In Shravan, the heart rejoices; green crowds every view.
A shower sweeps through—and in a breath, the sunlight comes anew.
Note
Shravan is a month in the Hindu calendar associated with the monsoon. “सरसर” gives the shower its quick, rustling movement.
Look up: a rainbow, woven in a double braid.
Who hung this festive garland across the pavilion of the sky?
Note
A तोरण is a decorative garland hung over an entrance on festive occasions; the sky becomes a great pavilion.
It seems the sun has set. But ah—the evening clears,
and yellow, yellow sunlight falls on treetops and tall homes.
Look at the countless colours of evening rising on the clouds:
across the whole sky, beauty paints its magnificent form.
A flight of white birds: a garland of heavenly flowers,
or planets coming down to earth, all of one mind.
Note
बलाक denotes a white waterbird, often translated as a crane or heron. कल्पसुम evokes flowers of the heavenly wish-fulfilling tree.
The birds flutter and set their rain-soaked wings to rights;
in the green meadow, graceful does frolic with their young.
The cattle graze; the cowherd wanders, singing.
His sweet flute sings the glory of Shravan in one flowing tune.
Golden champak blooms; the woods breathe fragrant kewda.
At the sight of parijat, even Bhama’s anger fades.
Note
Bhama is Satyabhama, associated with Krishna and the celestial parijat tree. The line evokes her anger being soothed at its sight.
At the edge of town, pure-hearted girls carry lovely baskets.
Garlands themselves, they gather flowers and leaves for worship.
Note
The women are themselves likened to flower garlands. पत्री are leaves gathered for worship.
The women set out to behold their god, their hearts too small for joy.
Read on their faces the song of the month of Shravan.
Note
Darshan is the devotional act of beholding a deity. The closing image asks us to “read” the season’s song in the women’s faces.