyebrows, dancing for love, as the bow, the gallant youth (Puranjana) spoke in a winning tone to the girl, who looked (all the more) charming with her bashful smiles. "Who are you, O pretty damsel with eyes resembling the petals of a lotus? Whose daughter are you and whence are you here, 0 noble girl ? Tell me, O timid one, what you intend to do in the outskirts of this city. Who are these ten attendants of yours, led by that great warrior, who makes the eleventh ? Again, who are these young women, O beautiful lady; and what about this serpent going before you ? Are you Hri (the goddess presiding over the virtue of bashfulness) or Parvati (the divine Consort of Lord Siva) or Val( (the goddess presiding over speech) or Rama (Goddess Laksmi) living in seclusion like a hermitess in this forest in search of your lord, who has (I am sure) realized all his ambitions by merely craving for your feet ? (If you are none else than Goddess Rama) where has the lotus bud (Your invariable companion and distinguishing mark) dropped from the tips of your fingers ? (No,) you are none of these (aforesaid), O damsel with well-formed thighs, since you touch the ground (with your feet). (Therefore), be pleased to grace this city with myself, an eminent hero of extraordinary prowess, even as Sri (the goddess of beauty and prosperity) adorns the transcendental realm (of Vaikuntha) with (Her Consort) Lord Visnu (the Soul of sacrifices). Instigated by you through (the movements of) your playful eyebrows conspiring with your bashful and loving smiles, the all-powerful Love is harassing me, whose mind has been distracted by your side-long glances ! Therefore, (pray,) show your grace to me, O beautiful one ! (Just) raise and show me your sweet-tongued countenance-with its charming eyebrows and eyes possessed of lovely pupils-which is screened by dark tresses hanging low, and not facing me through bashfulness, O damsel with bright smiles !"
|
|
