by Vishwarup Prabhu at ISKCON Chowpatty
www.iskcondesiretree.net
SB 10.60.3-6
tasmin antar-grhe bhrajan-
mukta-dama-vilambina
virajite vitanena
dipair mani-mayair api
mallika-damabhih puspair
dvirepha-kula-nadite
jala-randhra-pravistais ca
gobhis candramaso ’malaih
parijata-vanamoda-
vayunodyana-salina
dhupair aguru-jai rajan
jala-randhra-vinirgataih
payah-phena-nibhe subhre
paryanke kasiputtame
upatasthe sukhasinam
jagatam isvaram patim
Translation:
Queen Rukmini’s quarters were extremely beautiful, boasting a canopy hung with brilliant strings of pearls, as well as effulgent jewels serving as lamps. Garlands of jasmine and other flowers hung here and there, attracting swarms of humming bees, and the spotless rays of the moon shone through the holes of the lattice windows. As aguru incense drifted out of the window holes, my dear King, the breeze wafting the scent of the parijata grove carried the mood of a garden into the room. There the Queen served her husband, the Supreme Lord of all the worlds, as He reclined upon an opulent pillow on her bed, which was as soft and white as the foam of milk.
Purport:
According to Srila Sridhara Svami, Rukmini’s palace was quite famous then, as now, and these descriptions give a glimpse into its opulence. Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti adds that the word amalaih in this verse may also be read arunaih, which would indicate that when this pastime took place the moon had just risen, bathing the entire palace in beautiful ruddy moonshine.
