भर्तृहरि is celebrated for the शतक-त्रिशति - three collections of roughly a hundred verses each: नीति शतकम्, शृंगार शतकम्, and वैराग्य शतकम्. These are among the most quoted सुभाषितानि in Sanskrit literature because each श्लोक is compact, memorable, and psychologically sharp.
शृंगार शतकम् explores शृंगार (love/beauty/romance) in many shades: the first spark of attraction, playful conversation, the language of glances, union (संभोग), separation (विरह), and the way desire can both uplift and unsettle the mind. It is not only about physical beauty; it is also a study of longing, imagination, vulnerability, pride, and reconciliation - the inner choreography of relationship.
शंभुस्वयंभुहरयो हरिणेक्षणानां
येनाक्रियंत सततं गृहकुंभदासाः ।
वाचां अगोचरचरित्रविचित्रिताय
तस्मै नमो भगवते मकरध्वजाय ॥ 2.1 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Salutations to Cupid, whose wondrous play is beyond words - he by whom even Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu are made ceaseless household errand-servants for doe-eyed women.
स्मितेन भावेन च लज्जया भिया
पराण्मुखैरर्धकटाक्षवीक्षणैः ।
वचोभिरीर्ष्याकलहेन लीलया
समस्तभावैः खलु बंधनं स्त्रियः ॥ 2.2 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
By smiles and moods, by modesty and coy fear, by averted faces and half-sidelong glances, by words, jealousy, quarrels, and playful teasing - by all these moods indeed women become a binding snare for the mind.
भ्रूचातुर्यात्कुष्चिताक्षाः कटाक्षाः
स्निग्धा वाचो लज्जितांताश्च हासाः ।
लीलामंदं प्रस्थितं च स्थितं च
स्त्रीणां एतद्भूषणं चायुधं च ॥ 2.3 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Sidelong glances shaped by clever eyebrow-play and slightly contracted eyes, affectionate speech, laughter that ends in modesty, and a gentle playful gait - whether walking or standing - these are for women both ornament and weapon.
क्वचित्सभ्रूभंगैः क्वचिदपि च लज्जापरिगतैः
क्वचिद्भूरित्रस्तैः क्वचिदपि च लीलाविललितैः ।
कुमारीणां एतैर्मदनसुभगैर्नेत्रवलितैः
स्फुरन्नीलाब्जानां प्रकरपरिकीर्णा इव दिशः ॥ 2.4 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
With eyebrow-bends, with modesty, with startled innocence, and with playful grace - with these love-stirring movements of the maidens' rolling eyes - the very directions seem as though they are strewn with clusters of flashing blue lotuses.
वक्त्रं चंद्रविकासि पंकजपरीहासक्षमे लोचने
वर्णः स्वर्णं अपाकरिष्णुरलिनीजिष्णुः कचानां चयः ।
बक्षोजाविभकुंभविभ्रमहरौ गुर्वी नितंबस्थली
वाचां हारि च मार्दवं युवतीषु स्वाभाविकं मंडनम् ॥ 2.5 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
In young women, the natural adornment is this: a face blooming like the moon; eyes that outshine the lotus; a complexion that eclipses gold; hair that surpasses the swarm of bees; paired breasts like jars that bewilder the heart; a weighty curve of the hips; and speech whose softness captivates.
स्मितकिंचिन्मुग्धं सरलतरलो दृष्टिविभवः
परिस्पंदो वाचां अभिनवविलासोक्तिसरसः ।
गतानां आरंभः किसलयितलीलापरिकरः
स्पृशंत्यास्तारुण्यं किं इव न हि रम्यं मृगदृशः ॥ 2.6 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
An innocent smile, a simple yet restless richness of gaze, a tremor in speech that is sweet with fresh playful phrases, the first budding start of movements and gestures - when youth touches the doe-eyed maiden, what is there that is not lovely?
द्रष्टव्येषु किं उत्तमं मृगदृशः प्रेमप्रसन्नं मुखं
घ्रातवेष्वपि किं तद्आस्यपवनः श्रव्येषु किं तद्वचः ।
किं स्वाद्येषु तद्ओष्ठपल्लवरसः स्पृश्येषु किं तद्वपुर्ध्येयं
किं नवयौवने सहृदयैः सर्वत्र तद्विभ्रमाः ॥ 2.7 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Of all things to be seen, what is best? - the doe-eyed beloved's face, bright with love. Of all scents, what? - her breath. Of all sounds? - her words. Of all tastes? - the sweetness of her lips. Of all touch? - her body. And what is to be contemplated? - her fresh youth; for the tender-hearted, her graces are "best" everywhere.
एताश्चलद्वलयसंहतिमेखलोत्थझंकार
नूपुरपराजितराजहंस्यः ।
कुर्वंति कस्य न मनो विवशं तरुण्यो
वित्रस्तमुग्धहरिणीसदृशैः कटाक्षैः ॥ 2.8 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
With jingling from swaying bangles and girdle, with anklets whose music outshines the royal swan, and with sidelong glances like frightened innocent doe - which mind do these young women not overpower?
कुंकुमपंककलंकितदेहा
गौरपयोधरकंपितहारा ।
नूपुरहंसरणत्पद्मा
कं न वशीकुरुते भुवि रामा ॥ 2.9 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
With her body streaked with saffron paste, her necklace trembling on her fair breasts, and her lotus-feet ringing with anklets like swans - whom on earth does such a lovely woman not enchant?
नूनं हि ते कविवरा विपरीतवाचो
ये नित्यं आहुरबला इति कामिनीस्ताः ।
याभिर्विलोलितरतारकदृष्टिपातैः
शक्रादयोऽपि विजितास्त्वबलाः कथं ताः ॥ 2.10 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Surely those "great poets" speak upside-down who keep calling women weak; by the playful casting of their rolling, star-like glances even Indra and the gods are conquered - how then are they weak?
नूनं आज्ञाकरस्तस्याः सुभ्रुवो मकरध्वजः ।
यतस्तन्नेत्रसंचारसूचितेषु प्रवर्तते ॥ 2.11 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Surely Cupid is the obedient servant of that fair-browed woman, because he acts according to the signals given by the movements of her eyes.
केशाः संयमिनः श्रुतेरपि परं पारं गते लोचने
अंतर्वक्त्रं अपि स्वभावशुचिभीः कीर्णं द्विजानां गणैः ।
मुक्तानां सतताधिवासरुचिरौ वक्षोजकुंभाविमावित्थं
तन्वि वपुः प्रशांतं अपि तेरागं करोत्येव नः ॥ 2.12 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Your hair looks like that of the self-controlled; your eyes seem to extend even beyond the ear; your mouth, naturally bright, is filled with rows of teeth; your two breast-jars are ever beautified by pearls resting on them. O slender one, even though your form is composed, it still awakens passion in us.
मुग्धे धानुष्कता केयं अपूर्वा त्वयि दृश्यते ।
यया विध्यसि चेतांसि गुणैरेव न सायकैः ॥ 2.13 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
O innocent one, what new kind of archery is seen in you - by which you pierce hearts with your qualities alone, and not with arrows?
सति प्रदीपे सत्यग्नौ सत्सु तारारवींदुषु ।
विना मे मृगशावाक्ष्या तमोभूतं इदं जगत् ॥ 2.14 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Though lamp-light, fire, stars, sun, and moon are present, without my fawn-eyed beloved this world becomes darkness to me.
उद्वृत्तः स्तनभार एष तरले नेत्रे चले भ्रूलते
रागाधिष्ठितं ओष्ठपल्लवं इदं कुर्वंतु नाम व्यथाम् ।
सौभाग्याक्षरमालिकेव लिखिता पुष्पायुधेन स्वयं
मध्यस्थापि करोति तापं अधिकं रोमावलिः केन सा ॥ 2.15 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Let the raised weight of the breasts, the tremulous eyes, the dancing eyebrows, and the lip-bud set with color indeed cause disturbance; but why does the delicate line of abdominal hair, though placed in the middle, produce even greater burning longing - as if Cupid himself wrote it like an auspicious garland of letters?
मुखेन चंद्रकांतेन महानीलैः शिरोरुहैः ।
कराभ्यां पद्मरागाभ्यां रेजे रत्नमयीव सा ॥ 2.16 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
With a moonstone-like face, deep-blue hair, and ruby-like hands, she shone as though she were fashioned from jewels.
गुरुणा स्तनभारेण मुखचंद्रेण भास्वता ।
शनैश्चराभ्यां पादाभ्यां रेजे ग्रहमयीव सा ॥ 2.17 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
With the heavy "guru" of her breast-weight, with a radiant moon-like face, and with two Saturn-like feet, she appeared as though she were made of planets.
तस्याः स्तनौ यदि घनौ जघनं च हारि
वक्त्रं च चारु तव चित्त किं आकुलत्वम् ।
पुण्यं कुरुष्व यदि तेषु तवास्ति वांछा
पुण्यैर्विना न हि भवंति समीहितार्थाः ॥ 2.18 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
O mind, if her breasts are full, her hips charming, and her face lovely, why are you so agitated? If you truly desire such things, cultivate merit - without merit, desired outcomes do not come to pass.
इमे तारुण्यश्रीनवपरिमलाः प्रौढसुरतप्रताप
प्रारंभाः स्मरविजयदानप्रतिभुवः ।
चिरं चेतश्चोरा अभिनवविकारैकगुरवो
विलासव्यापाराः किं अपि विजयंते मृगदृशाम् ॥ 2.19 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
These activities of doe-eyed women - fragrant with the fresh splendor of youth, beginning the heat of mature love-play, granting victory to Cupid, long-time thieves of the mind, and unique teachers of ever-new emotions - triumph in some indescribable way.
प्रणयमधुराः प्रेमोद्गारा रसाश्रयतां गताः
फणितिमधुरा मुग्धप्रायाः प्रकाशितसम्मदाः ।
प्रकृतिसुभगा विस्रंभार्द्राः स्मरोदयदायिनी
रहसि किं अपि स्वैरालापा हरंति मृगीदृशाम् ॥ 2.20 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Sweet with affection, rich in outpourings of love and the flavor of emotion; sweet in speech and mostly innocent; naturally charming and softened by trust - the free private conversations of doe-eyed women kindle love and steal the heart.
विश्रम्य विश्रम्य वनद्रुमाणां
छायासु तन्वी विचचार काचित् ।
स्तनोत्तरीयेण करोद्धृतेन
निवारयंती शशिनो मयूखान् ॥ 2.21 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
A slender woman wandered, resting again and again in the shade of forest trees, shielding herself from the moon's rays with an upper cloth raised by her hand.
अदर्शने दर्शनमात्रकामा
दृष्ट्वा परिष्वंगसुखैकलोला ।
आलिंगितायां पुनरायताक्ष्यामाशास्महे
विग्रहयोरभेदम् ॥ 2.22 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
When we cannot see her, we long only for a sight; once we see her, we long only for the pleasure of an embrace; and when embraced, we again long for the complete non-separation of the two bodies.
मालती शिरसि जृंभणं मुखे
चंदनं वपुषि कुंकुमाविलम् ।
वक्षसि प्रियतमा मदालसा
स्वर्ग एष परिशिष्ट आगमः ॥ 2.23 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Jasmine on the head, a blooming smile on the face, sandal paste on the body tinged with saffron, and the beloved lying languid on the chest - this is heaven; anything "to come" is only the remainder.
प्राङ्मां एति मनागनागतरसं जाताभिलाषां ततः
सव्रीडं तदनु श्लथोद्यमं अथ प्रध्वस्तधैर्यं पुनः ।
प्रेमार्द्रं स्पृहणीयनिर्भररहः क्रीडाप्रगल्भं ततो
निःसंगांगविकर्षणाधिकसुखरम्यं कुलस्त्रीरतम् ॥ 2.24 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
The love-play of a respectable woman is uniquely delightful: the mind first moves forward and just begins to taste emotion, desire arises; then bashfulness appears and effort slackens, courage collapses again; then it becomes tender with love, then an intensely desirable private moment, then bold play - and finally, playful withdrawals of the limbs that heighten delight.
उरसि निपतितानां स्रस्तधम्मिल्लकानां
मुकुलितनयनानां किंचिद्उन्मीलितानाम् ।
उपरि सुरतखेदस्विन्नगंडस्थलानामधर
मधु वधूनां भाग्यवंतः पिबंति ॥ 2.25 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
The fortunate drink the honey of the lips of women who lie upon their chest, hair disheveled, eyes closed yet slightly opening, cheeks moist with the fatigue of love-play.
आमीलितनयनानां यः
सुरतरसोऽनु संविदं भाति ।
मिथुरैर्मिथोऽवधारितमवितथम्
इदं एव कामनिर्बर्हणम् ॥ 2.26 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
That which shines as the shared, unspoken understanding within love-play - when eyes are half-closed - and which couples mutually recognize as true: this alone is the fulfilment of love.
इदं अनुचितं अक्रमश्च पुंसां
यदिह जरास्वपि मन्मथा विकाराः ।
तदपि च न कृतं नितंबिनीनां
स्तनपतनावधि जीवितं रतं वा ॥ 2.27 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
It is improper and out of order for men if the stirrings of desire persist even in old age; yet, for women of shapely hips it is not said to be so - as though their life remains love and delight until the signs of age appear.
राजस्तृष्णांबुराशेर्न हि जगति गतः कश्चिदेवावसानं
को वार्थोऽर्थैः प्रभूतैः स्ववपुषि गलिते यौवने सानुरागे ।
गच्छामः सद्म यावद्विकसितनयनेंदीवरालोकिनीनामाक्रम्याक्रम्य
रूपं झटिति न जरया लुप्यते प्रेयसीनाम् ॥ 2.28 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
There is no end, in this world, to the ocean of craving for power and splendor. What is the use of abundant wealth when youth and passion slip away from the body? Let us go, again and again, to the homes of lotus-eyed beloveds while their beauty is not yet quickly taken away by old age.
रागस्यागारं एकं नरकशतमहादुःखसंप्राप्तिहेतुर्मोहस्योत्पत्ति
बीजं जलधरपटलं ज्ञानताराधिपस्य ।
कंदर्पस्यैकमित्रं प्रकटितविविधस्पष्टदोषप्रबंधं
लोकेऽस्मिन्न ह्यर्थव्रजकुलभवनयौवनादन्यदस्ति ॥ 2.29 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Youth is the sole abode of passion; the cause of countless hell-like sufferings; the seed from which delusion is born; a mass of clouds that hides the moon of wisdom; Cupid's closest friend; and a chain of clearly visible faults. Indeed, in this world people seem to know nothing beyond wealth, retinue, family, home, and youth.
शृंगारद्रुमनीरदे प्रसृमरक्रीडारसस्रोतसि
प्रद्युम्नप्रियबांधवे चतुरवाङ्मुक्ताफलोदन्वति ।
तन्वीनेत्रचकोरपावनविधौ सौभाग्यलक्ष्मीनिधौ
धन्यः कोऽपि न विक्रियां कलयति प्राप्ते नवे यौवने ॥ 2.30 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
When fresh youth arrives - like a raincloud nourishing the tree of romance, like a stream overflowing with playful delight, like an ocean rich with pearl-like clever speech, like a treasure-house of fortune and beauty - who, even among the blessed, does not undergo a transformation?
संसारेऽस्मिन्नसारे कुनृपतिभवनद्वारसेवाकलंकव्यासंग
व्यस्तधैर्यं कथं अमलधियो मानसं संविदध्युः ।
यद्येताः प्रोद्यद्इंदुद्युतिनिचयभृतो न स्युरंभोजनेत्राः
प्रेंखत्कांचीकलापाः स्तनभरविनमन्मध्यभाजस्तरुण्यः ॥ 2.31 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
In this essence-less world, tainted by humiliating service at the gates of petty rulers, how could the minds of the pure-hearted ever stay composed - if these young women did not exist: lotus-eyed, shining like a newly risen moon, their girdles swaying, their waists gently bent beneath youthful fullness?
सिद्धाध्यासितकंदरे हरवृषस्कंधावरुग्णद्रुमे
गंगाधौतशिलातले हिमवतः स्थाने स्थिते श्रेयसि ।
कः कुर्वीत शिरः प्रणाममलिनं म्लानं मनस्वी जनो
यद्वित्रस्तकुरंगशावनयना न स्युः स्मरास्त्रं स्त्रियः ॥ 2.32 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Even in a most auspicious Himalayan retreat - caves inhabited by spiritual adepts, rocks washed by the river Ganga, and forest traces of Shiva's bull - what spirited person would let the head be soiled by repeated bowing and the mind droop, if women with frightened-fawn eyes were not Cupid's weapons?
संसार तव पर्यंतपदवी न दवीयसी ।
अंतरा दुस्तरा न स्युर्यदि ते मदिरेक्षणाम् ॥ 2.33 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
The road through this worldly life does not feel long, and the stretch in between does not feel hard to cross, if your intoxicating eyes are with me.
दिश वनहरिणीभ्यो वंशकांडच्छवीनां
कवलं उपलकोटिच्छिन्नमूलं कुशानाम् ।
शकयुवतिकपोलापांडुतांबूलवल्लीदलम्
अरुणनखाग्रैः पाटितं वा वधूभ्यः ॥ 2.34 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
To deer, offer a morsel of sacred grass, pale as bamboo-stalks and with roots cut clean by stone; to brides, offer a betel-leaf, pale as a maiden's cheek and torn by the reddish tips of nails.
असाराः सर्वे ते विरतिविरसाः पापविषया
जुगुप्स्यंतां यद्वा ननु सकलदोषास्पदं इति ।
तथाप्येतद्भूमौ नहि परहितात्पुण्यं अधिकं
न चास्मिन्संसारे कुवलयदृशो रम्यं अपरम् ॥ 2.35 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Let all sense-objects be declared worthless, tasteless to the dispassionate, and to be shunned as an abode of faults; yet on this earth there is no virtue greater than working for others' welfare, and in this world there is no delight greater than the eyes of a lotus-eyed beloved.
एतत्कामफलो लोके यद्द्वयोरेकचित्तता ।
अन्यचित्तकृते कामे शवयोरिव संगमः ॥ 2.35.1 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
The real fruit of love in this world is two people becoming of one mind; when love is with someone whose mind is elsewhere, their union is like the meeting of two corpses.
मात्सर्यं उत्सार्य विचार्य कार्यमार्याः
समर्यादं इदं वदंतु ।
सेव्या नितंबाः किं उ भूधराणामत
स्मरस्मेरविलासिनीनाम् ॥ 2.36 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Let the noble, setting aside envy and thinking clearly about what is worth pursuing, say this with propriety: are the hips we should "serve" those of mountains - or rather those of love-smiling, playful women?
संसारे स्वप्नसारे परिणतितरले द्वे गती पंडितानां
तत्त्वज्ञानामृतांभःप्लवललितधियां यातु कालः कथंचित् ।
नो चेन्मुग्धांगनानां स्तनजघनघनाभोगसंभोगिनीनां
स्थूलोपस्थस्थलीषु स्थगितकरतलस्पर्शलीलोद्यमानाम् ॥ 2.37 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
In this dream-like and ever-shifting world, the learned have only two meaningful ways for time to pass: either through minds delighting in truth-knowledge - a raft of nectar - or else (if not that) amid the intimate play of innocent young women, rich in youthful abundance.
आवासः क्रियतां गंगे पापहारिणि वारिणि ।
स्तनद्वये तरुण्या वा मनोहारिणि हारिणि ॥ 2.38 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Let your dwelling be made either in the sin-removing waters of the river Ganga, or in the mind-stealing bosom of a young woman.
किं इह बहुभिरुक्तैर्युक्तिशून्यैः प्रलापैर्द्वयम्
इह पुरुषाणां सर्वदा सेवनीयम् ।
अभिनवमदलीलालालसं सुंदरीणां
स्तनभरपरिखिन्नं यौवनं वा वनं वा ॥ 2.39 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Why so much senseless talk? In this world, there are only two pursuits that people truly cling to: either the fresh, passionate youth of beautiful women, or the solitude of the forest.
सत्यं जना वच्मि न पक्षपाताल्
लोकेषु सप्तस्वपि तथ्यं एतत् ।
नान्यन्मनोहारि नितंबिनीभ्यो
दुःखैकहेतुर्न च कश्चिदन्यः ॥ 2.40 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
People, I say this truly and without bias: across all the seven worlds, there is no other single cause of sorrow than captivating women.
कांतेत्युत्पललोचनेति विपुलश्रोणीभरेत्युन्नमत्पीनोत्तुंग
पयोधरेति समुखांभोजेति सुभ्रूरिति ।
दृष्ट्वा माद्यति मोदतेऽभिरमते प्रस्तौति विद्वानपि
प्रत्यक्षाशुचिभस्त्रिकां स्त्रियं अहो मोहस्य दुश्चेष्टितम् ॥ 2.41 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Calling her "beloved", "lotus-eyed", "broad-hipped", "high and full-breasted", "lotus-faced", "beautiful-browed" - merely seeing her, even a scholar becomes intoxicated, rejoices, delights, and praises, though she is plainly a bag of impurities. Alas, what a mischief of delusion!
स्मृता भवति तापाय दृष्टा चोन्मादकारिणी ।
स्पृष्टा भवति मोहाय सा नाम दयिता कथम् ॥ 2.42 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Remembered she burns; seen she drives one into frenzy; touched she bewilders. How then is she called a "beloved"?
तावदेवामृतमयी यावल्लोचनगोचरा ।
चक्षुष्पथादतीता तु विषादप्यतिरिच्यते ॥ 2.43 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
She is nectar only as long as she remains within sight; once she goes beyond the eyes' reach, she becomes worse than poison (through the pain of longing).
नामृतं न विषं किंचिदेतां मुक्त्वा नितंबिनीम् ।
सैवामृतलता रक्ता विरक्ता विषवल्लरी ॥ 2.44 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Except for this beloved, nothing is really nectar or poison: when she is affectionate she is a vine of nectar, and when she turns indifferent she becomes a vine of poison.
आवर्तः संशयानां अविनयभुवनं पट्टणं साहसानां
दोषाणां सन्निधानं कपटशतमयं क्षेत्रं अप्रत्ययानाम् ।
स्वर्गद्वारस्य विघ्नो नरकपुरमुख सर्वमायाकरंडं
स्त्रीयंत्रं केन सृष्टं विषं अमृतमयं प्राणिलोकस्य पाशः ॥ 2.45 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Who created this "woman-device" - a whirlpool of doubts, a realm of indiscipline, a city of rashness, an abode of faults, a field made of a hundred deceits, an obstacle at heaven's gate and the doorway to hell, a basket of every illusion - a poison that appears as nectar, a snare for living beings?
नो सत्येन मृगांक एष वदनीभूतो न चेंदीवरद्वंद्वं
लोचनतां गत न कनकैरप्यंगयष्टिः कृता ।
किंत्वेवं कविभिः प्रतारितमनास्तत्त्वं विजानन्नपि
त्वङ्मांसास्थिमयं वपुर्मृगदृशां मंदो जनः सेवते ॥ 2.46 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Truly, the moon has not become her face; nor have blue lotuses become her eyes; nor is her body made of gold. Yet the dull person, though knowing reality, still clings to the deer-eyed woman's body made of skin, flesh, and bone - his mind deceived by poets.
लीलावतीनां सहजा विलासास्त
एव मूढस्य हृदि स्फुरंति ।
रागो नलिन्या हि निसर्गसिद्धस्तत्र
भ्रम्त्येव वृथा षड्अंघ्रिः ॥ 2.47 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
In a fool's heart, the inborn graces of playful women alone keep flashing. The lotus's redness is natural; still the six-footed bee, deluded, buzzes about it in vain.
संमोहयंति मदयंति विडंबयंति
निर्भर्त्स्यंति रमयंति विषादयंति ।
एताः प्रविश्य सदयं हृदयं नराणां
किं नाम वामनयना न समाचरंति ॥ 2.47.1 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
They bewilder, intoxicate, deceive, scold, delight, and sadden - once these beautiful-eyed women enter a man's tender heart, what is it that they do not do?
यदेतत्पूर्णेंदुद्युतिहरं उदाराकृति परं
मुखाब्जं तन्वंग्याः किल वसति यत्राधरमधु ।
इदं तत्किं पाकद्रुमफलं इदानीं अतिरसव्यतीतेऽस्मिन्
काले विषं इव भविष्य्त्यसुखदम् ॥ 2.48 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
This splendid lotus-face of the slender beloved, stealing the shine of the full moon, where the honey of her lips resides - is it not a ripe fruit? Yet when its excessive sweetness has passed with time, it will turn, as it were, into poison and bring pain.
उन्मीलत्त्रिवलीतरंगनिलया प्रोत्तुंगपीनस्तनद्वंद्वेनोद्गत
चक्रवाकयुगला वक्त्रांबुजोद्भासिनी ।
कांताकारधरा नदीयं अभितः क्रूरात्र नापेक्षते
संसारार्णवमज्जनं यदि तदा दूरेण संत्यज्यताम् ॥ 2.49 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
This river shaped like a beloved - with waves like the soft lines of her waist, with a pair of love-birds rising from lofty, full breasts, shining with a lotus-like face - is cruel and shows no regard. If you wish to avoid drowning in the ocean of worldly life, abandon it from far away.
जल्पंति सार्धं अन्येन पश्यंत्यन्यं सविभ्रमाः ।
हृद्गतं चिंतयंत्यन्यं प्रियः को नाम योषिताम् ॥ 2.50 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
They chat with one, glance at another with playful charm, and think of yet another in the heart - who, indeed, is the beloved of women?
मधु तिष्ठति वाचि योषितां हृदि हालाहलं एव केवलम् ।
अतएव निपीयतेऽधरो हृदयं मुष्टिभिरेव ताड्यते ॥ 2.51 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Honey sits on women's tongues, but only poison in their hearts; therefore the lip is "drunk" (kissed), while the heart is, as it were, struck with fists.
अपसर सखे दूरादस्मात्कटाक्षविषानलात्
प्रकृतिविषमाद्योषित्सर्पाद्विलासफणाभृतः ।
इतरफणिना दष्टः शक्यश्चिकित्सितुं औषधैश्चतुर्
वनिताभोगिग्रस्तं हि मंत्रिणः ॥ 2.52 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Move away, my friend, far from this poison-fire of a sidelong glance, from the naturally venomous woman-snake whose hood is coquettish charm. A bite from another snake can be treated with medicines, but one seized by the woman-snake cannot be cured even by the skilled.
विस्तारितं मकरकेतनधीवरेण
स्त्रीसंज्ञितं बडिशं अत्र भवांबुराशौ ।
येनाचिरात्तद्अधरामिषलोलमर्त्य
मत्स्यान्विकृष्य विपचत्यनुरागवह्नौ ॥ 2.53 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Cupid, the fisherman, casts into the ocean of worldly life a hook called "woman"; with it he soon drags out the mortal fish, greedy for the bait of her lips, and cooks him in the fire of passion.
कामिनीकायकांतारे कुचपर्वतदुर्गमे ।
मा संचर मनः पांथ तत्रास्ते स्मरतस्करः ॥ 2.54 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
O mind, traveler - do not wander in the wilderness of a woman's body, hard to cross with its "mountains" of breasts; for there the thief called desire lies in wait.
व्याडीर्घेण चलेन वक्त्रगतिना तेजस्विना भोगिना
नीलाब्जद्युतिनाहिना परं अहं दृष्टो न तच्चक्षुषा ।
दृष्टे संति चिकित्सका दिशि दिशि प्रायेण धनार्थिनो
मुग्धाक्षक्षणवीक्षितस्य न हि मे वैद्यो न चाप्यौषधम् ॥ 2.55 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
I have never been looked at by a radiant serpent - long, restless in its head-movement, gleaming like a blue lotus. And even if I were, physicians are found everywhere, generally seeking fees; but for the momentary glance of an innocent-eyed girl, I have neither doctor nor medicine.
इह हि मधुरगीतं नृत्यं एतद्रसोऽयं
स्फुरति परिमलोऽसौ स्पर्श एष स्तनानाम् ।
इति हतपरमार्थैरिंद्रियैर्भ्राम्यमाणः
स्वहितकरणधूर्तैः पंचभिर्वंचितोऽस्मि ॥ 2.56 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Here are sweet song and dance, all this delight; here is that fragrance, this touch of breasts - and so, my senses, having ruined my higher purpose, make me wander; I have been cheated by the five rogues that pretend to act for my welfare.
न गम्यो मंत्राणां न च भवति भैषज्यविषयो
न चापि प्रध्वंसं व्रजति विविधैः शांतिकशतैः ।
भ्रमावेशादंगे कं अपि विदधद्भंगं असकृत्
स्मरापस्मारोऽयं भ्रमयति दृशं घूर्णयति च ॥ 2.57 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
It cannot be cured by mantras, it is not a case for medicine, and it does not go away even with hundreds of pacifying rites. Entering the body like delusion and repeatedly causing disturbance, this "Cupid-epilepsy" makes the eyes reel and whirl.
जात्य्अंधाय च दुर्मुखाय च जराजीर्णा खिलांगाय च
ग्रामीणाय च दुष्कुलाय च गलत्कुष्ठाभिभूताय च ।
यच्छंतीषु मनोहरं निजवपुलक्ष्मीलवश्रद्धया
पण्यस्त्रीषु विवेककल्पलतिकाशस्त्रीषु राज्येत कः ॥ 2.58 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
When courtesans, trusting even a little in their bodily beauty, offer charms even to the born-blind, the ugly, the age-worn, the crippled, the rustic, the low-born, and the leprous - who could remain sovereign (in self-control) before such women, like weapons that cut down discernment?
वेश्यासौ मदनज्वाला
रूपेऽंधनविवर्धिता ।
कामिभिर्यत्र हूयंते
यौवनानि धनानि च ॥ 2.59 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
This courtesan is a flame of desire, fanned by the fuel of beauty; into her fire, lovers pour their youth and wealth.
कश्चुंबति कुलपुरुषो वेश्याधरपल्लवं मनोज्ञं अपि ।
चारभटचोरचेटकनटविटनिष्ठीवनशरावम् ॥ 2.60 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
What respectable person would kiss even the charming, bud-like lip of a courtesan - a "spittle-bowl" for spies, soldiers, thieves, servants, actors, and rakes?
धन्यास्त एव धवलायतलोचनानां
तारुण्यदर्पघनपीनपयोधराणाम् ।
क्षामोदरोपरि लसत्त्रिवलीलतानां
दृष्ट्वाकृतिं विकृतिं एति मनो न येषाम् ॥ 2.61 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Blessed indeed are those whose minds do not become distorted even after seeing the captivating forms of such women - bright-eyed, full with youthful pride, and slender-waisted with the triple folds on the belly shining like vines.
बाले लीलामुकुलितं अमी मंथरा दृष्टिपाताः
किं क्षिप्यंते विरमविरम व्यर्थ एष श्रमस्ते ।
संप्रत्यन्ये वयं उपरतं बाल्यं आस्था वनांते
क्षीणो मोहस्तृणं इव जगज्जालं आलोकयामः ॥ 2.62 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
O girl, why do you keep casting these slow, playfully half-closed glances? Stop, stop - your effort is futile. We have now left childishness behind and taken up life in the forest; delusion has faded, and we behold the world's net as mere straw.
इयं बाला मां प्रत्यनवरतं इंदीवरदलप्रभा
चीरं चक्षुः क्षिपति किं अभिप्रेतं अनया ।
गतो मोहोऽस्माकं स्मरशबरबाणव्यतिकरज्वर
ज्वाला शांता तदपि न वराकी विरमति ॥ 2.63 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
This young girl keeps casting, again and again, her blue-lotus-petal-like gaze toward me for a long time - what does she intend? Our delusion is gone; the fever-flame born of Cupid-the-hunter's shower of arrows is quenched, and yet the poor girl does not stop.
किं कंदर्प करं कदर्थयसि रे कोदंडटंकारितं
रे रे कोकिल कोमलं कलरवं किं वा वृथा जल्पसि ।
मुग्धे स्निग्धविदग्धचारुमधुरैर्लोलैः कटाक्षैरलं
चेतश्चुंबितचंद्रचूडचरणध्यानामृतं वर्तते ॥ 2.64 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Why, Cupid, do you still trouble me with your bow's twang? O cuckoo, why sing your sweet notes in vain? O innocent girl, enough with your affectionate, clever, lovely, sweet, playful side-glances - my mind abides in the nectar of meditation on the feet of moon-crested Shiva.
विरहेऽपि संगमः खलु
परस्परं संगतं मनो येषाम् ।
हृदयं अपि विघट्टितं चेत्
संगी विरहं विशेषयति ॥ 2.65 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Even in separation there is union for those whose minds are mutually united; and even if the heart is broken, that very union only heightens the poignancy of separation.
किं गतेन यदि सा न जीवति
प्राणिति प्रियतमा तथापि किम् ।
इत्युदीक्ष्य नवमेघमालिकां
न प्रयाति पथिकः स्वमंदिरम् ॥ 2.66 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Thinking, "What is the point of going back if she is not alive? And even if the beloved is alive, what then?" - on seeing a garland of fresh clouds, the traveler does not go to his home.
विरमत बुधा योषित्संगात्सुखात्क्षणभंगुरात्
कुरुत करुणामैत्रीप्रज्ञावधूजनसंगमम् ।
न खलु नरके हाराक्रांतं घनस्तनमंडलं
शरणं अथवा श्रोणीबिंबं रणन्मणिमेखलम् ॥ 2.67 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Wise ones, refrain from the fleeting pleasure found in women's company; cultivate instead the company of compassion, friendship, and wisdom. For in hell, neither necklace-clad heavy bosoms nor rounded hips with jingling jeweled girdles will be your refuge.
यदा योगाभ्यासव्यसनकृशयोरात्ममनसोरविच्छिन्ना
मैत्री स्फुरति कृतिनस्तस्य किं उ तैः ।
प्रियाणां आलापैरधरमधुभिर्वक्त्रविधुभिः
सनिश्वासामोदैः सकुचकलशाश्लेषसुरतैः ॥ 2.68 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
When, through intense meditative discipline, an unbroken harmony between the self and the mind shines in an accomplished person, what need has he of lovers' talk, honey-lips, moonlike faces, fragrant breaths, and intimate embraces?
यदासीदज्ञानं स्मरतिमिरसंचारजनितं
तदा दृष्टनारीमयं इदं अशेषं जगदिति ।
इदानीं अस्माकं पटुतरविवेकांजनजुषां
समीभूता दृष्टिस्त्रिभुवनं अपि ब्रह्म मनुते ॥ 2.69 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
When ignorance, produced by the roaming darkness of desire, prevailed, this entire world seemed nothing but the beloved - as if it were "made of woman". But now, with sharp discernment, our vision has become steady: we see even the three worlds as the one Absolute Reality.
तावदेव कृतिनां अपि स्फुरत्येष
निर्मलविवेकदीपकः ।
यावदेव न कुरंगचक्षुषां
ताड्यते चटुललोचनांचलैः ॥ 2.70 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Even in the accomplished, the lamp of pure discernment shines only so long as it is not struck by the playful, darting glances of doe-eyed women.
वचसि भवति संगत्यागं उद्दिश्य वार्ता
श्रुतिमुखरमुखानां केवलं पंडितानाम् ।
जघनं अरुणरत्नग्रंथिकांचीकलापं
कुवलयनयनानां को विहातुं समर्थः ॥ 2.71 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Scholars whose mouths resound with the Vedas may speak of "renouncing attachments" - but who is actually capable of giving up the lotus-eyed woman's hips adorned with a waist-girdle knotted with red gems?
स्वपरप्रतारकोऽसौ
निंदति योऽलीकपंडितो युवतीः ।
यस्मात्तपसोऽपि फलं
स्वर्गः स्वर्गेऽपि चाप्सरसः ॥ 2.72 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
That hypocritical "scholar" who condemns young women is a deceiver of both himself and others; for even austerity bears the fruit of heaven - and even in heaven there are celestial nymphs.
मत्तेभकुंभदलने भुवि संति धीराः
केचित्प्रचंडमृगराजवधेऽपि दक्षाः ।
किंतु ब्रवीमि बलिनां पुरतः प्रसह्य
कंदर्पदर्पदलने विरला मनुष्याः ॥ 2.73 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
On earth there are heroes who can split the temples of a maddened elephant, and some who are skilled even at slaying a fierce lion; but I say boldly, even before the strong: rare indeed are those who can crush the pride of Cupid.
सन्मार्गे तावदास्ते प्रभवति च नरस्तावदेवेंद्रियाणां
लज्जां तावद्विधत्ते विनयं अपि समालंबते तावदेव ।
भ्रूचापाकृष्टमुक्ताः श्रवणपथगता नीलपक्ष्माण एते
यावल्लीलावतीनां हृदि न धृतिमुषो दृष्टिबाणाः पतंति ॥ 2.74 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
A man stays on the right path, keeps mastery of the senses, and maintains modesty and humility - only so long as the dark-lashed glance-arrows of playful women, drawn from the eyebrow-bow and released, do not strike the heart and steal away steadiness.
उन्मत्तप्रेमसंरंभाद्
आरभंते यद्अंगनाः ।
तत्र प्रत्यूहं आधातुं
ब्रह्मापि खलु कातरः ॥ 2.75 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
When women, driven by an impetuous surge of mad love, begin something, then even Brahma is indeed helpless to place an obstacle in their way.
तावन्महत्त्वं पांडित्यं
कुलीनत्वं विवेकिता ।
यावज्ज्वलति नांगेषु
हतः पंचेषुपावकः ॥ 2.76 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Greatness, scholarship, noble lineage, and discernment last only so long as the fire of the five-arrowed Cupid, once it strikes, does not blaze in one's limbs.
शास्त्रज्ञोऽपि प्रथितविनयोऽप्यात्मबोधोऽपि बाढं
संसारेऽस्मिन्भवति विरलो भाजनं सद्गतीनाम् ।
येनैतस्मिन्निरयनगरद्वारं उद्घाटयंती
वामाक्षीणां भवति कुटिला भ्रूलता कुंचिकेव ॥ 2.77 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Even a knower of scripture, even one famed for humility, and even one established in self-knowledge is, in this world, rarely a vessel fit for the good path - because the crooked eyebrow-vine of lovely-eyed women becomes like a key that opens the gate to the city of hell.
कृशः काणः खंजः श्रवणरहितः पुच्छविकलो
व्रणी पूयक्लिन्नः कृमिकुलशतैरावृततनुः ।
क्षुधा क्षामो जीर्णः पिठरककपालार्पितगलः
शुनीं अन्वेति श्वा हतं अपि च हंत्येव मदनः ॥ 2.78 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Thin, one-eyed, lame, earless, tailless, wounded, oozing pus, his body covered with hundreds of worms, withered by hunger and worn with age, his neck trapped in broken pot-shards - even such a dog still follows a female dog. Thus does desire indeed destroy even one who is already destroyed.
स्त्रीमुद्रां कुसुमायुधस्य जयिनीं सर्वार्थसंपत्करीं
ये मूढाः प्रविहाय यांति कुधियो मिथ्याफलान्वेषिणः ।
ते तेनैव निहत्य निर्दयतरं नग्नीकृता मुंडिताः
केचित्पंचशिखीकृताश्च जटिलाः कापालिकाश्चापरे ॥ 2.79 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Fools of dull understanding abandon the conquering "seal" of Cupid - womanhood, which seems to bring prosperity to all aims - and go seeking false fruits. That very force strikes them down mercilessly: some are made naked and shaved, some turned into five-tufted ascetics, others into matted-haired wanderers, and some into skull-bearing ascetics.
विश्वामित्रपराशरप्रभृतयो वातांबुपर्णाशनास्तेऽपि
स्त्रीमुखपंकजं सुललितं दृष्ट्वैव मोहं गताः ।
शाल्यन्नं सघृतं पयोदधियुतं ये भुंजते मानवास्तेषाम्
इंद्रियनिग्रहो यदि भवेद्विंध्यः प्लवेत्सागरे ॥ 2.80 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Even sages like Vishvamitra and Parashara, who subsist on air, water, and leaves, fell into delusion merely by seeing a woman's graceful lotus-face. If humans who eat rice with ghee and milk/curd could truly restrain the senses, then the Vindhya mountain would float in the ocean.
परिमलभृतो वाताः शाखा नवांकुरकोटयो
मधुरविरुतोत्कंठा वाचः प्रियाः पिकपक्षिणाम् ।
विरलसुरतस्वेदोद्गारा वधूवदनेंदवः
प्रसरति मधौ रात्र्यां जातो न कस्य गुणोदयः ॥ 2.81 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Fragrance-bearing winds blow; branches show tips of fresh sprouts; the cuckoo's sweet calls kindle yearning; and women's moonlike faces show only faint beads of sweat from intimacy. When spring spreads into the nights, whose good qualities do not bloom?
मधुरयं मधुरैरपि कोकिला
कलरवैर्मलयस्य च वायुभिः ।
विरहिणः प्रहिणस्ति शरीरिणो
विपदि हंत सुधापि विषायते ॥ 2.82 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
With its melodious calls - and with the Malaya winds - the cuckoo makes even sweet things sweeter; but it torments the love-lorn. Alas, in adversity, even nectar turns into poison.
आवासः किलकिंचितस्य दयितापार्श्वे विलासालसाः
कर्णे कोकिलकामिनीकलरवः स्मेरो लतामंडपः ।
गोष्ठी सत्कविभिः समं कतिपयैर्मुग्धाः सुधांशोः कराः
केषांचित्सुखयंति चात्र हृदयं चैत्रे विचित्राः क्षपाः ॥ 2.83 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
For some, these charming Chaitra nights gladden the heart: staying by the beloved's side amid playful murmurs, languid in love's play; the female cuckoo's call in the ear; a smiling vine-pavilion; a gathering with good poets and a few friends; and the soft rays of the nectar-moon.
पांथ स्त्रीविरहानलाहुतिकलां आतन्वती मंजरीमाकंदेषु
पिकांगनाभिरधुना सोत्कंठं आलोक्यते ।
अप्येते नवपाटलापरिमलप्राग्भारपाटच्चरा
वांतिक्लांतिवितानतानवकृतः श्रीखंडशैलानिलाः ॥ 2.84 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
O traveler, now the mango blossom-clusters are seen with longing by the female cuckoos, as if they were an offering into the fire of separation. And these sandalwood-mountain winds, roaming about laden with the heavy fragrance of fresh spring blossoms, blow and relieve the spread of weariness.
प्रथितः प्रणयवतीनां
तावत्पदं आतनोतु हृदि मानः ।
भवति न यावच्चंदनतरु
सुरभिर्मलयपवमानः ॥ 2.85 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
The pride/sulking of loving women holds its place in the heart only until the Malaya breeze becomes fragrant with sandalwood trees.
सहकारकुसुमकेसरनिकर
भरामोदमूर्च्छितदिग्अंते ।
मधुरमधुरविधुरमधुपे
मधौ भवेत्कस्य नोत्कंठा ॥ 2.86 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
When the quarters are intoxicated by the heavy fragrance of clusters of mango blossoms and pollen, and when the bee hums sweetly and plaintively, who would not feel yearning in spring?
अच्छाच्छचंदनरसार्द्रतरा मृगाक्ष्यो
धारागृहाणि कुसुमानि च कौमुदी च ।
मंदो मरुत्सुमनसः शुचि हर्म्यपृष्ठं
ग्रीष्मे मदं च मदनं च विवर्धयंति ॥ 2.87 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
In summer, doe-eyed women made even more moist with clear sandalwood paste, water-pavilions, flowers and moonlight, gentle winds, and clean mansion-terraces - all intensify intoxication and desire.
स्रजो हृद्यामोदा व्यजनपवनश्चंद्रकिरणाः
परागः कासारो मलयजरजः शीधु विशदम् ।
शुचिः सौधोत्संगः प्रतनु वसनं पंकजदृशो
निदाघऋतावेतद्विलसति लभंते सुकृतिनः ॥ 2.88 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
In the summer season, the fortunate enjoy these delights: garlands with pleasing fragrance, fan-breezes, moon-rays, pollen, lotus-ponds, sandalwood dust from Malaya, clear wine, the clean ledge of a mansion, and the thin garment of a lotus-eyed beloved.
सुधाशुभ्रं धाम स्फुरद्अमलरश्मिः शशधरः
प्रियावक्त्रांभोजं मलयजरजश्चातिसुरभिः ।
स्रजो हृद्यामोदास्तदिदं अखिलं रागिणि जने
करोत्यंतः क्षोभं न तु विषयसंसर्गविमुखे ॥ 2.89 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
The moon's nectar-bright radiance, the beloved's lotus-face, the very fragrant sandalwood dust, and garlands with pleasing scent - all this creates intense inner agitation in a passionate person, but not in one who has turned away from sense-objects.
तरुणीवेषोद्दीपितकामा
विकसज्जातीपुष्पसुगंधिः ।
उन्नतपीनपयोधरभारा
प्रावृट्तनुते कस्य न हर्षम् ॥ 2.90 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
The rainy season - with desire kindled by young women's attire, fragrant with blooming jasmine, and heavy with the fullness of their breasts - produces joy for whom does it not?
वियद्उपचितमेघं भूमयः कंदलिन्यो
नवकुटजकदंबामोदिनो गंधवाहाः ।
शिखिकुलकलकेकारावरम्या वनांताः
सुखिनं असुखिनं वा सर्वं उत्कंठयंति ॥ 2.91 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Cloud-filled skies, earth thick with new shoots, winds perfumed by fresh blossoms, and forests made lovely by peacocks' calls - all these stir yearning in everyone, happy or unhappy.
उपरि घनं घनपटलं
तिर्यग्गिरयोऽपि नर्तितमयूराः ।
क्षितिरपि कंदलधवला
दृष्टिं पथिकः क्व पातयति ॥ 2.92 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Above is a dense mass of clouds; sideways, even the mountains have dancing peacocks; the earth too is pale with fresh shoots - where does the traveler cast his gaze?
इतो विद्युद्वल्लीविलसितं इतः केतकितरोः
स्फुरन्गंधः प्रोद्यज्जलदनिनदस्फूर्जितं इतः ।
इतः केकिक्रीडाकलकलरवः पक्ष्मलदृशां
कथं यास्यंत्येते विरहदिवसाः संभृतरसाः ॥ 2.93 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Here the lightning-vine flashes; here fragrant blossoms spread their scent; here the swelling thunder of clouds; here the noisy calls of peacocks at play - how will these days of separation pass for the long-lashed ones, full of longing?
असूचिसंचारे तमसि नभसि प्रौढजलदध्वनिप्रये
तस्मिन् पतति दृशदां नीरनिचये ।
इदं सौदामिन्याः कनककमनीयं विलसितं
मुदं च ग्लानिं च प्रथयति पथिष्वेव सुदृशाम् ॥ 2.94 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
In the dark sky where needle-like streaks move, filled with the thunder of dense clouds, and where hail and water fall into pools, this golden-beautiful flash of lightning produces both joy and weariness in the beautiful-eyed women on the road.
आसारेण न हर्म्यतः प्रियतमैर्यातुं बहिः शक्यते
शीतोत्कंपनिमित्तं आयतदृशा गाढं समालिंग्यते ।
जाताः शीकरशीतलाश्च मरुतोरत्यंतखेदच्छिदो
धन्यानां बत दुर्दिनं सुदिनतां याति प्रियासंगमे ॥ 2.95 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Because of rain, the beloveds cannot go outside from the mansion. Shivering from cold, the long-eyed beloved is held in a tight embrace; the winds, cooled by spray, cut away fatigue. For the fortunate, a gloomy rainy day becomes a good day in the union of lovers.
अर्धं सुप्त्वा निशायाः सरभससुरतायाससन्नश्लथांगप्रोद्भूतासह्य
तृष्णो मधुमदनिरतो हर्म्यपृष्ठे विविक्ते ।
संभोगक्लांतकांताशिथिलभुजलतावर्जितं कर्करीतो
ज्योत्स्नाभिन्नाच्छधारं पिबति न सलिलं शारदं मंदपुण्यः ॥ 2.96 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
After sleeping half the night, limbs slack from the fatigue of hurried lovemaking, unbearable thirst arises. Given to wine and desire, alone on the mansion-terrace, the "unfortunate" man does not drink the autumn water - a clear stream split by moonlight, poured from a water-pitcher - because he is held in an embrace by the beloved's tired, slack arms.
हेमंते दधिदुग्धसर्पिरशना मांजिष्ठवासोभृतः
काश्मीरद्रवसांद्रदिग्धवपुषश्छिन्ना विचित्रै रतैः ।
वृत्तोरुस्तनकामिनोजनकृताश्लेषा गृहाभ्यंतरे
तांबूलीदलपूगपूरितमुखा धन्याः सुखं शेरते ॥ 2.97 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
In winter, the fortunate - eating curd, milk, and ghee; wearing deep red garments; bodies smeared with thick saffron paste; their pleasures spent in varied lovemaking and embraces of women with round thighs and breasts; mouths filled with betel leaf and areca - sleep happily inside the house.
प्रदुयत्प्रौढप्रियंगुद्युतिभृति विकसत्कुंदमाद्यद्द्विरेफे
काले प्रालेयवातप्रचलविलसितोदारमंदारधाम्नि ।
येषां नो कंठलग्ना क्षणं अपि तुहिनक्षोददक्षा मृगाक्षी
तेसां आयामयामा यमसदनसमा यामिनी याति यूनाम् ॥ 2.98 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
In the season when blossoms glow, bees grow intoxicated, and splendid groves sway in the frosty wind - for those youths whose doe-eyed beloved, skilled at rubbing away the cold, does not cling to their neck even for a moment, the long night passes like death's abode.
चुंबंतो गंडभित्तीरलकवति मुखे सीत्कृतान्यादधाना
वक्षःसूत्कंचुकेषु स्तनभरपुलकोद्भेदं आपादयंतः ।
ऊरूनाकंपयंतः पृथुजघनतटात्स्रंसयंतोऽंशुकानि
व्यक्तं कांताजनानां विटचरितभृतः शैशिरा वांति वाताः ॥ 2.99 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Surely the winter winds, bearing the behavior of a libertine among beloved women, blow: kissing the cheek-walls of their curly-haired faces and making them hiss; causing goosebumps to rise on breasts within tight bodices; making thighs tremble; and loosening garments from broad hips.
केशानाकुलयंदृशो मुकुलयन्वासो बलादाक्षिपन्नातन्वन्
पुलकोद्गमं प्रकटयन्नावेगकंपं शनैः ।
बारं बारं उदारसीत्कृतकृतो दंतच्छदान्पीडयन्
प्रायः शैशिर एष संप्रति मरुत्कांतासु कांतायते ॥ 2.100 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
Now this winter wind behaves like a lover among women: it dishevels hair, closes eyes, snatches clothes by force, brings out goosebumps and tremors; again and again it makes loud hissing sounds and makes them bite their lips.
यद्यस्य नास्ति रुचिरं तस्मिंस्तस्य स्पृहा मनोज्ञेऽपि ।
रमणीयेऽपि सुधांशौ न मनःकामः सरोजिन्याः ॥ 2.101 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
If a person has no liking for something, then there is no longing for it, even if it is beautiful. Even though the moon is lovely, the lotus has no desire for it.
वैराग्ये संचरत्येको नीतौ भ्रमति चापरः ।
शृंगारे रमते कश्चिद्भुवि भेदाः परस्परम् ॥ 2.102 ॥
Translation (भावार्थ):
One lives in renunciation, another wanders in practical ethics, and someone else delights in romance; on earth, people differ from one another.
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