Bhartruhari Sataka Trisati - Srungaara Satakam - Odia

ଭର୍ତୃହରି is celebrated for the ଶତକ-ତ୍ରିଶତି - three collections of roughly a hundred verses each: ନୀତି ଶତକମ୍, ଶୃଂଗାର ଶତକମ୍, and ଵୈରାଗ୍ୟ ଶତକମ୍. These are among the most quoted ସୁଭାଷିତାନି in Sanskrit literature because each ଶ୍ଲୋକ is compact, memorable, and psychologically sharp.

ଶୃଂଗାର ଶତକମ୍ explores ଶୃଂଗାର (love/beauty/romance) in many shades: the first spark of attraction, playful conversation, the language of glances, union (ସଂଭୋଗ), separation (ଵିରହ), 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.

The text remains timeless because the emotions it depicts are timeless. The setting may be a palace or a forest-grove, but the dynamics are familiar: how a half-smile can change a conversation, how uncertainty magnifies small signals, how distance reshapes memory, and how seasons mirror moods. Verses like ସମସ୍ତଭାଵୈଃ ଖଲୁ ବଂଧନଂ ସ୍ତ୍ରିୟଃ, ସ୍ମୃତା ଭଵତି ତାପାୟ, and ତାଵଦେଵାମୃତମୟୀ are remembered and quoted because they capture these patterns with precision.

A good way to read ଶୃଂଗାର ଶତକମ୍ is as a mirror for ଚିତ୍ତ (mind): notice what in the verse is about the beloved, and what is actually about the observer's own projections, cravings, and sensitivities. When relevant, some verses also hint at ଵିଵେକ (discernment) - seeing how attachment forms and how it can be handled with maturity.

ଶଂଭୁସ୍ଵୟଂଭୁହରୟୋ ହରିଣେକ୍ଷଣାନାଂ
ୟେନାକ୍ରିୟଂତ ସତତଂ ଗୃହକୁଂଭଦାସାଃ ।
ଵାଚାଂ ଅଗୋଚରଚରିତ୍ରଵିଚିତ୍ରିତାୟ
ତସ୍ମୈ ନମୋ ଭଗଵତେ ମକରଧ୍ଵଜାୟ ॥ 2.1 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ଵସଂତତିଲକା): This is in ଵସଂତତିଲକା (ସମ-ଵୃତ୍ତ) Chandas/Meter: 4 ପାଦାଃ, 14 ଅକ୍ଷରାଃ per ପାଦ; ଲଘୁ/ଗୁରୁ pattern (per ପାଦ) is `GGLGLLLGLLGLGG`.

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଶଂଭୁଃ - Shiva
ସ୍ଵୟଂଭୁଃ - Brahma (self-born)
ହରିଃ - Vishnu
ଶଂଭୁସ୍ଵୟଂଭୁହରୟୋ - Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu (sandhi: ଶଂଭୁଃ + ସ୍ଵୟଂଭୁଃ + ହରିଃ)
ହରିଣ - deer; doe
ଈକ୍ଷଣ - eye; glance
ହରିଣେକ୍ଷଣାଃ - doe-eyed women (in verse: ହରିଣେକ୍ଷଣାନାଂ)
ୟେନ - by whom
ଆକ୍ରିୟଂତ - were made; were compelled to become
ୟେନାକ୍ରିୟଂତ - were made by whom (sandhi: ୟେନ + ଆକ୍ରିୟଂତ)
ସତତଂ - always; constantly
ଗୃହ - house; household
କୁଂଭ - (water-)pot
ଦାସଃ - servant; one made to do errands
ଗୃହକୁଂଭଦାସାଃ - household pot-servants; domestic errand-runners
ଵାଚାଂ - of speech; of words
ଅଗୋଚରଃ - beyond reach; not accessible
ଚରିତ୍ରଂ - conduct; deeds; "play" of action
ଵିଚିତ୍ରିତା - wondrous; astonishing; variegated
ଅଗୋଚରଚରିତ୍ରଵିଚିତ୍ରିତାୟ - to him whose wondrous deeds are beyond speech (compound)
ତସ୍ମୈ - to him
ନମଃ - salutations
ଭଗଵତେ - to the Lord; the glorious one
ମକର - the ମକର (sea-creature motif)
ଧ୍ଵଜଃ - banner; sign
ମକରଧ୍ଵଜଃ - Cupid ("whose banner is the ମକର"); in verse: ମକରଧ୍ଵଜାୟ

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
ଭର୍ତୃହରି opens with a deliberate exaggeration to set the theme: କାମ (desire) is not "a small weakness" but a power that can bend even the mightiest. In everyday life, the same truth appears when highly capable people become irrational for the sake of attention, validation, or infatuation - a senior leader making poor decisions to impress, a student derailing studies for a relationship, or someone compromising values to keep a fragile bond. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is not to fear love, but to add ଵିଵେକ (discernment) and ସଂୟମ (self-restraint): keep boundaries, avoid secrecy, and check whether your actions are serving your deeper priorities or merely serving a moment of fascination.

One more layer is this: Let beauty become reverence rather than grasping. ଆଦି ଶଂକରାଚାର୍ୟ opens ସୌଂଦର୍ୟ ଲହରୀ with ଶିଵଃ ଶକ୍ତ୍ୟା ୟୁକ୍ତୋ ୟଦି ଭଵତି ଶକ୍ତଃ ପ୍ରଭଵିତୁମ୍, hinting that beauty and power are inseparable from awareness. Seen that way, admiration can refine the heart. When respect is present, beauty uplifts; when entitlement is present, beauty binds.

ସ୍ମିତେନ ଭାଵେନ ଚ ଲଜ୍ଜୟା ଭିୟା
ପରାଣ୍ମୁଖୈରର୍ଧକଟାକ୍ଷଵୀକ୍ଷଣୈଃ ।
ଵଚୋଭିରୀର୍ଷ୍ୟାକଲହେନ ଲୀଲୟା
ସମସ୍ତଭାଵୈଃ ଖଲୁ ବଂଧନଂ ସ୍ତ୍ରିୟଃ ॥ 2.2 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ଵଂଶସ୍ଥ): This is in ଵଂଶସ୍ଥ (ସମ-ଵୃତ୍ତ) Chandas/Meter: 4 ପାଦାଃ, 12 ଅକ୍ଷରାଃ per ପାଦ; ଲଘୁ/ଗୁରୁ pattern (per ପାଦ) is `LGLGGLLGLGLG`.

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ସ୍ମିତେନ - by a smile
ଭାଵେନ - by an emotion; by an expressive mood
ଚ - and
ଲଜ୍ଜୟା - by modesty; by bashfulness
ଭିୟା - by fear; by coy apprehension
ପରାଣ୍ମୁଖୈଃ - with faces turned away; with an averted look
ଅର୍ଧ - half
କଟାକ୍ଷ - sidelong glance
ଵୀକ୍ଷଣ - seeing; look
ଅର୍ଧକଟାକ୍ଷଵୀକ୍ଷଣୈଃ - with half-sidelong glances
ଵଚୋଭିଃ - by words; by speech
ଈର୍ଷ୍ୟା - jealousy
କଲହେନ - by quarrel; by playful dispute
ଲୀଲୟା - by play; by teasing sport
ସମସ୍ତ - all; entire
ଭାଵୈଃ - by moods; by emotional states
ଖଲୁ - indeed; surely
ବଂଧନଂ - bondage; a binding snare; an entanglement
ସ୍ତ୍ରିୟଃ - women

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This verse is a compact psychology of attraction: not a single "weapon", but a whole spectrum of signals - smile, silence, shyness, irritation, reconciliation - that keeps attention captured. In modern relationships too, much of bonding happens through micro-signals: a delayed reply, a sudden warmth, a playful argument, a half-compliment that invites reassurance. The practical lesson is ଵିଵେକ (discernment): notice when your peace is being outsourced to another person's changing expressions. Healthy love deepens steadiness; unhealthy attachment creates dependency on emotional fluctuations. A simple practice is to communicate clearly, interpret charitably, and keep your core routines intact, so that affection enriches life instead of hijacking it.

A helpful way to apply this is: Timing matters. Do not try to resolve everything at peak emotion. Pause, cool down, then speak. When you repair quickly and gently, love becomes a place of safety; when you turn small quarrels into ego battles, romance becomes exhaustion. Let the verse nudge you toward calmer repair.

ଭ୍ରୂଚାତୁର୍ୟାତ୍କୁଷ୍ଚିତାକ୍ଷାଃ କଟାକ୍ଷାଃ
ସ୍ନିଗ୍ଧା ଵାଚୋ ଲଜ୍ଜିତାଂତାଶ୍ଚ ହାସାଃ ।
ଲୀଲାମଂଦଂ ପ୍ରସ୍ଥିତଂ ଚ ସ୍ଥିତଂ ଚ
ସ୍ତ୍ରୀଣାଂ ଏତଦ୍ଭୂଷଣଂ ଚାୟୁଧଂ ଚ ॥ 2.3 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ଶାଲିନୀ): This is in ଶାଲିନୀ (ତ୍ରିଷ୍ଟୁଭ୍ class) Chandas/Meter: 4 ପାଦାଃ, 11 ଅକ୍ଷରାଃ per ପାଦ; ଲଘୁ/ଗୁରୁ pattern (per ପାଦ) is `GGGG GLGGLGG`; ୟତି (pause) is after the 4th syllable in each ପାଦ (and sometimes also after 7).

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଭ୍ରୂ - eyebrow
ଚାତୁର୍ୟ - cleverness; skill; dexterity
ଭ୍ରୂଚାତୁର୍ୟାତ୍ - from/through clever eyebrow-play
କୁଚିତ - bent; slightly contracted
ଅକ୍ଷ - eye
କୁଷ୍ଚିତାକ୍ଷାଃ - with slightly contracted eyes
କଟାକ୍ଷାଃ - sidelong glances
ସ୍ନିଗ୍ଧାଃ - tender; affectionate; warm
ଵାଚଃ - words; speech (in verse: ଵାଚୋ)
ଲଜ୍ଜିତ - bashful; modest
ଅଂତଃ - ending; concluded
ଲଜ୍ଜିତାଂତାଃ - ending in bashfulness (as of a smile or laugh)
ହାସାଃ - laughter; smiles
ଲୀଲା - play; graceful sport
ମଂଦଂ - slowly; gently
ପ୍ରସ୍ଥିତଂ - (their) going forth; gait; walking
ସ୍ଥିତଂ - (their) standing; posture
ସ୍ତ୍ରୀଣାଂ - of women
ଏତତ୍ - this
ଭୂଷଣଂ - ornament; adornment
ଚ - and
ଆୟୁଧଂ - weapon

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse highlights "soft power": charm is not only beauty, but timing, expression, and presence. In modern settings, this can be seen in how a well-placed look, a warm tone, or a playful pause can change a tense conversation more effectively than arguments. The ethical point is important: the same skills can heal or manipulate. If you have influence, use it as ଦୟା (kindness) and ସତ୍ୟ (honesty), not as control. If you are on the receiving side, remember that attraction can cloud judgment; take decisions (commitments, money, boundaries) when the mind is calm, not when it is intoxicated by charm.

To carry this wisely: Charm is power, so bring ଅହିମ୍ସା (non-harm) into speech. Teasing can be sweet, but sarcasm and manipulation create long shadows. Choose words that leave the other person with dignity. That is how attraction matures into intimacy.

କ୍ଵଚିତ୍ସଭ୍ରୂଭଂଗୈଃ କ୍ଵଚିଦପି ଚ ଲଜ୍ଜାପରିଗତୈଃ
କ୍ଵଚିଦ୍ଭୂରିତ୍ରସ୍ତୈଃ କ୍ଵଚିଦପି ଚ ଲୀଲାଵିଲଲିତୈଃ ।
କୁମାରୀଣାଂ ଏତୈର୍ମଦନସୁଭଗୈର୍ନେତ୍ରଵଲିତୈଃ
ସ୍ଫୁରନ୍ନୀଲାବ୍ଜାନାଂ ପ୍ରକରପରିକୀର୍ଣା ଇଵ ଦିଶଃ ॥ 2.4 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ଶିଖ୍ହରିନୀ): This is in ଶିଖ୍ହରିନୀ (ସମ-ଵୃତ୍ତ) Chandas/Meter: 4 ପାଦାଃ, 17 ଅକ୍ଷରାଃ per ପାଦ; ଲଘୁ/ଗୁରୁ pattern (per ପାଦ) is `LGGGGG LLLLL GGLLLG`; ୟତି (pause) is after the 6th and 11th syllables in each ପାଦ.

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
କ୍ଵଚିତ୍ - somewhere; at times
ସ - with
ଭ୍ରୂ - eyebrow
ଭଂଗ - bend; arch; movement
ସଭ୍ରୂଭଂଗୈଃ - with eyebrow-bends
କ୍ଵଚିଦପି - somewhere/at times also (sandhi: କ୍ଵଚିଦପି = କ୍ଵଚିତ୍ + ଅପି)
ଅପି - also
ଲଜ୍ଜା - modesty; shyness
ପରିଗତ - surrounded by; accompanied by
ଲଜ୍ଜାପରିଗତୈଃ - accompanied by modesty
ଭୂରି - much; greatly
ତ୍ରସ୍ତ - frightened; startled
ଭୂରିତ୍ରସ୍ତୈଃ - greatly frightened (looks)
ଲୀଲା - play; grace
ଵିଲଲିତ - sportive; playfully moving
ଲୀଲାଵିଲଲିତୈଃ - with playful movements
କୁମାରୀଣାଂ - of young maidens
ଏତୈଃ - by these
ମଦନ - Cupid; love
ସୁଭଗ - auspicious; pleasing; attractive
ମଦନସୁଭଗୈଃ - pleasing to Cupid; love-stirring
ନେତ୍ର - eye
ଵଲିତ - rolling; moving; turning
ନେତ୍ରଵଲିତୈଃ - with rolling eyes; with eye-movements
ସ୍ଫୁରତ୍ - flashing; shining
ନୀଲ - blue
ଅବ୍ଜ - lotus
ନୀଲାବ୍ଜ - blue lotus
ନୀଲାବ୍ଜାନାଂ - of blue lotuses
ପ୍ରକରପରିକୀର୍ଣାଃ - scattered with clusters
ଇଵ - as if; like
ଦିଶଃ - the directions; quarters

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The poetic image is vivid: eyes like blue lotuses "scatter" across the world because the observer's attention keeps following them. In today's relationships, this is how fascination works: the mind keeps returning to a single stimulus and begins to color the whole environment with it. A practical use of this insight is to recognize ସଂସ୍କାର (impressions) forming in real-time: repeated attention strengthens a groove. If you want love to be healthy, let admiration be paired with respect and restraint; if you sense obsession, widen your focus deliberately - work, friends, sleep, and values - so that beauty remains a joy, not a captivity.

A mature reading suggests: From an inner standpoint, remember that the rush is a wave in the mind. ଆଦି ଶଂକରାଚାର୍ୟ reminds us in ଆତ୍ମ ଷଟକମ୍, ମନୋ ବୁଦ୍ଧ୍ୟହଂକାର ଚିତ୍ତାନି ନାହମ୍ (I am not the mind, intellect, ego, or mind-stuff). Returning to that witness does not kill love; it makes love workable, so you can act with dignity instead of being driven.

ଵକ୍ତ୍ରଂ ଚଂଦ୍ରଵିକାସି ପଂକଜପରୀହାସକ୍ଷମେ ଲୋଚନେ
ଵର୍ଣଃ ସ୍ଵର୍ଣଂ ଅପାକରିଷ୍ଣୁରଲିନୀଜିଷ୍ଣୁଃ କଚାନାଂ ଚୟଃ ।
ବକ୍ଷୋଜାଵିଭକୁଂଭଵିଭ୍ରମହରୌ ଗୁର୍ଵୀ ନିତଂବସ୍ଥଲୀ
ଵାଚାଂ ହାରି ଚ ମାର୍ଦଵଂ ୟୁଵତୀଷୁ ସ୍ଵାଭାଵିକଂ ମଂଡନମ୍ ॥ 2.5 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ଶାର୍ଦୂଲଵିକ୍ରୀଡିତମ୍): This is in ଶାର୍ଦୂଲଵିକ୍ରୀଡିତମ୍ (ସମ-ଵୃତ୍ତ) Chandas/Meter: 4 ପାଦାଃ, 19 ଅକ୍ଷରାଃ per ପାଦ; ଲଘୁ/ଗୁରୁ pattern (per ପାଦ) is `GGGLLGL GLLLG GGLGGLG`; ୟତି (pause) is after the 7th and 12th syllables in each ପାଦ.

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଵକ୍ତ୍ରଂ - face
ଚଂଦ୍ର - moon
ଵିକାସି - blooming; expanding; shining forth
ଚଂଦ୍ରଵିକାସି - moon-blooming; blooming like the moon
ପଂକଜ - lotus
ପରୀହାସ - mockery; playful superiority
କ୍ଷମେ - capable of; able to
ଲୋଚନେ - eyes
ପଂକଜପରୀହାସକ୍ଷମେ - capable of "mocking" the lotus (outshining it)
ଵର୍ଣଃ - complexion; color
ସ୍ଵର୍ଣଂ - gold
ଅପାକରିଷ୍ଣୁଃ - stealing away; removing; eclipsing
ଅଲିନୀ - a swarm of bees; black bees
ଜିଷ୍ଣୁଃ - conquering; surpassing
କଚାନାଂ - of the hair
ଚୟଃ - mass; collection
ଅଲିନୀଜିଷ୍ଣୁଃ କଚାନାଂ ଚୟଃ - a mass of hair that surpasses the bees (in blackness and beauty)
ଵକ୍ଷୋଜ - breast
ଅଵିଭକ୍ତ - unseparated; paired
କୁଂଭ - jar; pot
ଵିଭ୍ରମ - bewilderment; delusion; astonishment
ହରୌ - removing; taking away
ବକ୍ଷୋଜାଵିଭକୁଂଭଵିଭ୍ରମହରୌ - (her) paired breasts like jars that steal away the mind's composure
ଗୁର୍ଵୀ - heavy; weighty
ନିତଂବ - hips; buttocks
ସ୍ଥଲୀ - region; place
ନିତଂବସ୍ଥଲୀ - the hip-region
ଵାଚାଂ - of speech
ହାରି - captivating; charming
ଚ - and
ମାର୍ଦଵଂ - softness; gentleness
ୟୁଵତୀଷୁ - in young women
ସ୍ଵାଭାଵିକଂ - natural; innate
ମଂଡନଂ - ornament; adornment

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse is classic ଶୃଂଗାର: it celebrates beauty through comparisons to nature - moon, lotus, gold, bees - and shows how perception is shaped by imagery. In real-world settings, it reminds us that attraction is partly sensory and partly imaginative: the mind overlays meaning on what it sees. The mature way to carry this is ମର୍ୟାଦା (respectful boundaries): admiration should not become objectification, and poetic praise should not become entitlement. If you are in love, let appreciation make you more considerate and more responsible, not more impulsive. If you are admired, remember that charm is power; use it with ସତ୍ୟ (truthfulness) and ଅହିମ୍ସା (non-harm), not as a way to toy with another's emotions.

If you want this verse to uplift you: Enjoy beauty without losing balance. Keep the basics steady: sleep, work, friendships, and self-respect. If attraction is mutual, clarity and pace protect it; if it is not, restraint protects you. This is how the verse becomes practical wisdom instead of mere description.

ସ୍ମିତକିଂଚିନ୍ମୁଗ୍ଧଂ ସରଲତରଲୋ ଦୃଷ୍ଟିଵିଭଵଃ
ପରିସ୍ପଂଦୋ ଵାଚାଂ ଅଭିନଵଵିଲାସୋକ୍ତିସରସଃ ।
ଗତାନାଂ ଆରଂଭଃ କିସଲୟିତଲୀଲାପରିକରଃ
ସ୍ପୃଶଂତ୍ୟାସ୍ତାରୁଣ୍ୟଂ କିଂ ଇଵ ନ ହି ରମ୍ୟଂ ମୃଗଦୃଶଃ ॥ 2.6 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ସ୍ମିତ - smile
କିଂଚିତ୍ - a little; slight
ମୁଗ୍ଧଂ - innocent; charmingly naive
ସ୍ମିତକିଂଚିନ୍ମୁଗ୍ଧଂ - a slightly innocent smile
ସରଲ - simple; straight; uncontrived
ତରଲଃ - trembling; restless; moving
ସରଲତରଲଃ - simple and restless
ଦୃଷ୍ଟି - gaze; sight
ଵିଭଵଃ - wealth; splendor; richness
ଦୃଷ୍ଟିଵିଭଵଃ - richness of the gaze
ପରିସ୍ପଂଦଃ - quiver; tremor; subtle vibration
ଵାଚାଂ - of speech
ଅଭିନଵ - new; fresh
ଵିଲାସ - graceful play; charm
ଉକ୍ତି - utterance; phrase
ସରସଃ - juicy; delightful
ଅଭିନଵଵିଲାସୋକ୍ତିସରସଃ - delightful with fresh playful speech
ଗତାନାଂ - of movements; of gait
ଆରଂଭଃ - beginning; start
କିସଲୟିତ - tender like a sprout; budding
ଲୀଲା - play; grace
ପରିକରଃ - paraphernalia; set of gestures/expressions
କିସଲୟିତଲୀଲାପରିକରଃ - a budding set of playful gestures
ସ୍ପୃଶଂତ୍ୟାଃ - of one who is touching; approaching (in verse: ସ୍ପୃଶଂତ୍ୟାସ୍ତାରୁଣ୍ୟଂ)
ତାରୁଣ୍ୟଂ - youth
କିଂ ଇଵ ନ ହି ରମ୍ୟଂ - what indeed is not lovely?
ମୃଗଦୃଶଃ - of the doe-eyed girl

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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?

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This verse captures the freshness of early youth - not "perfect beauty", but the charm of newness: slightly awkward smiles, quick glances, and spontaneous speech. In lived experience, it reminds us that connection often grows through authenticity more than polish. When you stop performing and let your natural warmth show, relationships become easier and more real. The caution is also implicit: youth is powerful and fragile; it deserves ରକ୍ଷଣ (protection) and ସୌଶୀଲୟ (gentle respect), not exploitation. Admiration should increase responsibility: be mindful of consent, context, and emotional impact, so that affection becomes a blessing, not a wound.

From a broader perspective: Let beauty become reverence rather than grasping. ଆଦି ଶଂକରାଚାର୍ୟ opens ସୌଂଦର୍ୟ ଲହରୀ with ଶିଵଃ ଶକ୍ତ୍ୟା ୟୁକ୍ତୋ ୟଦି ଭଵତି ଶକ୍ତଃ ପ୍ରଭଵିତୁମ୍, hinting that beauty and power are inseparable from awareness. Seen that way, admiration can refine the heart. When respect is present, beauty uplifts; when entitlement is present, beauty binds.

ଦ୍ରଷ୍ଟଵ୍ୟେଷୁ କିଂ ଉତ୍ତମଂ ମୃଗଦୃଶଃ ପ୍ରେମପ୍ରସନ୍ନଂ ମୁଖଂ
ଘ୍ରାତଵେଷ୍ଵପି କିଂ ତଦ୍ଆସ୍ୟପଵନଃ ଶ୍ରଵ୍ୟେଷୁ କିଂ ତଦ୍ଵଚଃ ।
କିଂ ସ୍ଵାଦ୍ୟେଷୁ ତଦ୍ଓଷ୍ଠପଲ୍ଲଵରସଃ ସ୍ପୃଶ୍ୟେଷୁ କିଂ ତଦ୍ଵପୁର୍ଧ୍ୟେୟଂ
କିଂ ନଵୟୌଵନେ ସହୃଦୟୈଃ ସର୍ଵତ୍ର ତଦ୍ଵିଭ୍ରମାଃ ॥ 2.7 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଦ୍ରଷ୍ଟଵ୍ୟେଷୁ - among things to be seen
କିଂ - what?
ଉତ୍ତମଂ - best; highest
ମୃଗଦୃଶଃ - of the doe-eyed maiden
ପ୍ରେମ - love
ପ୍ରସନ୍ନଂ - clear; bright; serene; pleased
ମୁଖଂ - face
ଘ୍ରାତଵେଷୁ - among things to be smelled
ଅପି - also
ତତ୍ - that; her
ଆସ୍ୟ - mouth
ପଵନଃ - breath; breeze
ତଦ୍ଆସ୍ୟପଵନଃ - her mouth-breath (the verse uses for a join; read as ତଦ୍ଆସ୍ୟପଵନଃ)
ଶ୍ରଵ୍ୟେଷୁ - among things to be heard
ତଦ୍ଵଚଃ - her words; her speech
ସ୍ଵାଦ୍ୟେଷୁ - among things to be tasted
ତଦ୍ଓଷ୍ଠ - her lips (read as ତଦୋଷ୍ଠ)
ପଲ୍ଲଵ - fresh sprout; tender bud
ରସଃ - taste; juice; essence
ଓଷ୍ଠପଲ୍ଲଵରସଃ - the "sprout-juice" of her lips (tender sweetness)
ସ୍ପୃଶ୍ୟେଷୁ - among things to be touched
ତଦ୍ଵପୁଃ - her body
ଧ୍ୟେୟଂ - to be meditated on; contemplated
ନଵୟୌଵନେ - in fresh/new youth
ସହୃଦୟୈଃ - by the tender-hearted; sensitive people
ସର୍ଵତ୍ର - everywhere
ତଦ୍ଵିଭ୍ରମାଃ - her graces; her charming gestures

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This is romantic hyperbole: when love is young, the beloved becomes the "best of everything." It is beautiful as poetry, and it also reveals a psychological pattern: the mind concentrates value on one object and then tastes the whole world through it. In ordinary situations, this can be healthy devotion or unhealthy obsession. The practical balance is ମଧ୍ୟମତା (the middle way): cherish the relationship, but keep your self-respect, friendships, work, and inner stability intact. When you notice compulsive thinking, bring in ଵିଵେକ (discernment): ask whether your attention is coming from love or from insecurity and craving. Love that matures moves from "I need you to feel whole" to "I choose you, and I can still stand steady within myself."

On a subtler level: Poetry delights, but real love must go beyond features. If you feel enchanted, translate it into care: listen well, keep promises, and honor consent. Admiration that becomes service is ennobling; admiration that becomes possession is painful. Use the verse to remember dignity - yours and the other's.

ଏତାଶ୍ଚଲଦ୍ଵଲୟସଂହତିମେଖଲୋତ୍ଥଝଂକାର
ନୂପୁରପରାଜିତରାଜହଂସ୍ୟଃ ।
କୁର୍ଵଂତି କସ୍ୟ ନ ମନୋ ଵିଵଶଂ ତରୁଣ୍ୟୋ
ଵିତ୍ରସ୍ତମୁଗ୍ଧହରିଣୀସଦୃଶୈଃ କଟାକ୍ଷୈଃ ॥ 2.8 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଏତାଃ - these
ଚଲତ୍ - moving; trembling; swaying
ଵଲୟ - bangle; bracelet
ସଂହତି - collection; cluster
ମେଖଲା - girdle; waist-belt
ଉତ୍ଥ - arising from
ଝଂକାର - jingling sound
ଚଲଦ୍ଵଲୟସଂହତିମେଖଲୋତ୍ଥଝଂକାର - jingling arising from swaying bangles and girdle
ନୂପୁର - anklet
ପରାଜିତ - surpassed; defeated
ରାଜ - royal; noble
ହଂସ - swan
ନୂପୁରପରାଜିତରାଜହଂସ୍ୟଃ - whose (gait/sound) surpasses the royal swan because of anklets
କୁର୍ଵଂତି - make; render
କସ୍ୟ ନ - whose (mind) not?; whom do they not?
ମନଃ - mind
ଵିଵଶଂ - helpless; overpowered
ତରୁଣ୍ୟଃ - young women
ଵିତ୍ରସ୍ତ - frightened
ମୁଗ୍ଧ - innocent; artless
ହରିଣୀ - doe
ସଦୃଶୈଃ - resembling; like
କଟାକ୍ଷୈଃ - with sidelong glances

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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?

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
ଭର୍ତୃହରି shows how attraction is multisensory: sound (anklets, bangles), movement (gait), and sight (glances) work together to flood attention. In practical terms, "presence" works similarly: tone of voice, body language, and timing often matter more than literal words. If you want to build healthy relationships, use this insight to become more attentive and considerate: listen well, show warmth, and be mindful of how you show up. And if you feel overpowered by someone's charm, pause and return to your own center - sleep, food, and routine - because a tired mind is easier to capture than a steady one.

A gentle practice is: Notice the role of attention. What you repeatedly contemplate becomes your inner landscape. So train attention not only on appearance but also on character - kindness, steadiness, truthfulness. This keeps romance from becoming fragile, because it is rooted in values, not only in sensation.

କୁଂକୁମପଂକକଲଂକିତଦେହା
ଗୌରପୟୋଧରକଂପିତହାରା ।
ନୂପୁରହଂସରଣତ୍ପଦ୍ମା
କଂ ନ ଵଶୀକୁରୁତେ ଭୁଵି ରାମା ॥ 2.9 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ମାତ୍ରା-ଚଂଦସ୍): This is in a ମାତ୍ରା-based Chandas/Meter (not a fixed ଅକ୍ଷର-count ଵୃତ୍ତ): in this verse, the written segments carry approximately 16 + 16 + 14 + 16 ମାତ୍ରାଃ (total 62); treat ଲଘୁ=1 ମାତ୍ରା and ଗୁରୁ=2 ମାତ୍ରାଃ, and keep the natural pauses at the segment ends marked by `।`/`॥` (do not confuse ଦଂଡ with internal ୟତି).

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
କୁଂକୁମ - saffron; vermilion
ପଂକ - paste; clay; smear
କଲଂକିତ - marked; stained; adorned (lit. "spotted")
ଦେହା - body; having a body (fem.)
କୁଂକୁମପଂକକଲଂକିତଦେହା - whose body is streaked/marked with saffron paste
ଗୌର - fair; white
ପୟୋଧର - breast (lit. "water-bearer")
କଂପିତ - trembling; shaken
ହାରା - necklace
ଗୌରପୟୋଧରକଂପିତହାରା - whose necklace trembles on her fair breasts
ନୂପୁର - anklet
ହଂସ - swan
ରଣତ୍ - ringing; tinkling
ପଦ୍ମା - lotus(-like); having lotus(-feet) (fem.)
ନୂପୁରହଂସରଣତ୍ପଦ୍ମା - whose lotus-feet ring with anklets like swans
କଂ - whom?
ନ - not
ଵଶୀକୁରୁତେ - brings under control; enchants; subdues
ଭୁଵି - on earth
ରାମା - a lovely woman; beloved

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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?

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This is a celebration of beauty as a lived, moving experience: fragrance and color, the rhythm of ornament, the music of footsteps. In the way we live now, the verse can be read as an insight into "aura": people are drawn not just to looks, but to the total atmosphere - grooming, confidence, and grace. Used well, this becomes self-care and artistry; used poorly, it becomes manipulation through appearances. The mature takeaway is to enjoy beauty without letting it override judgment: keep your promises, your priorities, and your ethical boundaries steady, even when the senses are delighted.

One more layer is this: A deeper use of ଶୃଂଗାର is refinement. When something is beautiful, pause and notice the mind soften. Then let that softness turn into generosity, patience, and gratitude. In this way, beauty becomes a doorway to a better self, not a doorway to restlessness.

ନୂନଂ ହି ତେ କଵିଵରା ଵିପରୀତଵାଚୋ
ୟେ ନିତ୍ୟଂ ଆହୁରବଲା ଇତି କାମିନୀସ୍ତାଃ ।
ୟାଭିର୍ଵିଲୋଲିତରତାରକଦୃଷ୍ଟିପାତୈଃ
ଶକ୍ରାଦୟୋଽପି ଵିଜିତାସ୍ତ୍ଵବଲାଃ କଥଂ ତାଃ ॥ 2.10 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ନୂନଂ - surely; indeed
ହି - indeed
ତେ - those
କଵି - poet
ଵରାଃ - excellent ones; "great" ones (often ironic here)
ଵିପରୀତ - contrary; reversed
ଵାଚାଃ - words; speech (in verse: ଵିପରୀତଵାଚୋ)
ୟେ - who
ନିତ୍ୟଂ - always
ଆହୁର୍ - say (sandhi: ଆହୁଃ is base; ଆହୁର୍ before a consonant)
ଅବଲାଃ - weak (fem. pl.)
ଇତି - thus
କାମିନ୍ୟଃ - women; beloveds (in verse: କାମିନୀସ୍ତାଃ)
ତାଃ - those (women)
ୟାଭିଃ - by whom; with which (fem. inst. pl.)
ଵିଲୋଲିତ - rolling; wandering
ରତାରକ - stars (lit. "night-lights"; in the pupils/eyes)
ଦୃଷ୍ଟି - sight; gaze
ପାତ - fall; casting (as of a glance)
ଵିଲୋଲିତରତାରକଦୃଷ୍ଟିପାତୈଃ - with glances whose star-like pupils are playfully rolling
ଶକ୍ରାଦୟଃ - ଶକ୍ର (Indra) and others
ଅପି - even (verse: ଶକ୍ରାଦୟୋଽପି = ଶକ୍ରାଦୟଃ + ଅପି)
ଵିଜିତାଃ - conquered; defeated
ତୁ - but; indeed
ଅବଲାଃ - weak?
କଥଂ - how?
ତାଃ - those (women)

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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?

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse pushes back against a lazy stereotype by pointing to the reality of influence: "strength" is not only physical force, it is also charm, intelligence, and the ability to move another's mind. At home and at work, this reads as a reminder to respect emotional and social power - the ability to persuade, inspire, calm, or unsettle. It also warns us about self-deception: people who think they are "in control" can still be swayed by desire, flattery, or attention. A healthy application is to build relationships on mutual respect, and to recognize that what looks "soft" on the surface can carry real leverage underneath.

A helpful way to apply this is: Enjoy beauty without losing balance. Keep the basics steady: sleep, work, friendships, and self-respect. If attraction is mutual, clarity and pace protect it; if it is not, restraint protects you. This is how the verse becomes practical wisdom instead of mere description.

ନୂନଂ ଆଜ୍ଞାକରସ୍ତସ୍ୟାଃ ସୁଭ୍ରୁଵୋ ମକରଧ୍ଵଜଃ ।
ୟତସ୍ତନ୍ନେତ୍ରସଂଚାରସୂଚିତେଷୁ ପ୍ରଵର୍ତତେ ॥ 2.11 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ଅନୁଷ୍ଟୁଭ୍): This is in ଅନୁଷ୍ଟୁଭ୍ (ଶ୍ଲୋକ) Chandas/Meter: 4 ପାଦାଃ, 8 ଅକ୍ଷରାଃ per ପାଦ (32 total; commonly written/recited as two 16-syllable half-verses separated by `।`); ପଥ୍ୟା cadence often ends as pAda 1/3 = `x x x x L G x G`, pAda 2/4 = `x x x x L G L G`; a common ୟତି (pause) is after the 4th or 5th syllable in each ପାଦ (separate from the natural pauses at `।` and `॥`). ଲକ୍ଷଣ ଶ୍ଲୋକ: ଶ୍ଲୋକେ ଷଷ୍ଠଂ ଗୁରୁ ଜ୍ଞେୟଂ ସର୍ଵତ୍ର ଲଘୁପଂଚମମ୍ । ଦ୍ଵିଚତୁଷ୍ପାଦୟୋଃ ହ୍ରସ୍ଵଂ ସପ୍ତମଂ ଦୀର୍ଘମନ୍ୟୟୋଃ ॥ - this mnemonic says the 6th syllable is ଗୁରୁ and the 5th is ଲଘୁ in all ପାଦାଃ; the 7th is ଲଘୁ in pAda 2/4 and ଗୁରୁ in pAda 1/3.

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ନୂନଂ - surely; indeed
ଆଜ୍ଞା - command; order
କରଃ - doer; maker; agent (here: one who executes orders)
ଆଜ୍ଞାକରଃ - command-executor; obedient servant
ତସ୍ୟାଃ - of her
ସୁ - good; beautiful
ଭ୍ରୂ - eyebrow
ସୁଭ୍ରୁଵଃ - of the fair-browed woman
ମକରଧ୍ଵଜଃ - ମକରଧ୍ଵଜ (Cupid)
ୟତଃ - because; for
ତତ୍ - her; that
ନେତ୍ର - eye
ସଂଚାର - movement; roaming
ସୂଚିତ - indicated; signaled
ଏଷୁ - in these (matters)
ପ୍ରଵର୍ତତେ - proceeds; acts; sets about

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse playfully reverses the power-dynamic: instead of Cupid commanding lovers, Cupid himself becomes the servant of the beloved's subtle cues. These days, this is a reminder of how much communication happens without words - through eye contact, pauses, posture, and micro-expressions. When attraction is mutual and respectful, such cues create tenderness; when it is not, the same cues can be misread or forced. The practical guidance is to keep ସଂୟମ (self-restraint) and clarity: do not build fantasies from ambiguous signals, and do not pressure someone into giving signals they do not mean. Let desire follow consent and honesty, not guesswork.

To carry this wisely: Treat desire as a signal, not a verdict. Attraction shows what the mind likes, but it does not decide what is right. Pause and ask: will this increase trust or reduce it; will it make tomorrow lighter or heavier? That small pause is ଵିଵେକ (discernment). When you choose transparency and boundaries early, love stays dignified and does not turn into compulsion.

କେଶାଃ ସଂୟମିନଃ ଶ୍ରୁତେରପି ପରଂ ପାରଂ ଗତେ ଲୋଚନେ
ଅଂତର୍ଵକ୍ତ୍ରଂ ଅପି ସ୍ଵଭାଵଶୁଚିଭୀଃ କୀର୍ଣଂ ଦ୍ଵିଜାନାଂ ଗଣୈଃ ।
ମୁକ୍ତାନାଂ ସତତାଧିଵାସରୁଚିରୌ ଵକ୍ଷୋଜକୁଂଭାଵିମାଵିତ୍ଥଂ
ତନ୍ଵି ଵପୁଃ ପ୍ରଶାଂତଂ ଅପି ତେରାଗଂ କରୋତ୍ୟେଵ ନଃ ॥ 2.12 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
କେଶାଃ - hair
ସଂୟମିନଃ - of self-controlled ones; of ascetics (also: "restrained/controlled")
ଶ୍ରୁତେରପି - even beyond the ear (here ଶ୍ରୁତି = ear; sandhi: ଶ୍ରୁତେଃ ଅପି)
ପରଂ - beyond; further
ପାରଂ - far shore; limit; end
ଗତେ - having reached (dual sense with ଲୋଚନେ)
ଲୋଚନେ - the two eyes
ଅଂତର୍ଵକ୍ତ୍ରଂ - the inside of the mouth
ଅପି - even
ସ୍ଵଭାଵ - natural; innate
ଶୁଚି - pure; clean; bright
ସ୍ଵଭାଵଶୁଚିଭୀଃ - naturally pure/bright
କୀର୍ଣଂ - filled; crowded
ଦ୍ଵିଜ - "twice-born"; in poetry: a tooth
ଦ୍ଵିଜାନାଂ ଗଣୈଃ - with rows/groups of teeth
ମୁକ୍ତାନାଂ - of pearls
ସତତ - always
ଅଧିଵାସ - residence; dwelling
ରୁଚିରୌ - beautiful (dual)
ଵକ୍ଷୋଜ - breast
କୁଂଭୌ - the two jars (dual)
ଵକ୍ଷୋଜକୁଂଭୌ - the two "jar-like" breasts
ଇମୌ - these two
ଇତ୍ଥଂ - thus; in this way
ତନ୍ଵି - O slender one
ଵପୁଃ - body; form
ପ୍ରଶାଂତଂ - calm; composed
ଅପି - even
ତେ - your
ରାଗଂ - passion; attachment
କରୋତି - creates; produces
ଏଵ - indeed
ନଃ - in us; for us

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This verse is packed with poetic shorthand: long eyes "reach the ear", teeth are called ଦ୍ଵିଜ (twice-born) because a second set appears, and pearls "reside" on the bosom as a necklace. The deeper point is about how the mind selects details and turns them into a story of beauty. When you look around today, we can recognize this as the power of attention: what you repeatedly notice becomes what you "live in". If you want love to be steady, train attention not only on appearance, but also on character - kindness, reliability, and respect. Otherwise, the mind becomes a slave of surface impressions and keeps generating ରାଗ (attachment) without grounding.

A mature reading suggests: Poetry delights, but real love must go beyond features. If you feel enchanted, translate it into care: listen well, keep promises, and honor consent. Admiration that becomes service is ennobling; admiration that becomes possession is painful. Use the verse to remember dignity - yours and the other's.

ମୁଗ୍ଧେ ଧାନୁଷ୍କତା କେୟଂ ଅପୂର୍ଵା ତ୍ଵୟି ଦୃଶ୍ୟତେ ।
ୟୟା ଵିଧ୍ୟସି ଚେତାଂସି ଗୁଣୈରେଵ ନ ସାୟକୈଃ ॥ 2.13 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ମୁଗ୍ଧେ - O innocent one; O charming naive girl
ଧାନୁଷ୍କତା - archery; the skill of a bowman
କା - what?
ଇୟଂ - this
କେୟଂ - what is this?
ଅପୂର୍ଵା - unprecedented; new; rare
ତ୍ଵୟି - in you
ଦୃଶ୍ୟତେ - is seen
ୟୟା - by which
ଵିଧ୍ୟସି - you pierce; you strike
ଚେତାଂସି - minds; hearts
ଗୁଣୈଃ - by qualities; by virtues
ଏଵ - alone; indeed
ନ - not
ସାୟକୈଃ - by arrows

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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?

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
Here ଭର୍ତୃହରି praises attraction that comes from ଗୁଣ (virtue/quality) rather than force. In modern terms, this is the pull of character: sincerity, warmth, humor, competence, and emotional intelligence. The practical lesson is encouraging: if you want to be loved deeply, invest less in performance and more in genuine qualities. And if you feel "pierced" by someone, ask what exactly is drawing you - is it real ଗୁଣ, or is it your projection? This reflection prevents blind attachment and leads to healthier choices.

If you want this verse to uplift you: Notice the role of attention. What you repeatedly contemplate becomes your inner landscape. So train attention not only on appearance but also on character - kindness, steadiness, truthfulness. This keeps romance from becoming fragile, because it is rooted in values, not only in sensation.

ସତି ପ୍ରଦୀପେ ସତ୍ୟଗ୍ନୌ ସତ୍ସୁ ତାରାରଵୀଂଦୁଷୁ ।
ଵିନା ମେ ମୃଗଶାଵାକ୍ଷ୍ୟା ତମୋଭୂତଂ ଇଦଂ ଜଗଥ୍ ॥ 2.14 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ସତି - when present; while existing
ପ୍ରଦୀପେ - in a lamp; in the lamp-light
ସତ୍ୟ - true; real; blazing
ଅଗ୍ନୌ - in fire; with fire
ସତ୍ସୁ - when present; among existing things
ତାରା - stars
ରଵି - sun
ଇଂଦୁ - moon
ତାରାରଵୀଂଦୁଷୁ - among stars, sun, and moon
ଵିନା - without
ମେ - my
ମୃଗ - deer
ଶାଵା - fawn
ଅକ୍ଷି - eye
ମୃଗଶାଵାକ୍ଷ୍ୟା - (my beloved) with fawn-like eyes
ତମୋଭୂତଂ - become darkness; turned dark
ଇଦଂ - this
ଜଗଥ୍ - world

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
Though lamp-light, fire, stars, sun, and moon are present, without my fawn-eyed beloved this world becomes darkness to me.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse describes how love changes perception: the same world can feel bright or dark depending on inner mood. In common experience, we recognize this as emotional coloring - when you miss someone deeply, everything feels dull; when you feel connected, the same day feels luminous. The practical advice is to honor the feeling but not be ruled by it: grief and longing are natural, yet your well-being cannot depend entirely on external presence. A quiet ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to cultivate an inner lamp - routines, friendships, meaning, and (when relevant) contemplation of ଆତ୍ମନ୍ (the inner light) so that external love enriches life without becoming the only source of light.

From a broader perspective: A deeper use of ଶୃଂଗାର is refinement. When something is beautiful, pause and notice the mind soften. Then let that softness turn into generosity, patience, and gratitude. In this way, beauty becomes a doorway to a better self, not a doorway to restlessness.

ଉଦ୍ଵୃତ୍ତଃ ସ୍ତନଭାର ଏଷ ତରଲେ ନେତ୍ରେ ଚଲେ ଭ୍ରୂଲତେ
ରାଗାଧିଷ୍ଠିତଂ ଓଷ୍ଠପଲ୍ଲଵଂ ଇଦଂ କୁର୍ଵଂତୁ ନାମ ଵ୍ୟଥାମ୍ ।
ସୌଭାଗ୍ୟାକ୍ଷରମାଲିକେଵ ଲିଖିତା ପୁଷ୍ପାୟୁଧେନ ସ୍ଵୟଂ
ମଧ୍ୟସ୍ଥାପି କରୋତି ତାପଂ ଅଧିକଂ ରୋମାଵଲିଃ କେନ ସା ॥ 2.15 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଉଦ୍ଵୃତ୍ତଃ - raised; lifted; prominent
ସ୍ତନ - breast
ଭାରଃ - burden; weight
ସ୍ତନଭାରଃ - the weight of the breasts
ଏଷ - this
ତରଲେ - unsteady; tremulous (dual sense with ନେତ୍ରେ)
ନେତ୍ରେ - the two eyes
ଚଲେ - moving; dancing (plural/dual sense with brows)
ଭ୍ରୂଲତେ - eyebrows (lit. "brow-creepers")
ରାଗ - redness; passion; color
ଅଧିଷ୍ଠିତଂ - seated on; established on
ଓଷ୍ଠ - lip
ପଲ୍ଲଵଂ - tender bud; sprout
ଓଷ୍ଠପଲ୍ଲଵଂ - lip-bud
ଇଦଂ - this
କୁର୍ଵଂତୁ - let (them) do; let (them) cause
ନାମ - indeed; surely
ଵ୍ୟଥାଂ - pain; disturbance
ସୌଭାଗ୍ୟ - good fortune; auspiciousness
ଅକ୍ଷର - letter; syllable
ମାଲିକା - garland; string
ଅକ୍ଷରମାଲିକା - a garland/string of letters (as in a written line)
ଇଵ - as if; like
ଲିଖିତା - written
ପୁଷ୍ପ - flower
ଆୟୁଧ - weapon
ପୁଷ୍ପାୟୁଧେନ - by the flower-weaponed one (କାମ/Cupid)
ସ୍ଵୟଂ - himself
ମଧ୍ୟସ୍ଥା - situated in the middle
ଅପି - even though
କରୋତି - causes; does
ତାପଂ - heat; torment; burning longing
ଅଧିକଂ - more; excessive
ରୋମାଵଲିଃ - the line of fine hair (on the abdomen)
କେନ - why? by what?
ସା - that (line)

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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?

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse observes something subtle: desire does not always arise from the obvious features; sometimes a small detail becomes the strongest trigger. In contemporary life, this matches how attention works - a tiny habit, a particular laugh, a small gesture can become the "signature" that the mind fixates on. The practical lesson is to see how the mind manufactures ତାପ (burning agitation) through repeated attention. If you want to enjoy beauty without losing peace, keep awareness broad and grounded; do not let one detail become an obsession that drains energy and clarity. And in relationships, remember that what you amplify in your mind becomes your reality - choose what you amplify wisely.

On a subtler level: Enjoy beauty without losing balance. Keep the basics steady: sleep, work, friendships, and self-respect. If attraction is mutual, clarity and pace protect it; if it is not, restraint protects you. This is how the verse becomes practical wisdom instead of mere description.

ମୁଖେନ ଚଂଦ୍ରକାଂତେନ ମହାନୀଲୈଃ ଶିରୋରୁହୈଃ ।
କରାଭ୍ୟାଂ ପଦ୍ମରାଗାଭ୍ୟାଂ ରେଜେ ରତ୍ନମୟୀଵ ସା ॥ 2.16 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ମୁଖେନ - by the face
ଚଂଦ୍ର - moon
କାଂତ - beloved; shining; also the moonstone gem (ଚଂଦ୍ରକାଂତ)
ଚଂଦ୍ରକାଂତେନ - with moonstone-like radiance (lit. "moon-beloved")
ମହା - great; deep; intense
ନୀଲ - blue; dark
ମହାନୀଲୈଃ - with deep blue (in verse: describing hair)
ଶିରଃ - head
ରୁହ - growing
ଶିରୋରୁହୈଃ - with hair (lit. "head-grown")
କରାଭ୍ୟାଂ - with the two hands
ପଦ୍ମରାଗ - ruby (lit. "lotus-color gem")
ପଦ୍ମରାଗାଭ୍ୟାଂ - with ruby-like (hands)
ରେଜେ - shone; appeared splendid
ରତ୍ନମୟୀ - made of jewels
ଇଵ - like
ସା - she

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
With a moonstone-like face, deep-blue hair, and ruby-like hands, she shone as though she were fashioned from jewels.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The poet strings together colors and materials - moonstone, sapphire-blue, ruby - to suggest that beauty feels like a rare harmony of elements. In everyday life, we can read this as a reminder that attraction is often about "composition": how a person carries themselves, how they speak, how they dress, and how their presence feels as a whole. Appreciation becomes healthier when it is paired with gratitude and respect, not possession. If you admire someone, let it refine you: be more attentive, more courteous, and less reactive, so that beauty turns into better behavior rather than restless craving.

A gentle practice is: Let beauty become reverence rather than grasping. ଆଦି ଶଂକରାଚାର୍ୟ opens ସୌଂଦର୍ୟ ଲହରୀ with ଶିଵଃ ଶକ୍ତ୍ୟା ୟୁକ୍ତୋ ୟଦି ଭଵତି ଶକ୍ତଃ ପ୍ରଭଵିତୁମ୍, hinting that beauty and power are inseparable from awareness. Seen that way, admiration can refine the heart. When respect is present, beauty uplifts; when entitlement is present, beauty binds.

ଗୁରୁଣା ସ୍ତନଭାରେଣ ମୁଖଚଂଦ୍ରେଣ ଭାସ୍ଵତା ।
ଶନୈଶ୍ଚରାଭ୍ୟାଂ ପାଦାଭ୍ୟାଂ ରେଜେ ଗ୍ରହମୟୀଵ ସା ॥ 2.17 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଗୁରୁଣା - by something heavy; also a pun on ଗୁରୁ (Jupiter)
ସ୍ତନ - breast
ଭାର - burden; weight
ସ୍ତନଭାରେଣ - by the weight of the breasts
ମୁଖ - face
ଚଂଦ୍ର - moon
ମୁଖଚଂଦ୍ରେଣ - by the moon-like face
ଭାସ୍ଵତା - shining; radiant
ଶନୈଶ୍ଚରଃ - ଶନୈଶ୍ଚର (Saturn; "the slow-mover")
ଶନୈଶ୍ଚରାଭ୍ୟାଂ - with the two (things like) Saturn; here: with the two Saturn-like feet
ପାଦାଭ୍ୟାଂ - with the two feet
ରେଜେ - shone; appeared splendid
ଗ୍ରହ - planet
ମୟୀ - made of; consisting of
ଗ୍ରହମୟୀ - made of planets
ଇଵ - like
ସା - she

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This is a playful example of ଶ୍ଲେଷ (double-meaning): words like ଗୁରୁ, ଚଂଦ୍ର, and ଶନୈଶ୍ଚର simultaneously point to body-features and to celestial planets. In day-to-day living, this reminds us that language can hold multiple layers; what you say can carry humor, affection, and imagery together. It also hints at a practical truth: charm is not only in features, but in how a person is described and remembered. Choose your words with care in relationships - a thoughtful phrase can become a lasting ornament, while a careless one can become a lasting wound.

One more layer is this: Poetry delights, but real love must go beyond features. If you feel enchanted, translate it into care: listen well, keep promises, and honor consent. Admiration that becomes service is ennobling; admiration that becomes possession is painful. Use the verse to remember dignity - yours and the other's.

ତସ୍ୟାଃ ସ୍ତନୌ ୟଦି ଘନୌ ଜଘନଂ ଚ ହାରି
ଵକ୍ତ୍ରଂ ଚ ଚାରୁ ତଵ ଚିତ୍ତ କିଂ ଆକୁଲତ୍ଵମ୍ ।
ପୁଣ୍ୟଂ କୁରୁଷ୍ଵ ୟଦି ତେଷୁ ତଵାସ୍ତି ଵାଂଛା
ପୁଣ୍ୟୈର୍ଵିନା ନ ହି ଭଵଂତି ସମୀହିତାର୍ଥାଃ ॥ 2.18 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ତସ୍ୟାଃ - of her
ସ୍ତନୌ - the two breasts
ୟଦି - if
ଘନୌ - compact; firm; full
ଜଘନଂ - hips; buttocks
ଚ - and
ହାରି - charming; captivating
ଵକ୍ତ୍ରଂ - face
ଚ - and
ଚାରୁ - beautiful; lovely
ତଵ - your
ଚିତ୍ତ - O mind
କିଂ - why?
ଆକୁଲତ୍ଵଂ - agitation; restlessness
ପୁଣ୍ୟଂ - merit; good fortune earned by right action
କୁରୁଷ୍ଵ - do; perform; cultivate
ୟଦି - if
ତେଷୁ - toward those; in those (objects)
ତଵ - your
ଅସ୍ତି - there is
ଵାଂଛା - desire; longing
ପୁଣ୍ୟୈଃ - by merits (instrumental pl.)
ଵିନା - without
ନ ହି - indeed not
ଭଵଂତି - happen; become
ସମୀହିତ - desired
ଅର୍ଥାଃ - objects; aims; outcomes
ସମୀହିତାର୍ଥାଃ - desired outcomes

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
Behind the romance is a grounded message: longing alone does not produce results. If you want something in life - love, stability, success - you must become worthy of it through right effort and right conduct. In modern terms, do not chase; build: improve your character, communication, health, and responsibility, so that you naturally attract what you seek. The verse also cools impulsiveness: when the mind is agitated by desire, it is easy to make foolish promises or compromises. Returning to ପୁଣ୍ୟ (merit; right action) means returning to values.

A helpful way to apply this is: Notice the role of attention. What you repeatedly contemplate becomes your inner landscape. So train attention not only on appearance but also on character - kindness, steadiness, truthfulness. This keeps romance from becoming fragile, because it is rooted in values, not only in sensation.

ଇମେ ତାରୁଣ୍ୟଶ୍ରୀନଵପରିମଲାଃ ପ୍ରୌଢସୁରତପ୍ରତାପ
ପ୍ରାରଂଭାଃ ସ୍ମରଵିଜୟଦାନପ୍ରତିଭୁଵଃ ।
ଚିରଂ ଚେତଶ୍ଚୋରା ଅଭିନଵଵିକାରୈକଗୁରଵୋ
ଵିଲାସଵ୍ୟାପାରାଃ କିଂ ଅପି ଵିଜୟଂତେ ମୃଗଦୃଶାମ୍ ॥ 2.19 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଇମେ - these
ତାରୁଣ୍ୟ - youth
ଶ୍ରୀ - beauty; splendor
ତାରୁଣ୍ୟଶ୍ରୀ - the splendor of youth
ନଵ - new; fresh
ପରିମଲାଃ - fragrance; charm (lit. perfume)
ତାରୁଣ୍ୟଶ୍ରୀନଵପରିମଲାଃ - bearing the fresh fragrance of youthful beauty
ପ୍ରୌଢ - mature; fully developed
ସୁରତ - love-play; amorous union
ପ୍ରତାପ - intensity; heat
ପ୍ରାରଂଭାଃ - beginnings; onsets
ପ୍ରୌଢସୁରତପ୍ରତାପପ୍ରାରଂଭାଃ - onsets of the intensity of mature love-play
ସ୍ମର - Cupid; love
ଵିଜୟ - victory
ଦାନ - giving; grant
ପ୍ରତିଭୁଵଃ - sources; creators; causes
ସ୍ମରଵିଜୟଦାନପ୍ରତିଭୁଵଃ - sources that grant victory to Cupid
ଚିରଂ - for a long time
ଚେତଃ - mind
ଚୋରଃ - thief
ଚେତଶ୍ଚୋରାଃ - thieves of the mind
ଅଭିନଵ - new
ଵିକାର - transformation; emotion; change
ଏକ - unique
ଗୁରଵଃ - teachers; masters
ଅଭିନଵଵିକାରୈକଗୁରଵଃ - unique teachers of new emotions/transformations
ଵିଲାସ - graceful play; charm
ଵ୍ୟାପାରାଃ - activities; dealings
ଵିଲାସଵ୍ୟାପାରାଃ - activities of charm and play
କିଂ ଅପି - something indescribable; somehow; wondrously
ଵିଜୟଂତେ - triumph; prevail
ମୃଗଦୃଶାଂ - of doe-eyed women

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse names what many experience: charm is not one thing, it is a moving field of gestures and moods that keeps the mind learning "new" feelings. In today's relationships, this shows up as novelty and emotional intensity: the mind gets addicted to the freshness of experience. The practical balance is to enjoy romance without becoming a novelty-seeker; depth grows when you value steadiness, not constant stimulation. If you notice your mind becoming a ଚେତଶ୍ଚୋର (thief of itself), repeatedly stolen by the same triggers, bring attention back to what actually sustains relationship: trust, respect, and consistency.

To carry this wisely: From an inner standpoint, remember that the rush is a wave in the mind. ଆଦି ଶଂକରାଚାର୍ୟ reminds us in ଆତ୍ମ ଷଟକମ୍, ମନୋ ବୁଦ୍ଧ୍ୟହଂକାର ଚିତ୍ତାନି ନାହମ୍ (I am not the mind, intellect, ego, or mind-stuff). Returning to that witness does not kill love; it makes love workable, so you can act with dignity instead of being driven.

ପ୍ରଣୟମଧୁରାଃ ପ୍ରେମୋଦ୍ଗାରା ରସାଶ୍ରୟତାଂ ଗତାଃ
ଫଣିତିମଧୁରା ମୁଗ୍ଧପ୍ରାୟାଃ ପ୍ରକାଶିତସମ୍ମଦାଃ ।
ପ୍ରକୃତିସୁଭଗା ଵିସ୍ରଂଭାର୍ଦ୍ରାଃ ସ୍ମରୋଦୟଦାୟିନୀ
ରହସି କିଂ ଅପି ସ୍ଵୈରାଲାପା ହରଂତି ମୃଗୀଦୃଶାମ୍ ॥ 2.20 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ହରିଣୀ): This is in ହରିଣୀ (ସମ-ଵୃତ୍ତ) Chandas/Meter: 4 ପାଦାଃ, 17 ଅକ୍ଷରାଃ per ପାଦ; ଲଘୁ/ଗୁରୁ pattern (per ପାଦ) is `LLLLLG GGGG LGLLGLG`; ୟତି (pause) is after the 6th and 10th syllables in each ପାଦ.

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ପ୍ରଣୟ - affection; intimate love
ମଧୁରାଃ - sweet
ପ୍ରଣୟମଧୁରାଃ - sweet with affection
ପ୍ରେମ - love
ଉଦ୍ଗାରାଃ - outpourings; expressions
ପ୍ରେମୋଦ୍ଗାରାଃ - expressions of love
ରସ - taste; aesthetic flavor; emotional essence
ଆଶ୍ରୟତାଂ - having taken refuge in; resting upon
ଗତାଃ - gone; become
ରସାଶ୍ରୟତାଂ ଗତାଃ - having become full of ରସ
ଫଣିତି - speech; utterance
ମଧୁରାଃ - sweet
ଫଣିତିମଧୁରାଃ - sweet in speech
ମୁଗ୍ଧ - innocent; naive
ପ୍ରାୟାଃ - mostly; for the most part
ମୁଗ୍ଧପ୍ରାୟାଃ - mostly innocent
ପ୍ରକାଶିତ - displayed; revealed
ସମ୍ମଦଃ - delight; joyful excitement
ପ୍ରକାଶିତସମ୍ମଦାଃ - showing delight
ପ୍ରକୃତି - nature; innate disposition
ସୁଭଗାଃ - charming; pleasing
ପ୍ରକୃତିସୁଭଗାଃ - naturally charming
ଵିସ୍ରଂଭ - trust; confidential ease
ଆର୍ଦ୍ରାଃ - moist; tender; softened
ଵିସ୍ରଂଭାର୍ଦ୍ରାଃ - softened by trust
ସ୍ମର - Cupid; love
ଉଦୟ - arising
ଦାୟିନୀ - giving; producing
ସ୍ମରୋଦୟଦାୟିନୀ - producing the rise of love
ରହସି - in private; in secrecy
କିଂ ଅପି - something indescribable
ସ୍ଵୈର - free; unrestrained
ଆଲାପାଃ - conversation; talk
ସ୍ଵୈରାଲାପାଃ - free private talk
ହରଂତି - steal away; captivate
ମୃଗୀଦୃଶାଂ - of doe-eyed women

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This verse points to something timeless: intimacy grows through private conversation - unguarded talk where trust is felt. In modern relationships, the practical application is simple: make space for genuine, unhurried dialogue (without phones, without performance). When ଵିସ୍ରଂଭ (trustful ease) is present, love naturally deepens; when it is absent, even grand gestures feel hollow. The caution is also there: do not outsource your self-worth to another's attention; let conversation be a bridge, not a drug. Build trust through consistency and kindness, and keep romance aligned with respect.

A mature reading suggests: Enjoy beauty without losing balance. Keep the basics steady: sleep, work, friendships, and self-respect. If attraction is mutual, clarity and pace protect it; if it is not, restraint protects you. This is how the verse becomes practical wisdom instead of mere description.

ଵିଶ୍ରମ୍ୟ ଵିଶ୍ରମ୍ୟ ଵନଦ୍ରୁମାଣାଂ
ଛାୟାସୁ ତନ୍ଵୀ ଵିଚଚାର କାଚିତ୍ ।
ସ୍ତନୋତ୍ତରୀୟେଣ କରୋଦ୍ଧୃତେନ
ନିଵାରୟଂତୀ ଶଶିନୋ ମୟୂଖାନ୍ ॥ 2.21 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ଉପଜାତି): This is in ଉପଜାତି Chandas/Meter: 4 ପାଦାଃ, 11 ଅକ୍ଷରାଃ per ପାଦ; this meter commonly mixes ଇଂଦ୍ରଵଜ୍ରା (`GGLGGLLGLGG`) and ଉପେଂଦ୍ରଵଜ୍ରା (`LGLGGLLGLGG`) patterns across ପାଦାଃ.

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଵିଶ୍ରମ୍ୟ - having rested; resting
ଵିଶ୍ରମ୍ୟ ଵିଶ୍ରମ୍ୟ - resting again and again
ଵନ - forest
ଦ୍ରୁମ - tree
ଵନଦ୍ରୁମାଣାଂ - of forest trees
ଛାୟାସୁ - in the shades
ତନ୍ଵୀ - a slender woman
ଵିଚଚାର - wandered; moved about
କାଚିତ୍ - a certain (woman)
ସ୍ତନ - breast
ଉତ୍ତରୀୟ - upper cloth; shawl
ସ୍ତନୋତ୍ତରୀୟେଣ - with the upper cloth (at the bosom)
କର - hand
ଉଦ୍ଧୃତ - lifted; raised
କରୋଦ୍ଧୃତେନ - raised by the hand
ନିଵାରୟଂତୀ - warding off; shielding
ଶଶିନୋ - of the moon (ଶଶିନ୍)
ମୟୂଖାନ୍ - rays

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
In ଶୃଂଗାର poetry, the moon is not always "cool": for a love-struck mind, moonlight can intensify longing and feel like heat. So the beloved tries to reduce stimulation by seeking shade and by covering herself. In lived experience, this resembles emotional self-regulation: when you are vulnerable - missing someone, overwhelmed, or anxious - even gentle triggers (a song, a place, a memory) can hurt. The practical takeaway is compassionate pacing: take breaks, change environment, and choose what you consume (music, media, conversations) so your mind can settle rather than spiral.

If you want this verse to uplift you: Let beauty become reverence rather than grasping. ଆଦି ଶଂକରାଚାର୍ୟ opens ସୌଂଦର୍ୟ ଲହରୀ with ଶିଵଃ ଶକ୍ତ୍ୟା ୟୁକ୍ତୋ ୟଦି ଭଵତି ଶକ୍ତଃ ପ୍ରଭଵିତୁମ୍, hinting that beauty and power are inseparable from awareness. Seen that way, admiration can refine the heart. When respect is present, beauty uplifts; when entitlement is present, beauty binds.

ଅଦର୍ଶନେ ଦର୍ଶନମାତ୍ରକାମା
ଦୃଷ୍ଟ୍ଵା ପରିଷ୍ଵଂଗସୁଖୈକଲୋଲା ।
ଆଲିଂଗିତାୟାଂ ପୁନରାୟତାକ୍ଷ୍ୟାମାଶାସ୍ମହେ
ଵିଗ୍ରହୟୋରଭେଦମ୍ ॥ 2.22 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଅଦର୍ଶନେ - in not-seeing; in absence
ଦର୍ଶନ - seeing; sight
ମାତ୍ର - merely; only
କାମା - desiring (fem.)
ଦର୍ଶନମାତ୍ରକାମା - desiring only a sight
ଦୃଷ୍ଟ୍ଵା - having seen
ପରିଷ୍ଵଂଗ - embrace
ସୁଖ - happiness; pleasure
ଏକ - only
ଲୋଲା - eager; restless for
ପରିଷ୍ଵଂଗସୁଖୈକଲୋଲା - eager only for the pleasure of an embrace
ଆଲିଂଗିତାୟାଂ - when (she is) embraced
ପୁନର୍ - again
ଆୟତାକ୍ଷୀ - the long-eyed woman (in verse: ଆୟତାକ୍ଷ୍ୟାମ୍)
ଆଶାସ୍ମହେ - we hope for; we long for
ଵିଗ୍ରହୟୋଃ - of the two bodies
ଅଭେଦଂ - non-separation; non-difference; complete union

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse traces the escalation of desire: the mind moves from "just one look" to "just one touch" to "never let there be distance." This is a gentle warning as well as a romantic truth: the appetite of attachment can be endless. In ordinary situations, we can use this as ଵିଵେକ (discernment): notice when love is becoming hunger and when closeness is becoming control. A mature relationship honors intimacy and also honors space; it does not treat separation as a threat. From an ଅଦ୍ଵୈତ (non-duality) angle, the longing for "no difference" can also be read as the soul's deeper thirst for wholeness - and that wholeness ultimately has to be found inwardly, not demanded from another person.

From a broader perspective: Poetry delights, but real love must go beyond features. If you feel enchanted, translate it into care: listen well, keep promises, and honor consent. Admiration that becomes service is ennobling; admiration that becomes possession is painful. Use the verse to remember dignity - yours and the other's.

ମାଲତୀ ଶିରସି ଜୃଂଭଣଂ ମୁଖେ
ଚଂଦନଂ ଵପୁଷି କୁଂକୁମାଵିଲମ୍ ।
ଵକ୍ଷସି ପ୍ରିୟତମା ମଦାଲସା
ସ୍ଵର୍ଗ ଏଷ ପରିଶିଷ୍ଟ ଆଗମଃ ॥ 2.23 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ରଥୋଦ୍ଧତା): This is in ରଥୋଦ୍ଧତା (ତ୍ରିଷ୍ଟୁଭ୍ class) Chandas/Meter: 4 ପାଦାଃ, 11 ଅକ୍ଷରାଃ per ପାଦ; ଲଘୁ/ଗୁରୁ pattern (per ପାଦ) is `GLGLLLGLGLG`.

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ମାଲତୀ - jasmine (a fragrant flower)
ଶିରସି - on the head
ଜୃଂଭଣଂ - blooming; opening (also: a blossoming smile)
ମୁଖେ - on the face
ଚଂଦନଂ - sandal paste
ଵପୁଷି - on the body
କୁଂକୁମ - saffron; vermilion
ଆଵିଲଂ - mixed with; tinged; smeared
କୁଂକୁମାଵିଲଂ - tinged with saffron
ଵକ୍ଷସି - on the chest
ପ୍ରିୟତମା - the beloved woman
ମଦାଲସା - intoxicated and languid; pleasantly drowsy
ସ୍ଵର୍ଗଃ - heaven
ଏଷ - this
ପରିଶିଷ୍ଟଃ - remaining; leftover
ଆଗମଃ - arrival; attainment; what is to come

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse is a bold claim: paradise is not somewhere else; it is the lived sweetness of love, fragrance, and closeness in the present. In practical terms, this can be read as an invitation to stop postponing happiness into an abstract future and to learn to honor simple moments of togetherness. At the same time, maturity asks for balance: do not confuse fleeting pleasure with lasting well-being. Let love become a source of gratitude, gentleness, and responsibility - then even ordinary days carry a touch of "heaven" without making you careless or addicted.

On a subtler level: Notice the role of attention. What you repeatedly contemplate becomes your inner landscape. So train attention not only on appearance but also on character - kindness, steadiness, truthfulness. This keeps romance from becoming fragile, because it is rooted in values, not only in sensation.

ପ୍ରାଙ୍ମାଂ ଏତି ମନାଗନାଗତରସଂ ଜାତାଭିଲାଷାଂ ତତଃ
ସଵ୍ରୀଡଂ ତଦନୁ ଶ୍ଲଥୋଦ୍ୟମଂ ଅଥ ପ୍ରଧ୍ଵସ୍ତଧୈର୍ୟଂ ପୁନଃ ।
ପ୍ରେମାର୍ଦ୍ରଂ ସ୍ପୃହଣୀୟନିର୍ଭରରହଃ କ୍ରୀଡାପ୍ରଗଲ୍ଭଂ ତତୋ
ନିଃସଂଗାଂଗଵିକର୍ଷଣାଧିକସୁଖରମ୍ୟଂ କୁଲସ୍ତ୍ରୀରତମ୍ ॥ 2.24 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ପ୍ରାଙ୍ମାଂ - forward; toward the front
ଏତି - goes; moves
ମନାଗ - a little; slightly
ନାଗତ - attained; arrived at (here: "just reached")
ରସଂ - taste; emotional flavor
ମନାଗନାଗତରସଂ - having just begun to taste ରସ
ଜାତା - arisen; born
ଅଭିଲାଷା - desire; longing
ଜାତାଭିଲାଷାଂ - with desire awakened
ତତଃ - then
ସ - with
ଵ୍ରୀଡା - bashfulness; modesty
ସଵ୍ରୀଡଂ - with bashfulness
ତଦନୁ - after that
ଶ୍ଲଥ - slack; loosened
ଉଦ୍ୟମଂ - effort; attempt
ଶ୍ଲଥୋଦ୍ୟମଂ - effort slackened
ଅଥ - then
ପ୍ରଧ୍ଵସ୍ତ - destroyed; shaken down
ଧୈର୍ୟଂ - courage; steadiness
ପ୍ରଧ୍ଵସ୍ତଧୈର୍ୟଂ - courage collapsed
ପୁନଃ - again
ପ୍ରେମ - love
ଆର୍ଦ୍ରଂ - softened; tender
ପ୍ରେମାର୍ଦ୍ରଂ - tender with love
ସ୍ପୃହଣୀୟ - desirable; worth longing for
ନିର୍ଭର - intense; overflowing; abundant
ରହଃ - secrecy; private moment
ସ୍ପୃହଣୀୟନିର୍ଭରରହଃ - a deeply desirable, intense private moment
କ୍ରୀଡା - play; sport
ପ୍ରଗଲ୍ଭଂ - bold; confident
କ୍ରୀଡାପ୍ରଗଲ୍ଭଂ - bold in playful sport
ତତଃ - then
ନିଃସଂଗ - without attachment; detached
ଅଂଗ - limb
ଵିକର୍ଷଣ - drawing back; pulling away
ନିଃସଂଗାଂଗଵିକର୍ଷଣ - detached teasing withdrawal of limbs
ଅଧିକ - greater
ସୁଖ - pleasure; ease
ରମ୍ୟଂ - delightful
ଅଧିକସୁଖରମ୍ୟଂ - delightful with increased pleasure
କୁଲ - noble family; respectable household
ସ୍ତ୍ରୀ - woman; wife
ରତଂ - love-play; intimacy
କୁଲସ୍ତ୍ରୀରତଂ - the love-play of a respectable woman

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This is not merely description; it is an observation about pacing. Intimacy often becomes deeper when there is trust, modesty, and a natural rhythm of approach and retreat, rather than rush and demand. In the way we live now, the practical application is to prioritize safety and consent: let comfort lead, communicate clearly, and respect pauses without taking them as rejection. When affection is patient, it creates room for genuine closeness; when it is impatient, it creates pressure and anxiety. Read this verse as a reminder that the most satisfying connection is not forceful but mutually tuned.

A gentle practice is: A deeper use of ଶୃଂଗାର is refinement. When something is beautiful, pause and notice the mind soften. Then let that softness turn into generosity, patience, and gratitude. In this way, beauty becomes a doorway to a better self, not a doorway to restlessness.

ଉରସି ନିପତିତାନାଂ ସ୍ରସ୍ତଧମ୍ମିଲ୍ଲକାନାଂ
ମୁକୁଲିତନୟନାନାଂ କିଂଚିଦ୍ଉନ୍ମୀଲିତାନାମ୍ ।
ଉପରି ସୁରତଖେଦସ୍ଵିନ୍ନଗଂଡସ୍ଥଲାନାମଧର
ମଧୁ ଵଧୂନାଂ ଭାଗ୍ୟଵଂତଃ ପିବଂତି ॥ 2.25 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ମାଲିନୀ): This is in ମାଲିନୀ (ସମ-ଵୃତ୍ତ) Chandas/Meter: 4 ପାଦାଃ, 15 ଅକ୍ଷରାଃ per ପାଦ; ଲଘୁ/ଗୁରୁ pattern (per ପାଦ) is `LLLLLLGG GLGGLGG`; ୟତି (pause) is after the 8th syllable in each ପାଦ.

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଉରସି - on the chest
ନିପତିତ - fallen; lying down upon
ଉରସି ନିପତିତାନାଂ - of those who have fallen on the chest
ସ୍ରସ୍ତ - loosened; fallen apart
ଧମ୍ମିଲ୍ଲ - a braided/bound hair-knot; hair arrangement
ସ୍ରସ୍ତଧମ୍ମିଲ୍ଲକାନାଂ - of those whose hair-knots are loosened/disheveled
ମୁକୁଲିତ - closed like a bud; shut
ନୟନ - eye
ମୁକୁଲିତନୟନାନାଂ - of those with closed eyes
କିଂଚିତ୍ - slightly
ଉନ୍ମୀଲିତ - opened
କିଂଚିଦ୍ଉନ୍ମୀଲିତାନାଂ - of those with eyes slightly opened (read as କିଂଚିଦ୍ଉନ୍ମୀଲିତାନାଂ)
ଉପରି - above; on top
ସୁରତ - love-play; amorous union
ଖେଦ - fatigue; weariness
ସ୍ଵିନ୍ନ - sweating; perspiring
ଗଂଡସ୍ଥଲ - cheek-region
ସୁରତଖେଦସ୍ଵିନ୍ନଗଂଡସ୍ଥଲାନାଂ - of those whose cheeks are moist with the fatigue of love-play
ଅଧର - lower lip
ମଧୁ - honey; nectar
ଅଧର୍ ମଧୁ - the honey of the lips
ଵଧୂନାଂ - of young women; brides
ଭାଗ୍ୟଵଂତଃ - fortunate ones
ପିବଂତି - drink

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This verse focuses less on action and more on tenderness after intensity - the closeness, the softness, the quiet satisfaction. At home and at work, this points to the importance of aftercare: affection that continues after passion, through gentle touch, kind words, and presence. Relationships become safer and happier when intimacy is not treated as a transaction but as a shared experience that includes care and respect. The deeper teaching is simple: love is not only excitement; it is also warmth, protection, and attentiveness in the quiet moments.

One more layer is this: Enjoy beauty without losing balance. Keep the basics steady: sleep, work, friendships, and self-respect. If attraction is mutual, clarity and pace protect it; if it is not, restraint protects you. This is how the verse becomes practical wisdom instead of mere description.

ଆମୀଲିତନୟନାନାଂ ୟଃ
ସୁରତରସୋଽନୁ ସଂଵିଦଂ ଭାତି ।
ମିଥୁରୈର୍ମିଥୋଽଵଧାରିତମଵିତଥମ୍
ଇଦଂ ଏଵ କାମନିର୍ବର୍ହଣମ୍ ॥ 2.26 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ମାତ୍ରା-ଚଂଦସ୍): This is in a ମାତ୍ରା-based Chandas/Meter (not a fixed ଅକ୍ଷର-count ଵୃତ୍ତ): in this verse, the written segments carry approximately 14 + 16 + 21 + 16 ମାତ୍ରାଃ (total 67); treat ଲଘୁ=1 ମାତ୍ରା and ଗୁରୁ=2 ମାତ୍ରାଃ, and keep the natural pauses at the segment ends marked by `।`/`॥` (do not confuse ଦଂଡ with internal ୟତି).

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଆମୀଲିତ - half-closed; shut (as the eyes)
ନୟନ - eye
ଆମୀଲିତନୟନାନାଂ - of those whose eyes are half-closed
ୟଃ - which; that (thing)
ସୁରତ - love-play; amorous union
ରସଃ - taste; ରସ (aesthetic flavor)
ସୁରତରସଃ - the flavor of love-play
ଅନୁ - along with; in accordance with; after (verse: ସୁରତରସୋଽନୁ = ସୁରତରସଃ + ଅନୁ)
ସଂଵିଦଂ - mutual understanding; shared inner communication
ଭାତି - shines; appears; becomes evident
ମିଥୁନୈଃ - by couples; by pairs
ମିଥୋ - mutually; between each other (verse: ମିଥୋଽଵଧାରିତଂ = ମିଥୋ + ଅଵଧାରିତଂ)
ଅଵଧାରିତଂ - determined; ascertained
ଅଵିତଥଂ - true; not false
ଇଦଂ - this
ଏଵ - alone; indeed
କାମ - desire; love
ନିର୍ବର୍ହଣଂ - completion; fulfilment; bringing to full measure
କାମନିର୍ବର୍ହଣଂ - fulfilment of desire/love

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse points to a subtle dimension of intimacy: beyond words, there is ସଂଵିଦ୍ (shared understanding), a quiet mutual attunement that only the two involved can fully know. These days, this translates to emotional presence: listening, responding, and being sensitive to comfort and consent. The practical takeaway is that love is not merely performance; it is mutuality. When communication is honest and respectful, closeness becomes nourishing; when it is absent, even outward romance can feel empty.

A helpful way to apply this is: Treat desire as a signal, not a verdict. Attraction shows what the mind likes, but it does not decide what is right. Pause and ask: will this increase trust or reduce it; will it make tomorrow lighter or heavier? That small pause is ଵିଵେକ (discernment). When you choose transparency and boundaries early, love stays dignified and does not turn into compulsion.

ଇଦଂ ଅନୁଚିତଂ ଅକ୍ରମଶ୍ଚ ପୁଂସାଂ
ୟଦିହ ଜରାସ୍ଵପି ମନ୍ମଥା ଵିକାରାଃ ।
ତଦପି ଚ ନ କୃତଂ ନିତଂବିନୀନାଂ
ସ୍ତନପତନାଵଧି ଜୀଵିତଂ ରତଂ ଵା ॥ 2.27 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ମାତ୍ରା-ଚଂଦସ୍): This is in a ମାତ୍ରା-based Chandas/Meter (not a fixed ଅକ୍ଷର-count ଵୃତ୍ତ): in this verse, the written segments carry approximately 18 + 19 + 16 + 19 ମାତ୍ରାଃ (total 72); treat ଲଘୁ=1 ମାତ୍ରା and ଗୁରୁ=2 ମାତ୍ରାଃ, and keep the natural pauses at the segment ends marked by `।`/`॥` (do not confuse ଦଂଡ with internal ୟତି).

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଇଦଂ - this
ଅନୁଚିତଂ - improper; not fitting
ଅକ୍ରମଃ - out of order; not appropriate to the stage
ଚ - and
ପୁଂସାଂ - for men; of men
ୟଦି - if
ଇହ - here; in this world
ଜରାସୁ - in old age; in aging (loc. pl.)
ଅପି - even
ମନ୍ମଥା - of ମନ୍ମଥ (Cupid); of desire
ଵିକାରାଃ - changes; stirrings; transformations
ତଦପି - even so; nevertheless
ଚ - and
ନ - not
କୃତଂ - done; applied; (here) "not so"
ନିତଂବିନୀନାଂ - of women with shapely hips
ସ୍ତନ - breast
ପତନ - falling; drooping
ଅଵଧି - limit; until
ସ୍ତନପତନାଵଧି - until the breasts droop (a sign of age)
ଜୀଵିତଂ - life
ରତଂ - love-play; delight; attachment
ଵା - or; indeed

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This verse reflects an old poetic voice and the social assumptions of its time, so it should be read with caution rather than as a universal judgment. A useful modern reading is to notice the broader theme: desire does not simply obey age, and society often polices it differently for different people. The healthier approach is ମର୍ୟାଦା (dignity and boundaries) and mutual respect: affection and intimacy can exist at any age when there is consent, care, and responsibility. When a verse carries a biased lens, we can still extract ଵିଵେକ (discernment) by separating cultural stereotype from the underlying psychological observation.

To carry this wisely: Poetry delights, but real love must go beyond features. If you feel enchanted, translate it into care: listen well, keep promises, and honor consent. Admiration that becomes service is ennobling; admiration that becomes possession is painful. Use the verse to remember dignity - yours and the other's.

ରାଜସ୍ତୃଷ୍ଣାଂବୁରାଶେର୍ନ ହି ଜଗତି ଗତଃ କଶ୍ଚିଦେଵାଵସାନଂ
କୋ ଵାର୍ଥୋଽର୍ଥୈଃ ପ୍ରଭୂତୈଃ ସ୍ଵଵପୁଷି ଗଲିତେ ୟୌଵନେ ସାନୁରାଗେ ।
ଗଚ୍ଛାମଃ ସଦ୍ମ ୟାଵଦ୍ଵିକସିତନୟନେଂଦୀଵରାଲୋକିନୀନାମାକ୍ରମ୍ୟାକ୍ରମ୍ୟ
ରୂପଂ ଝଟିତି ନ ଜରୟା ଲୁପ୍ୟତେ ପ୍ରେୟସୀନାମ୍ ॥ 2.28 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ସ୍ରଗ୍ଧରା): This is in ସ୍ରଗ୍ଧରା (ସମ-ଵୃତ୍ତ) Chandas/Meter: 4 ପାଦାଃ, 21 ଅକ୍ଷରାଃ per ପାଦ; ଲଘୁ/ଗୁରୁ pattern (per ପାଦ) is `GGGGLGG LLLLLLG GLGGLGG`; ୟତି (pause) is after the 7th and 14th syllables in each ପାଦ.

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ରଜଃ - royal splendor; power; worldly glory
ତୃଷ୍ଣା - thirst; craving
ଅଂବୁ - water
ରାଶିଃ - heap; mass; ocean-like expanse
ରାଜସ୍ତୃଷ୍ଣାଂବୁରାଶିଃ - the ocean of craving for royal/worldly splendor
ନ ହି - indeed not
ଜଗତି - in the world
ଗତଃ - gone; reached
କଶ୍ଚିତ୍ - anyone
ଏଵ - ever
ଅଵସାନଂ - end; limit
କଃ - what?
ଅର୍ଥଃ - meaning; use
ଅର୍ଥୈଃ - with wealth; with riches
ପ୍ରଭୂତୈଃ - abundant; plentiful
ସ୍ଵ - one's own
ଵପୁଷି - in the body
ଗଲିତେ - slipping away; decaying; melting down
ୟୌଵନେ - when youth is present (or: when youth is passing)
ସାନୁରାଗେ - with passion; with love present
ଗଚ୍ଛାମଃ - let us go
ସଦ୍ମ - house; home
ୟାଵତ୍ - while; as long as
ଵିକସିତ - opened; blossomed
ନୟନ - eye
ଏଂଦୀଵର - blue lotus
ଆଲୋକିନୀନାଂ - of those who look; the lotus-eyed women
ଆକ୍ରାମ୍ୟ - approaching; stepping into; going to
ଆକ୍ରାମ୍ୟ ଆକ୍ରାମ୍ୟ - again and again; repeatedly
ରୂପଂ - beauty; form
ଝଟିତି - quickly
ନ - not
ଜରୟା - by old age
ଲୁପ୍ୟତେ - is destroyed; is lost
ପ୍ରେୟସୀନାଂ - of beloved women

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This is "carpe diem" ଶୃଂଗାର: it reminds us that youth is fleeting, so the mind argues for enjoyment now. A mature reading keeps both sides: yes, impermanence is real; and yes, chasing pleasure without ଵିଵେକ can create suffering. In daily interactions, the wiser application is to value what youth enables - health, learning, meaningful work, and loving relationships - without reducing life to endless consumption. Let the awareness of time passing produce gratitude and urgency toward what is wholesome, not reckless indulgence.

A mature reading suggests: Notice the role of attention. What you repeatedly contemplate becomes your inner landscape. So train attention not only on appearance but also on character - kindness, steadiness, truthfulness. This keeps romance from becoming fragile, because it is rooted in values, not only in sensation.

ରାଗସ୍ୟାଗାରଂ ଏକଂ ନରକଶତମହାଦୁଃଖସଂପ୍ରାପ୍ତିହେତୁର୍ମୋହସ୍ୟୋତ୍ପତ୍ତି
ବୀଜଂ ଜଲଧରପଟଲଂ ଜ୍ଞାନତାରାଧିପସ୍ୟ ।
କଂଦର୍ପସ୍ୟୈକମିତ୍ରଂ ପ୍ରକଟିତଵିଵିଧସ୍ପଷ୍ଟଦୋଷପ୍ରବଂଧଂ
ଲୋକେଽସ୍ମିନ୍ନ ହ୍ୟର୍ଥଵ୍ରଜକୁଲଭଵନୟୌଵନାଦନ୍ୟଦସ୍ତି ॥ 2.29 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ରାଗସ୍ୟ - of passion; of attachment
ଆଗାରଂ - house; abode
ଏକଂ - one; only
ନରକ - hell
ଶତ - hundred
ମହା - great
ଦୁଃଖ - suffering; sorrow
ସଂପ୍ରାପ୍ତି - attainment; coming upon
ହେତୁଃ - cause
ନରକଶତମହାଦୁଃଖସଂପ୍ରାପ୍ତିହେତୁଃ - cause of many hell-like great sufferings
ମୋହସ୍ୟ - of delusion
ଉତ୍ପତ୍ତି - origin; birth
ବୀଜଂ - seed
ମୋହସ୍ୟୋତ୍ପତ୍ତିବୀଜଂ - the seed of delusion's birth
ଜଲଧର - cloud
ପଟଲଂ - mass; layer
ଜଲଧରପଟଲଂ - a mass of clouds
ଜ୍ଞାନ - knowledge
ତାରାଧିପ - lord of stars (moon)
ଜ୍ଞାନତାରାଧିପସ୍ୟ - of the "moon" of knowledge (poetic image)
କଂଦର୍ପସ୍ୟ - of Cupid; of desire
ଏକ - one; sole
ମିତ୍ରଂ - friend
କଂଦର୍ପସ୍ୟୈକମିତ୍ରଂ - Cupid's sole friend
ପ୍ରକଟିତ - manifest; revealed
ଵିଵିଧ - various
ସ୍ପଷ୍ଟ - clear; evident
ଦୋଷା - faults; defects
ପ୍ରବଂଧଂ - chain; connected series
ପ୍ରକଟିତଵିଵିଧସ୍ପଷ୍ଟଦୋଷପ୍ରବଂଧଂ - a connected chain of clearly evident faults
ଲୋକେ - in the world
ଅସ୍ମିନ୍ - in this
ହି - indeed
ଅର୍ଥ - wealth
ଵ୍ରଜ - crowd; retinue; multitude
କୁଲ - family; clan
ଭଵନ - house; home
ୟୌଵନ - youth
ଅନ୍ୟତ୍ - other
ଅସ୍ତି - exists
ଅର୍ଥଵ୍ରଜକୁଲଭଵନୟୌଵନାଦ୍ ଅନ୍ୟଦ୍ ଅସ୍ତି - there is something other than wealth, retinue, family, home, and youth (used in the verse to say: there is nothing else)

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This verse flips the romantic lens and shows youth as a double-edged power: it fuels joy and also fuels ମୋହ (delusion). In common experience, we see this in the way youth can intensify comparison, impulsiveness, and identity built on appearances. The practical takeaway is not cynicism but ଵିଵେକ: use youth for what lasts - learning, skill, health, and relationships grounded in respect - rather than being swept away by ରାଗ (attachment) and status-hunger. When the verse says "clouds hide the moon of knowledge", it is pointing to a timeless pattern: desire can dim clarity unless we consciously protect it.

If you want this verse to uplift you: From an inner standpoint, remember that the rush is a wave in the mind. ଆଦି ଶଂକରାଚାର୍ୟ reminds us in ଆତ୍ମ ଷଟକମ୍, ମନୋ ବୁଦ୍ଧ୍ୟହଂକାର ଚିତ୍ତାନି ନାହମ୍ (I am not the mind, intellect, ego, or mind-stuff). Returning to that witness does not kill love; it makes love workable, so you can act with dignity instead of being driven.

ଶୃଂଗାରଦ୍ରୁମନୀରଦେ ପ୍ରସୃମରକ୍ରୀଡାରସସ୍ରୋତସି
ପ୍ରଦ୍ୟୁମ୍ନପ୍ରିୟବାଂଧଵେ ଚତୁରଵାଙ୍ମୁକ୍ତାଫଲୋଦନ୍ଵତି ।
ତନ୍ଵୀନେତ୍ରଚକୋରପାଵନଵିଧୌ ସୌଭାଗ୍ୟଲକ୍ଷ୍ମୀନିଧୌ
ଧନ୍ୟଃ କୋଽପି ନ ଵିକ୍ରିୟାଂ କଲୟତି ପ୍ରାପ୍ତେ ନଵେ ୟୌଵନେ ॥ 2.30 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଶୃଂଗାର - romance; love; beauty
ଦ୍ରୁମ - tree
ନୀରଦ - cloud (lit. "water-giver")
ଶୃଂଗାରଦ୍ରୁମନୀରଦେ - in the raincloud of the love-tree (poetic image for youth)
ପ୍ରସୃମର - spreading; flowing forth
କ୍ରୀଡା - play; sport
ରସ - flavor; emotional essence
ସ୍ରୋତସି - in the stream
ପ୍ରସୃମରକ୍ରୀଡାରସସ୍ରୋତସି - in the stream of flowing playful ରସ
ପ୍ରଦ୍ୟୁମ୍ନ - ପ୍ରଦ୍ୟୁମ୍ନ (associated with Cupid in tradition)
ପ୍ରିୟ - dear
ବାଂଧଵ - relative; friend; ally
ପ୍ରଦ୍ୟୁମ୍ନପ୍ରିୟବାଂଧଵେ - dear friend/kinsman of ପ୍ରଦ୍ୟୁମ୍ନ (i.e., of Cupid; love)
ଚତୁର - clever; skillful
ଵାକ୍ - speech
ମୁକ୍ତା - pearl
ଫଲ - fruit
ଉଦନ୍ଵତି - abounding; like an ocean (lit. "watery")
ଚତୁରଵାଙ୍ମୁକ୍ତାଫଲୋଦନ୍ଵତି - an ocean abounding in the pearl-fruits of clever speech
ତନ୍ଵୀ - slender woman
ନେତ୍ର - eye
ଚକୋର - the ଚକୋର bird (mythically drinks moonlight)
ପାଵନ - purifying
ଵିଧି - rite; method
ତନ୍ଵୀନେତ୍ରଚକୋରପାଵନଵିଧୌ - as if the rite that refreshes/purifies the ଚକୋର of a slender woman's eyes (poetic image)
ସୌଭାଗ୍ୟ - fortune; good luck
ଲକ୍ଷ୍ମୀ - prosperity; beauty
ନିଧୌ - in the treasure
ସୌଭାଗ୍ୟଲକ୍ଷ୍ମୀନିଧୌ - in the treasure-house of fortune and beauty
ଧନ୍ୟଃ - blessed; fortunate
କଃ ଅପି - anyone at all
ନ - not
ଵିକ୍ରିୟାଂ - change; transformation; agitation
କଲୟତି - experiences; produces
ପ୍ରାପ୍ତେ - when attained; when it arrives
ନଵେ - new; fresh
ୟୌଵନେ - in youth

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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?

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This verse acknowledges an obvious truth: youth alters everyone. It changes how we speak, how we dream, what we chase, and what we fear. In contemporary life, this can be used wisely: channel youth's energy into skills, creativity, and meaningful relationships rather than wasting it in constant distraction. The poet's lush metaphors also hint at responsibility: what is abundant now will not remain forever, so use it well. When you treat youth as a resource to cultivate ଵିଵେକ (discernment) and character, it becomes a blessing rather than a storm.

From a broader perspective: Enjoy beauty without losing balance. Keep the basics steady: sleep, work, friendships, and self-respect. If attraction is mutual, clarity and pace protect it; if it is not, restraint protects you. This is how the verse becomes practical wisdom instead of mere description.

ସଂସାରେଽସ୍ମିନ୍ନସାରେ କୁନୃପତିଭଵନଦ୍ଵାରସେଵାକଲଂକଵ୍ୟାସଂଗ
ଵ୍ୟସ୍ତଧୈର୍ୟଂ କଥଂ ଅମଲଧିୟୋ ମାନସଂ ସଂଵିଦଧ୍ୟୁଃ ।
ୟଦ୍ୟେତାଃ ପ୍ରୋଦ୍ୟଦ୍ଇଂଦୁଦ୍ୟୁତିନିଚୟଭୃତୋ ନ ସ୍ୟୁରଂଭୋଜନେତ୍ରାଃ
ପ୍ରେଂଖତ୍କାଂଚୀକଲାପାଃ ସ୍ତନଭରଵିନମନ୍ମଧ୍ୟଭାଜସ୍ତରୁଣ୍ୟଃ ॥ 2.31 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ସଂସାରେ - in worldly life; in ସଂସାର (the cycle of becoming)
ଅସ୍ମିନ୍ - in this (verse: ସଂସାରେଽସ୍ମିନ୍ = ସଂସାରେ + ଅସ୍ମିନ୍)
ଅସାରେ - without essence; tasteless
କୁ - bad; base
ନୃପତି - king; ruler
କୁନୃପତି - a petty/bad ruler (lit. କୁ + ନୃପତି)
ଭଵନ - house; palace
ଦ୍ଵାର - door; gate
ସେଵା - service; attendance
କୁନୃପତିଭଵନଦ୍ଵାରସେଵା - humiliating service at the gate of a petty ruler's palace
କଲଂକ - stain; disgrace
ଵ୍ୟାସଂଗ - strong attachment; clinging
କଲଂକଵ୍ୟାସଂଗ - disgraceful clinging (to such service)
ଵ୍ୟସ୍ତ - scattered; disordered
ଧୈର୍ୟଂ - courage; steadiness
ଵ୍ୟସ୍ତଧୈର୍ୟଂ - with courage scattered
କଥଂ - how
ଅମଲ - pure; stainless
ଧିୟାଃ - minds/intellects; the discerning (verse: ଧିୟୋ = ଧିୟାଃ)
ଅମଲଧିୟାଃ - the pure-minded; the discerning (verse: ଅମଲଧିୟୋ = ଅମଲଧିୟାଃ)
ମାନସଂ - mind
ସଂଵିଦଧ୍ୟୁଃ - would compose; would set in order
ୟଦି - if
ଏତାଃ - these (women)
ପ୍ରୋଦ୍ୟଦ୍ଇଂଦୁ - rising moon (the verse uses for a join; read as ପ୍ରୋଦ୍ୟଦିଂଦୁ)
ଦ୍ୟୁତି - radiance
ନିଚୟ - heap; multitude
ଭୃତଃ - bearing; possessing (verse: ଭୃତୋ = ଭୃତଃ)
ପ୍ରୋଦ୍ୟଦ୍ଇଂଦୁଦ୍ୟୁତିନିଚୟଭୃତଃ - bearing a heap of radiance like a newly risen moon
ଅଂଭୋଜ - lotus
ନେତ୍ରାଃ - eyes
ଅଂଭୋଜନେତ୍ରାଃ - lotus-eyed
ପ୍ରେଙଃଅତ୍ - swaying; moving about
କାଂଚୀ - girdle (often with bells)
କଲାପଃ - cluster; collection
ପ୍ରେଙଃଅତ୍କାଂଚୀକଲାପାଃ - with swaying, tinkling girdles
ସ୍ତନ - breast
ବର - burden; weight
ଵିନମତ୍ - bent down
ମଧ୍ୟ - waist; middle
ଭାଜଃ - possessing; having
ସ୍ତନଭରଵିନମନ୍ମଧ୍ୟଭାଜଃ - having waists gently bent by the weight of the breasts
ତରୁଣ୍ୟଃ - young women
ନ ସ୍ୟୁଃ - were not; did not exist

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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?

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The poet calls ସଂସାର (worldly life) ଅସାର (without lasting essence) because it can demand compromise, flattery, and the slow scattering of ଧୈର୍ୟ (steadiness). Yet he admits that beauty and affection keep people engaged with life: love can make hardship bearable. In everyday life, this can be noble (working hard to support a family and build a home together), but it can also become corrosive if attraction pushes us into କଲଂକ (loss of integrity) - staying in environments that erode self-respect just to please someone. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to let love inspire effort while letting ଵିଵେକ (discernment) guard boundaries and values.

On a subtler level: Many of these verses describe the dance of closeness and distance. In real relationships, small signals carry meaning, but they are often ambiguous. Replace assumption with conversation. When pride arises, soften it with kindness; when fear arises, address it with honesty. Clarity makes love lighter.

ସିଦ୍ଧାଧ୍ୟାସିତକଂଦରେ ହରଵୃଷସ୍କଂଧାଵରୁଗ୍ଣଦ୍ରୁମେ
ଗଂଗାଧୌତଶିଲାତଲେ ହିମଵତଃ ସ୍ଥାନେ ସ୍ଥିତେ ଶ୍ରେୟସି ।
କଃ କୁର୍ଵୀତ ଶିରଃ ପ୍ରଣାମମଲିନଂ ମ୍ଲାନଂ ମନସ୍ଵୀ ଜନୋ
ୟଦ୍ଵିତ୍ରସ୍ତକୁରଂଗଶାଵନୟନା ନ ସ୍ୟୁଃ ସ୍ମରାସ୍ତ୍ରଂ ସ୍ତ୍ରିୟଃ ॥ 2.32 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ସିଦ୍ଧ - the accomplished; perfected beings
ଅଧ୍ୟାସିତ - inhabited; occupied
କଂଦରେ - in the cave
ସିଦ୍ଧାଧ୍ୟାସିତକଂଦରେ - in a cave inhabited by ସିଦ୍ଧs
ହର - ଶିଵ
ଵୃଷ - bull
ସ୍କଂଧ - shoulder
ଅଵରୁଗ୍ଣ - broken; rubbed down; battered
ଦ୍ରୁମେ - on the tree
ହରଵୃଷସ୍କଂଧାଵରୁଗ୍ଣଦ୍ରୁମେ - on trees battered by the shoulders of Shiva's bull
ଗଂଗା - the river ଗଂଗା
ଧୌତ - washed; cleansed
ଶିଲା - rock; stone
ତଲଂ - surface; ground
ଗଂଗାଧୌତଶିଲାତଲେ - on rock-surfaces washed by the ଗଂଗା
ହିମଵତଃ - of the Himalaya
ସ୍ଥାନେ - in the place
ସ୍ଥିତେ - situated
ଶ୍ରେୟସି - auspicious; excellent
କଃ - who
କୁର୍ଵୀତ - would do; would make
ଶିରଃ - head
ପ୍ରଣାମ - bowing; salutation; prostration
ମଲିନଂ - soiled; dirty
ପ୍ରଣାମମଲିନଂ - soiled by prostrations
ମ୍ଲାନଂ - wilted; drooping
ମନସ୍ଵୀ - spirited; high-minded
ଜନଃ - person
ଵିତ୍ରସ୍ତ - frightened
କୁରଂଗ - deer
ଶାଵ - fawn
ନୟନା - eyes (f.)
କୁରଂଗଶାଵନୟନା - having eyes like a frightened fawn
ସ୍ମରାସ୍ତ୍ରଂ - Cupid's weapon; love's arrow
ସ୍ତ୍ରିୟଃ - women
ନ ସ୍ୟୁଃ - were not

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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?

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse is a reminder that changing place does not automatically change the mind. Even in sacred, quiet surroundings, attraction can make us bend, plead, and lose inner brightness. In day-to-day living, this shows up when we think a new city, a new job, or even a retreat will fix restlessness - but the same tendencies (ଵାସନା, latent habits) travel with us. The antidote is inner training: ସଂୟମ (self-restraint) and ଧ୍ୟାନ (steady attention) so that a moment of fascination does not collapse dignity. Outer purity helps, but true freedom is an inside skill.

A gentle practice is: Poetry delights, but real love must go beyond features. If you feel enchanted, translate it into care: listen well, keep promises, and honor consent. Admiration that becomes service is ennobling; admiration that becomes possession is painful. Use the verse to remember dignity - yours and the other's.

ସଂସାର ତଵ ପର୍ୟଂତପଦଵୀ ନ ଦଵୀୟସୀ ।
ଅଂତରା ଦୁସ୍ତରା ନ ସ୍ୟୁର୍ୟଦି ତେ ମଦିରେକ୍ଷଣାମ୍ ॥ 2.33 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ସଂସାର - worldly life; the cycle of becoming
ତଵ - your; for you
ପର୍ୟଂତ - end; limit
ପଦଵୀ - path; road
ଦଵୀୟସୀ - far; distant
ନ - not
ଅଂତରା - in between; the interval
ଦୁସ୍ତରା - hard to cross; difficult to pass through
ନ ସ୍ୟୁଃ - would not be
ୟଦି - if
ତେ - your
ମଦିରା - wine; intoxication
ଈକ୍ଷଣଂ - look; glance; eyes
ମଦିରେକ୍ଷଣା - wine-eyed (voc.); one whose glance intoxicates

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
Companionship changes the felt weight of time. Hard journeys become lighter when there is affection, shared laughter, and a sense of being seen. In our daily routines, even tedious responsibilities - commuting, caregiving, building a career - can feel meaningful when there is a loving partner at the center. At the same time, the verse hints at how powerful a "glance" can be: attraction can make us underestimate difficulties. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to let love encourage endurance, while still planning realistically and not letting romance erase prudence.

One more layer is this: Notice the role of attention. What you repeatedly contemplate becomes your inner landscape. So train attention not only on appearance but also on character - kindness, steadiness, truthfulness. This keeps romance from becoming fragile, because it is rooted in values, not only in sensation.

ଦିଶ ଵନହରିଣୀଭ୍ୟୋ ଵଂଶକାଂଡଚ୍ଛଵୀନାଂ
କଵଲଂ ଉପଲକୋଟିଚ୍ଛିନ୍ନମୂଲଂ କୁଶାନାମ୍ ।
ଶକୟୁଵତିକପୋଲାପାଂଡୁତାଂବୂଲଵଲ୍ଲୀଦଲମ୍
ଅରୁଣନଖାଗ୍ରୈଃ ପାଟିତଂ ଵା ଵଧୂଭ୍ୟଃ ॥ 2.34 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଦିଶ - give; offer; grant
ଵନ - forest
ହରିଣୀ - doe (female deer)
ଵନ-ହରିଣୀଭ୍ୟଃ - to the forest does
ଵଂଶ - bamboo
କାଂଡ - stalk; stem
ଚ୍ଚଵି - color; appearance
ଵଂଶକାଂଡଚ୍ଛଵି - having the color of a bamboo-stalk
କଵଲଂ - a mouthful; morsel
ଉପଲ - stone
କୋଟି - edge; tip
ଚ୍ଛିନ୍ନ - cut
ମୂଲଂ - root
କୁଶାନାଂ - of କୁଶ grass
ଉପଲକୋଟିଚ୍ଛିନ୍ନମୂଲଂ - with roots cut by the edge of a stone
ଶକ - ଶକ (name of a people, used poetically)
ୟୁଵତି - young woman
କପୋଲ - cheek
ପାଂଡୁ - pale
ତାଂବୂଲ - betel; betel-leaf
ଵଲ୍ଲୀ - creeper
ଦଲଂ - leaf
ଶକୟୁଵତିକପୋଲାପାଂଡୁତାଂବୂଲଵଲ୍ଲୀଦଲମ୍ - a betel-leaf pale like the cheeks of ଶକ maidens
ଅରୁଣ - reddish
ନଖାଗ୍ର - nail-tip
ଅରୁଣନଖାଗ୍ରୈଃ - with reddish nail-tips
ପାଟିତଂ - torn; split
ଵା - or
ଵଧୂଭ୍ୟଃ - to brides; to young women

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
ଭର୍ତୃହରି's ଶୃଂଗାର often works by letting the same object be seen in two worlds at once: the natural world (deer, grass, bamboo) and the human world (cheeks, nails, betel). Love sharpens perception and association - you start noticing small details, and ordinary things begin to echo a beloved's features. In today's relationships, this is the psychology of memory: a color, a scent, or a song becomes a "hook" that brings someone to mind instantly. The verse invites us to appreciate that poetic sensitivity, while also remembering that strong associations can both enrich life and make longing sharper.

A helpful way to apply this is: A deeper use of ଶୃଂଗାର is refinement. When something is beautiful, pause and notice the mind soften. Then let that softness turn into generosity, patience, and gratitude. In this way, beauty becomes a doorway to a better self, not a doorway to restlessness.

ଅସାରାଃ ସର୍ଵେ ତେ ଵିରତିଵିରସାଃ ପାପଵିଷୟା
ଜୁଗୁପ୍ସ୍ୟଂତାଂ ୟଦ୍ଵା ନନୁ ସକଲଦୋଷାସ୍ପଦଂ ଇତି ।
ତଥାପ୍ୟେତଦ୍ଭୂମୌ ନହି ପରହିତାତ୍ପୁଣ୍ୟଂ ଅଧିକଂ
ନ ଚାସ୍ମିନ୍ସଂସାରେ କୁଵଲୟଦୃଶୋ ରମ୍ୟଂ ଅପରମ୍ ॥ 2.35 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଅସାରାଃ - without essence; worthless
ସର୍ଵେ - all
ତେ - those; these
ଵିରତି - dispassion; turning away
ଵିରସାଃ - tasteless; devoid of ରସ
ପାପ - sinful; harmful
ଵିଷୟାଃ - objects (of sense); pursuits
ଜୁଗୁପ୍ସ୍ୟଂତାଂ - let them be detested
ୟଦ୍ଵା - or else; even if
ନନୁ - indeed
ସକଲ - all
ଦୋଷାସ୍ପଦଂ - a seat/abode of faults
ଇତି - thus
ତଥାପି - even so; nevertheless
ଏତଦ୍ - on this
ଭୂମୌ - on earth
ନହି - there is not
ପରହିତ - welfare of others
ପୁଣ୍ୟଂ - merit; virtue
ଅଧିକଂ - greater
ନ ଚ - nor
ଅସ୍ମିନ୍ - in this
ସଂସାରେ - world; worldly life
କୁଵଲୟ - blue lotus
ଦୃଶଃ - eyes; the one with such eyes
କୁଵଲୟଦୃଶଃ - the lotus-eyed (woman)
ରମ୍ୟଂ - delightful; beautiful
ଅପରଂ - other; different

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This verse offers a surprisingly balanced take: even if worldly pursuits can be ପାପଵିଷୟ (harmful when misused) and empty to someone with ଵିରତି (dispassion), life still has two undeniable lights. One is ପରହିତ - acting for others' good - which becomes the highest ପୁଣ୍ୟ (merit). The other is the intimate joy of beauty and love, symbolized by the lotus-eyed glance. In real-world settings, this reads as a wise pairing: build a life that serves (family, community, honest work) and also a life that loves (tenderness, art, relationships). From an ଅଦ୍ଵୈତ lens, ପରହିତ naturally arises when the boundary between "me" and "other" softens; compassion becomes practical, not sentimental.

To carry this wisely: Enjoy beauty without losing balance. Keep the basics steady: sleep, work, friendships, and self-respect. If attraction is mutual, clarity and pace protect it; if it is not, restraint protects you. This is how the verse becomes practical wisdom instead of mere description.

ଏତତ୍କାମଫଲୋ ଲୋକେ ୟଦ୍ଦ୍ଵୟୋରେକଚିତ୍ତତା ।
ଅନ୍ୟଚିତ୍ତକୃତେ କାମେ ଶଵୟୋରିଵ ସଂଗମଃ ॥ 2.35.1 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଏତତ୍ - this
କାମ - love; desire
ଫଲଂ - fruit; result
ଲୋକେ - in the world
ୟଦ୍ - which; that
ଦ୍ଵୟୋଃ - of two (people)
ଏକ - one
ଚିତ୍ତତା - one-pointedness; being of one mind
ଏକଚିତ୍ତତା - being of one mind; mutual attunement
ଅନ୍ୟ - other
ଚିତ୍ତ - mind
କୃତେ - when done; when made (i.e., directed elsewhere)
ଅନ୍ୟଚିତ୍ତକୃତେ - when one's mind is elsewhere
କାମେ - in love
ଶଵୟୋଃ - of two corpses
ଇଵ - like
ସଂଗମଃ - union; meeting

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
ଶୃଂଗାର is not just about physical closeness; it insists on ଏକଚିତ୍ତତା - mutual presence and attunement. A relationship where one person is emotionally absent can feel lifeless even if the outer forms remain. In our daily routines, this shows up when partners share space but not attention: one is always scrolling, always elsewhere, always "busy". The verse pushes a practical ethic: if you want love to be living, bring your mind to where your body is - and ask for the same in return through honest conversation and boundaries.

ମାତ୍ସର୍ୟଂ ଉତ୍ସାର୍ୟ ଵିଚାର୍ୟ କାର୍ୟମାର୍ୟାଃ
ସମର୍ୟାଦଂ ଇଦଂ ଵଦଂତୁ ।
ସେଵ୍ୟା ନିତଂବାଃ କିଂ ଉ ଭୂଧରାଣାମତ
ସ୍ମରସ୍ମେରଵିଲାସିନୀନାମ୍ ॥ 2.36 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ମାତ୍ସର୍ୟମ୍ - envy; jealousy
ଉତ୍ସାର୍ୟ - casting away; removing
ଵିଚାର୍ୟ - reflecting upon; considering
କାର୍ୟଂ - what is to be done; what is worthwhile
ଆର୍ୟାଃ - the noble; cultured people
ସମର୍ୟାଦଂ - with propriety; within bounds
ଇଦଂ - this
ଵଦଂତୁ - may they say
ସେଵ୍ୟାଃ - to be served; worthy of pursuit
ନିତଂବାଃ - hips; buttocks
କିଂ ଉ - whether indeed
ଭୂଧରାଣାଂ - of mountains
ଅତ - or rather
ସ୍ମର - Cupid; love
ସ୍ମେର - smiling
ଵିଲାସିନୀନାଂ - of playful, graceful women
ସ୍ମରସ୍ମେରଵିଲାସିନୀନାଂ - of women whose play is smiling with love

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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?

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse is playful, but it begins with a serious prescription: drop ମାତ୍ସର୍ୟ (jealousy) and think about what truly deserves your energy. Envy makes us chase status and comparisons; love makes us notice beauty and closeness. In lived experience, this can be read as a shift from competitive obsession to relational joy: instead of burning time proving ourselves to others, invest in the warmth of partnership, art, and a life with ମର୍ୟାଦା (healthy limits). The humor also reminds us to keep desire civilized: ଶୃଂଗାର should elevate, not degrade.

A mature reading suggests: Treat desire as a signal, not a verdict. Attraction shows what the mind likes, but it does not decide what is right. Pause and ask: will this increase trust or reduce it; will it make tomorrow lighter or heavier? That small pause is ଵିଵେକ (discernment). When you choose transparency and boundaries early, love stays dignified and does not turn into compulsion.

ସଂସାରେ ସ୍ଵପ୍ନସାରେ ପରିଣତିତରଲେ ଦ୍ଵେ ଗତୀ ପଂଡିତାନାଂ
ତତ୍ତ୍ଵଜ୍ଞାନାମୃତାଂଭଃପ୍ଲଵଲଲିତଧିୟାଂ ୟାତୁ କାଲଃ କଥଂଚିତ୍ ।
ନୋ ଚେନ୍ମୁଗ୍ଧାଂଗନାନାଂ ସ୍ତନଜଘନଘନାଭୋଗସଂଭୋଗିନୀନାଂ
ସ୍ଥୂଲୋପସ୍ଥସ୍ଥଲୀଷୁ ସ୍ଥଗିତକରତଲସ୍ପର୍ଶଲୀଲୋଦ୍ୟମାନାମ୍ ॥ 2.37 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ସଂସାରେ - in worldly life; in ସଂସାର
ସ୍ଵପ୍ନ - dream
ସାରେ - having as its essence; resembling (verse: ସ୍ଵପ୍ନସାରେ = dream-like)
ପରିଣତି - change; outcome; ripening
ତରଲେ - unstable; fickle
ଦ୍ଵେ - two
ଗତୀ - paths; ways
ପଂଡିତାନାଂ - of the learned
ତତ୍ତ୍ଵ - reality; principle
ଜ୍ଞାନ - knowledge
ଅମୃତ - nectar; immortal
ଅଂଭଃ - water
ପ୍ଲଵ - boat; raft
ଲଲିତ - delighting in; playing in
ଧିୟାଂ - of minds/intellects
ତତ୍ତ୍ଵଜ୍ଞାନାମୃତାଂଭଃପ୍ଲଵଲଲିତଧିୟାଂ - whose minds delight in the raft-like nectar-water of truth-knowledge
ୟାତୁ - let it pass/go
କାଲଃ - time
କଥଂଚିତ୍ - somehow; in some way
ନୋ ଚେତ୍ - otherwise; if not
ମୁଗ୍ଧ - innocent; naive
ଅଂଗନାନାଂ - of women
ସ୍ତନ - breast
ଜଘନ - hip; buttocks
ଗନ - mass; heaviness
ଭୋଗ - enjoyment; fullness
ସଂଭୋଗିନୀନାଂ - of those who are enjoyed/embraced
ସ୍ଥୂଲ - broad
ଉପସ୍ଥ - lap; loins
ସ୍ଥଲୀଷୁ - in places/regions
ସ୍ଥଗିତ - hidden; placed
କର-ତଲ - palm of the hand
ସ୍ପର୍ଶ - touch
ଲୀଲା - play
ଉଦ୍ୟମାନାଂ - striving; engaged in

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
ଭର୍ତୃହରି draws a sharp line: in a world that is ସ୍ଵପ୍ନସାର (dream-like) and ତରଲ (unstable), do not waste your limited କାଲ (time) on trivialities. Choose depth - either the depth of ତତ୍ତ୍ଵଜ୍ଞାନ (knowledge of what is real), or the depth of committed love. In ordinary situations, this reads as a call to stop living in scattered half-attention: either cultivate inner clarity (study, meditation, honest self-inquiry) or cultivate a relationship with presence and devotion. The verse is not telling everyone to renounce; it is asking everyone to be intentional.

If you want this verse to uplift you: Poetry delights, but real love must go beyond features. If you feel enchanted, translate it into care: listen well, keep promises, and honor consent. Admiration that becomes service is ennobling; admiration that becomes possession is painful. Use the verse to remember dignity - yours and the other's.

ଆଵାସଃ କ୍ରିୟତାଂ ଗଂଗେ ପାପହାରିଣି ଵାରିଣି ।
ସ୍ତନଦ୍ଵୟେ ତରୁଣ୍ୟା ଵା ମନୋହାରିଣି ହାରିଣି ॥ 2.38 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଆଵାସଃ - dwelling; residence
କ୍ରିୟତାଂ - let it be made
ଗଂଗେ - in the ଗଂଗା
ପାପ - sin; impurity
ହାରିଣି - removing; stealing away
ପାପହାରିଣି - that which removes sin
ଵାରିଣି - in water; in the waters
ସ୍ତନଦ୍ଵୟେ - in the pair of breasts
ତରୁଣ୍ୟାଃ - of a young woman
ଵା - or
ମନସ୍ - mind
ହାରିଣି - stealing; captivating
ମନୋହାରିଣି - stealing the mind; captivating

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse plays with a deliberately provocative equivalence: two kinds of refuge. One is sacred and purifying, the other intimate and emotionally absorbing. In modern terms, we all seek "places" where the mind rests - in prayer, in nature, in art, or in a trusted relationship. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to choose refuges that actually cleanse rather than agitate: affection that increases kindness and steadiness is closer to ପାପହାରିଣି (removing impurity), while obsession that makes us restless does the opposite.

From a broader perspective: Notice the role of attention. What you repeatedly contemplate becomes your inner landscape. So train attention not only on appearance but also on character - kindness, steadiness, truthfulness. This keeps romance from becoming fragile, because it is rooted in values, not only in sensation.

କିଂ ଇହ ବହୁଭିରୁକ୍ତୈର୍ୟୁକ୍ତିଶୂନ୍ୟୈଃ ପ୍ରଲାପୈର୍ଦ୍ଵୟମ୍
ଇହ ପୁରୁଷାଣାଂ ସର୍ଵଦା ସେଵନୀୟମ୍ ।
ଅଭିନଵମଦଲୀଲାଲାଲସଂ ସୁଂଦରୀଣାଂ
ସ୍ତନଭରପରିଖିନ୍ନଂ ୟୌଵନଂ ଵା ଵନଂ ଵା ॥ 2.39 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
କିଂ - what (use) is
ଇହ - here; in this world
ବହୁଭିଃ - with many
ଉକ୍ତୈଃ - words; sayings
ୟୁକ୍ତି - reasoning; good sense
ଶୂନ୍ୟୈଃ - empty of; devoid of
ୟୁକ୍ତିଶୂନ୍ୟୈଃ ପ୍ରଲାପୈଃ - pointless chatter devoid of reason
ଦ୍ଵୟମ୍ - two things
ପୁରୁଷାଣାଂ - for men; of people
ସର୍ଵଦା - always
ସେଵନୀୟଂ - worthy of pursuit; to be embraced
ଅଭିନଵ - fresh; new
ମଦ - intoxication; passion
ଲୀଲା - play
ଲାଲସଂ - eager; craving
ସୁଂଦରୀଣାଂ - of beautiful women
ସ୍ତନ - breast
ବର - burden; weight
ପରିଖିନ୍ନଂ - wearied; bent
ୟୌଵନଂ - youth
ଵନଂ - forest (life of seclusion)
ଵା ... ଵା - either ... or

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This is another "two-paths" verse: stop justifying and pick a direction. Some choose ଭୋଗ (worldly enjoyment); some choose ଵନ (simplicity, restraint, inner work). The problem is not which path you choose; the problem is drifting in ପ୍ରଲାପ (aimless chatter) and indecision while time slips away. In the way we live now, this can mean: either build a committed relationship and household life, or deliberately make space for solitude and study - but do not pretend to choose one while feeding the other in secret.

On a subtler level: A deeper use of ଶୃଂଗାର is refinement. When something is beautiful, pause and notice the mind soften. Then let that softness turn into generosity, patience, and gratitude. In this way, beauty becomes a doorway to a better self, not a doorway to restlessness.

ସତ୍ୟଂ ଜନା ଵଚ୍ମି ନ ପକ୍ଷପାତାଲ୍
ଲୋକେଷୁ ସପ୍ତସ୍ଵପି ତଥ୍ୟଂ ଏତତ୍ ।
ନାନ୍ୟନ୍ମନୋହାରି ନିତଂବିନୀଭ୍ୟୋ
ଦୁଃଖୈକହେତୁର୍ନ ଚ କଶ୍ଚିଦନ୍ୟଃ ॥ 2.40 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ଇଂଦ୍ରଵଜ୍ରା): This is in ଇଂଦ୍ରଵଜ୍ରା (ତ୍ରିଷ୍ଟୁଭ୍ class) Chandas/Meter: 4 ପାଦାଃ, 11 ଅକ୍ଷରାଃ per ପାଦ; ଲଘୁ/ଗୁରୁ pattern (per ପାଦ) is `GGLGGLLGLGG`.

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ସତ୍ୟଂ - truly
ଜନାଃ - people
ଵଚ୍ମି - I say
ନ - not
ପକ୍ଷପାତାତ୍ - out of bias; partiality
ଲୋକେଷୁ - in worlds
ସପ୍ତ - seven
ଅପି - even
ତଥ୍ୟଂ - true
ଏତତ୍ - this
ନ ଅନ୍ୟତ୍ - nothing else
ମନୋହାରି - mind-stealing; captivating
ନିତଂବିନୀଭ୍ୟଃ - from women with shapely hips (lit. "hip-possessors")
ଦୁଃଖ - sorrow; pain
ଏକ - single; only
ହେତୁଃ - cause
ନ ଚ - and not
କଶ୍ଚିତ୍ ଅନ୍ୟଃ - any other

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
People, I say this truly and without bias: across all the seven worlds, there is no other single cause of sorrow than captivating women.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
Taken literally, the verse sounds like blame; read more carefully, it is really about ରାଗ (attachment) and how it manufactures ଦୁଃଖ (sorrow). Beauty is not a problem by itself - the problem is when the mind makes it "the one thing without which I cannot be happy". At home and at work, heartbreak, jealousy, and distraction often come less from a person and more from our own unexamined stories and expectations. ଭର୍ତୃହରି's hyperbole is a nudge toward ଵିଵେକ: enjoy ଶୃଂଗାର without surrendering inner freedom.

A gentle practice is: Enjoy beauty without losing balance. Keep the basics steady: sleep, work, friendships, and self-respect. If attraction is mutual, clarity and pace protect it; if it is not, restraint protects you. This is how the verse becomes practical wisdom instead of mere description.

କାଂତେତ୍ୟୁତ୍ପଲଲୋଚନେତି ଵିପୁଲଶ୍ରୋଣୀଭରେତ୍ୟୁନ୍ନମତ୍ପୀନୋତ୍ତୁଂଗ
ପୟୋଧରେତି ସମୁଖାଂଭୋଜେତି ସୁଭ୍ରୂରିତି ।
ଦୃଷ୍ଟ୍ଵା ମାଦ୍ୟତି ମୋଦତେଽଭିରମତେ ପ୍ରସ୍ତୌତି ଵିଦ୍ଵାନପି
ପ୍ରତ୍ୟକ୍ଷାଶୁଚିଭସ୍ତ୍ରିକାଂ ସ୍ତ୍ରିୟଂ ଅହୋ ମୋହସ୍ୟ ଦୁଶ୍ଚେଷ୍ଟିତମ୍ ॥ 2.41 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
କାଂତା - beloved
ଇତି - thus (as a form of address)
ଉତ୍ପଲ - blue lotus
ଲୋଚନ - eyes
ଉତ୍ପଲଲୋଚନ - lotus-eyed (address)
ଵିପୁଲ - broad; large
ଶ୍ରୋଣୀ - hips; waist
ଭରଃ - load; heaviness
ଵିପୁଲଶ୍ରୋଣୀଭରା - broad-hipped (address; verse: ଵିପୁଲଶ୍ରୋଣୀଭରେତି)
ଉନ୍ନମତ୍ - raised; uplifted
ପୀନ - full; firm
ଉତ୍ତୁଂଗ - lofty; high
ପୟୋଧରା - breasts (lit. "milk-holders")
ଉନ୍ନମତ୍ପୀନୋତ୍ତୁଂଗପୟୋଧରା - with high, full, lofty breasts
ସମୁଖ - well-faced; charming
ଅଂଭୋଜ - lotus
ସମୁଖାଂଭୋଜ - lotus-like face (address; verse: ସମୁଖାଂଭୋଜେତି)
ସୁଭ୍ରୂ - beautiful-browed
ଦୃଷ୍ଟ୍ଵା - seeing
ମାଦ୍ୟତି - becomes intoxicated; loses sobriety
ମୋଦତେ - rejoices
ଅଭିରମତେ - delights (verse: ମୋଦତେଽଭିରମତେ = ମୋଦତେ + ଅଭିରମତେ)
ପ୍ରସ୍ତୌତି - praises
ଵିଦ୍ଵାନ୍ - learned man; scholar
ଅପି - even
ପ୍ରତ୍ୟକ୍ଷ - directly visible
ଅଶୁଚି - impure
ବସ୍ତ୍ରିକା - bag; skin-bag
ପ୍ରତ୍ୟକ୍ଷାଶୁଚିଭସ୍ତ୍ରିକା - a plainly visible bag of impurities
ସ୍ତ୍ରିୟଂ - the woman
ଅହୋ - alas!
ମୋହ - delusion
ଦୁଶ୍ଚେଷ୍ଟିତଂ - bad conduct; distorted action

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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!

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This verse is not a denial of beauty; it is a diagnosis of ମୋହ (delusion) - the mind's habit of projecting permanence, purity, and "ultimate value" onto what is visibly a changing body. ଆଦି ଶଂକରାଚାର୍ୟ often points to the same mechanism as ଅଧ୍ୟାସ (superimposition): we overlay our fantasies onto what we see, then suffer when reality does not cooperate. These days, the effect is amplified by filters, curated images, and comparison-culture: the "look" becomes a story, and the story becomes obsession. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to enjoy ଶୃଂଗାର with ଵିଵେକ - appreciate the form without letting the mind forget impermanence, boundaries, and the deeper qualities that sustain love.

ସ୍ମୃତା ଭଵତି ତାପାୟ ଦୃଷ୍ଟା ଚୋନ୍ମାଦକାରିଣୀ ।
ସ୍ପୃଷ୍ଟା ଭଵତି ମୋହାୟ ସା ନାମ ଦୟିତା କଥମ୍ ॥ 2.42 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ସ୍ମୃତା - remembered
ଭଵତି - becomes
ତାପ - heat; burning; torment
ତାପାୟ - for torment
ଦୃଷ୍ଟା - seen
ଚ - and
ଉନ୍ମାଦ - madness; frenzy
କାରିଣୀ - causing (f.)
ଉନ୍ମାଦକାରିଣୀ - causing frenzy
ସ୍ପୃଷ୍ଟା - touched
ମୋହ - delusion; bewilderment
ମୋହାୟ - for delusion
ସା - she
ନାମ - indeed; by name
ଦୟିତା - beloved
କଥଂ - how

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
Remembered she burns; seen she drives one into frenzy; touched she bewilders. How then is she called a "beloved"?

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse describes how obsession works: memory becomes ତାପ (inner heat), sight becomes agitation, and touch becomes ମୋହ (bewilderment). When you look around today, the same pattern appears with a "crush" that hijacks attention: you replay messages, interpret every glance, and lose calm. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is not to suppress love, but to keep it integrated with life: do your duties, keep your friendships, sleep well, and do not let a single person become the only axis of meaning.

A helpful way to apply this is: Poetry delights, but real love must go beyond features. If you feel enchanted, translate it into care: listen well, keep promises, and honor consent. Admiration that becomes service is ennobling; admiration that becomes possession is painful. Use the verse to remember dignity - yours and the other's.

ତାଵଦେଵାମୃତମୟୀ ୟାଵଲ୍ଲୋଚନଗୋଚରା ।
ଚକ୍ଷୁଷ୍ପଥାଦତୀତା ତୁ ଵିଷାଦପ୍ୟତିରିଚ୍ୟତେ ॥ 2.43 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ତାଵତ୍ - so long; until then
ଏଵ - only
ଅମୃତମୟୀ - full of nectar; like nectar
ୟାଵତ୍ - as long as
ଲୋଚନ - eye
ଗୋଚରା - within range; accessible
ଲୋଚନଗୋଚରା - within the range of sight
ଚକ୍ଷୁଃ - eye
ପଥଃ - path
ଅତୀତା - gone beyond
ଚକ୍ଷୁଷ୍ପଥାତୀତା - gone beyond the path of the eyes (out of sight)
ତୁ - but
ଵିଷ - poison
ଅପି - even than
ଵିଷାଦ୍ ଅପି - even than poison
ଅତିରିଚ୍ୟତେ - exceeds; becomes greater

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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).

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This is a crisp description of attachment: presence feels sweet, absence feels toxic. The same object that delighted you becomes a source of agitation when it is out of reach. In daily interactions, this plays out in long-distance relationships, unanswered messages, and the anxiety of "not knowing". The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to build steadiness that does not depend entirely on proximity: cultivate trust, communicate clearly, and keep your mind anchored in work and inner practice rather than constant rumination.

To carry this wisely: Notice the role of attention. What you repeatedly contemplate becomes your inner landscape. So train attention not only on appearance but also on character - kindness, steadiness, truthfulness. This keeps romance from becoming fragile, because it is rooted in values, not only in sensation.

ନାମୃତଂ ନ ଵିଷଂ କିଂଚିଦେତାଂ ମୁକ୍ତ୍ଵା ନିତଂବିନୀମ୍ ।
ସୈଵାମୃତଲତା ରକ୍ତା ଵିରକ୍ତା ଵିଷଵଲ୍ଲରୀ ॥ 2.44 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ନ - not
ଅମୃତଂ - nectar
ନ - not
ଵିଷଂ - poison
କିଂଚିତ୍ - anything at all
ଏତାଂ - this
ମୁକ୍ତ୍ଵା - leaving aside; except
ନିତଂବିନୀଂ - the hip-bearing woman; the beloved
ସା - she
ଏଵ - indeed
ଅମୃତ-ଲତା - a creeper of nectar
ରକ୍ତା - attached; affectionate (also "red")
ଵିରକ୍ତା - detached; indifferent
ଵିଷ-ଵଲ୍ଲରୀ - a creeper of poison

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse points to how relationship "weather" is experienced: affection tastes like ଅମୃତ (nectar), coldness feels like ଵିଷ (poison). In common experience, this can become a trap if we outsource our emotional stability to someone else's mood. A mature ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to build two things at once: emotional self-reliance (so you do not collapse when someone is distant) and skillful communication (so distance is addressed, not hidden). Love becomes steadier when it is less about mood and more about mutual values and care.

A mature reading suggests: A deeper use of ଶୃଂଗାର is refinement. When something is beautiful, pause and notice the mind soften. Then let that softness turn into generosity, patience, and gratitude. In this way, beauty becomes a doorway to a better self, not a doorway to restlessness.

ଆଵର୍ତଃ ସଂଶୟାନାଂ ଅଵିନୟଭୁଵନଂ ପଟ୍ଟଣଂ ସାହସାନାଂ
ଦୋଷାଣାଂ ସନ୍ନିଧାନଂ କପଟଶତମୟଂ କ୍ଷେତ୍ରଂ ଅପ୍ରତ୍ୟୟାନାମ୍ ।
ସ୍ଵର୍ଗଦ୍ଵାରସ୍ୟ ଵିଘ୍ନୋ ନରକପୁରମୁଖ ସର୍ଵମାୟାକରଂଡଂ
ସ୍ତ୍ରୀୟଂତ୍ରଂ କେନ ସୃଷ୍ଟଂ ଵିଷଂ ଅମୃତମୟଂ ପ୍ରାଣିଲୋକସ୍ୟ ପାଶଃ ॥ 2.45 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଆଵର୍ତଃ - whirlpool; vortex
ସଂଶୟାନାଂ - of doubts; of indecision
ଅଵିନୟ - lack of discipline; impropriety
ଭୁଵନଂ - world; realm
ପଟ୍ଟଣଂ - city
ସାହସାନାଂ - of rash acts; ventures
ଦୋଷାଣାଂ - of faults
ସନ୍ନିଧାନଂ - storehouse; constant presence
କପଟ - deceit
ଶତଂ - a hundred
ମୟଂ - full of; made of
କ୍ଷେତ୍ରଂ - field
ଅପ୍ରତ୍ୟୟାନାଂ - of distrust; of unreliability
ସ୍ଵର୍ଗ - heaven; higher state
ଦ୍ଵାରସ୍ୟ - of the gate
ଵିଘ୍ନଃ - obstacle
ନରକ - hell; suffering
ପୁର - city
ମୁଖଂ - mouth; entrance
ସର୍ଵ - all
ମାୟା - illusion; the power of appearance
କରଂଡଂ - basket; container; hive-like store
ସର୍ଵମାୟାକରଂଡଂ - a container of every illusion
ସ୍ତ୍ରୀୟଂତ୍ରଂ - the "woman-device" (a metaphor for overwhelming fascination)
କେନ - by whom
ସୃଷ୍ଟଂ - created
ଵିଷଂ - poison
ଅମୃତମୟଂ - appearing like nectar; made of nectar
ପ୍ରାଣିଲୋକସ୍ୟ - of the world of living beings
ପାଶଃ - noose; snare

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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?

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This is one of ଭର୍ତୃହରି's fiercest outbursts. If we read it as hatred of women, we miss the deeper target: uncontrolled fascination and the chaos it can create - doubt, rash action, secrecy, and loss of direction. The verse uses ମାୟା (the power of appearance) deliberately: what seems like ଅମୃତ (nectar) can behave like ଵିଷ (poison) when pursued without ଵିଵେକ. In contemporary life, the same pattern appears in any seductive fixation - an affair that destroys trust, an addiction that ruins health, or a "too good to be true" promise that becomes a trap. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to honor attraction with ethics and boundaries, so that love becomes nourishment rather than a snare.

If you want this verse to uplift you: A simple daily practice is to check intention: am I trying to connect, or am I trying to win? The verse reminds us that relationship is built by small choices - listening, truthfulness, and respect for boundaries. When those are steady, even strong emotions become beautiful instead of chaotic.

ନୋ ସତ୍ୟେନ ମୃଗାଂକ ଏଷ ଵଦନୀଭୂତୋ ନ ଚେଂଦୀଵରଦ୍ଵଂଦ୍ଵଂ
ଲୋଚନତାଂ ଗତ ନ କନକୈରପ୍ୟଂଗୟଷ୍ଟିଃ କୃତା ।
କିଂତ୍ଵେଵଂ କଵିଭିଃ ପ୍ରତାରିତମନାସ୍ତତ୍ତ୍ଵଂ ଵିଜାନନ୍ନପି
ତ୍ଵଙ୍ମାଂସାସ୍ଥିମୟଂ ଵପୁର୍ମୃଗଦୃଶାଂ ମଂଦୋ ଜନଃ ସେଵତେ ॥ 2.46 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ନୋ ସତ୍ୟେନ - not truly
ମୃଗାଂକଃ - the moon
ଏଷଃ - this
ଵଦନୀ - face (as in "having a face")
ଭୂତଃ - has become
ନ ଚ - nor
ଇଂଦୀଵର - blue lotus
ଦ୍ଵଂଦ୍ଵଂ - pair
ଲୋଚନ - eye
ତାଂ ଗତଂ - has become
ନ - not
କନକୈଃ ଅପି - even with gold
ଅଂଗୟଷ୍ଟିଃ - the body; the figure
କୃତା - made
କିଂତୁ - but
ଏଵଂ - thus
କଵିଭିଃ - by poets
ପ୍ରତାରିତ - deceived; tricked
ମନାଃ - mind
ତତ୍ତ୍ଵଂ - reality
ଵିଜାନନ୍ ଅପି - even knowing
ତ୍ଵକ୍ - skin
ମାଂସ - flesh
ଅସ୍ଥି - bone
ମୟଂ - made of
ଵପୁଃ - body
ମୃଗଦୃଶାଂ - of deer-eyed women
ମଂଦଃ - dull; undiscerning
ଜନଃ - person
ସେଵତେ - serves; clings to; worships

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse exposes poetic exaggeration as a mirror for our own self-deception. We know, at some level, that the body is ତ୍ଵକ୍-ମାଂସ-ଅସ୍ଥି (skin-flesh-bone), yet we let language and imagery turn it into "moon", "lotus", and "gold". In everyday life, this is the same mechanism behind glamour and branding: a curated surface becomes "truth" in the mind. ଅଦ୍ଵୈତ texts call this kind of mis-seeing ଅଧ୍ୟାସ (superimposition): we project and then get bound by what we projected. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to enjoy poetry and beauty while staying anchored in reality - and to value character, kindness, and steadiness more than metaphor.

ଲୀଲାଵତୀନାଂ ସହଜା ଵିଲାସାସ୍ତ
ଏଵ ମୂଢସ୍ୟ ହୃଦି ସ୍ଫୁରଂତି ।
ରାଗୋ ନଲିନ୍ୟା ହି ନିସର୍ଗସିଦ୍ଧସ୍ତତ୍ର
ଭ୍ରମ୍ତ୍ୟେଵ ଵୃଥା ଷଡ୍ଅଂଘ୍ରିଃ ॥ 2.47 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ମାତ୍ରା-ଚଂଦସ୍): This is in a ମାତ୍ରା-based Chandas/Meter (not a fixed ଅକ୍ଷର-count ଵୃତ୍ତ): in this verse, the written segments carry approximately 20 + 16 + 22 + 14 ମାତ୍ରାଃ (total 72); treat ଲଘୁ=1 ମାତ୍ରା and ଗୁରୁ=2 ମାତ୍ରାଃ, and keep the natural pauses at the segment ends marked by `।`/`॥` (do not confuse ଦଂଡ with internal ୟତି).

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଲୀଲାଵତୀନାଂ - of playful women
ସହଜାଃ - natural; inborn
ଵିଲାସାଃ - graces; coquetries; playful gestures
ତ ଏଵ - those alone
ମୂଢସ୍ୟ - of the fool
ହୃଦି - in the heart
ସ୍ଫୁରଂତି - flash forth; appear vividly
ରାଗଃ - redness; passion; attachment
ନଲିନ୍ୟାଃ - of the lotus
ହି - indeed
ନିସର୍ଗ - nature
ସିଦ୍ଧଃ - established; inherent
ନିସର୍ଗସିଦ୍ଧଃ - naturally inherent
ତତ୍ର - there; in that
ଭ୍ରମ୍ତ୍ୟା - by delusion
ଇଵ - as if
ଵୃଥା - in vain; futilely
ଷଡ୍ଅଂଘ୍ରିଃ - the bee (lit. "six-footed"; the verse uses for a join; read as ଷଡ୍ଅଂଘ୍ରିଃ)

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The analogy is subtle: the lotus does not become red because of the bee; the redness is ନିସର୍ଗସିଦ୍ଧ (inherent). Likewise, a charming person's gestures may be natural, not targeted - yet the infatuated mind reads them as special signals. In day-to-day living, this is the common misreading of friendliness as intimacy, or charisma as a private invitation. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to check projections: observe behavior over time, seek clarity through respectful communication, and do not let ରାଗ (attachment) write stories faster than reality.

ସଂମୋହୟଂତି ମଦୟଂତି ଵିଡଂବୟଂତି
ନିର୍ଭର୍ତ୍ସ୍ୟଂତି ରମୟଂତି ଵିଷାଦୟଂତି ।
ଏତାଃ ପ୍ରଵିଶ୍ୟ ସଦୟଂ ହୃଦୟଂ ନରାଣାଂ
କିଂ ନାମ ଵାମନୟନା ନ ସମାଚରଂତି ॥ 2.47.1 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ସଂମୋହୟଂତି - they delude; they bewilder
ମଦୟଂତି - they intoxicate
ଵିଡଂବୟଂତି - they mock; they deceive
ନିର୍ଭର୍ତ୍ସ୍ୟଂତି - they scold; they rebuke
ରମୟଂତି - they delight; they please
ଵିଷାଦୟଂତି - they sadden; they cause despondency
ଏତାଃ - these (women)
ପ୍ରଵିଶ୍ୟ - entering
ସଦୟଂ - tender; compassionate; soft
ହୃଦୟଂ - heart
ନରାଣାଂ - of men; of people
କିଂ ନାମ - what indeed
ଵାମ - beautiful; pleasing
ନୟନାଃ - eyes (f. pl.)
ଵାମନୟନାଃ - beautiful-eyed women
ନ - not
ସମାଚରଂତି - do; perform

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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?

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse captures the emotional range that intimate relationships can evoke: joy and hurt can alternate, sometimes within the same day. The poet is not listing "faults" so much as naming the power of closeness over the psyche. In lived experience, the lesson is not cynicism but maturity: if you let someone into the ହୃଦୟ (heart), you must also develop communication, patience, and କ୍ଷମା (forbearance), otherwise normal fluctuations feel like chaos. Love becomes stable not by eliminating emotion, but by learning to hold it wisely.

ୟଦେତତ୍ପୂର୍ଣେଂଦୁଦ୍ୟୁତିହରଂ ଉଦାରାକୃତି ପରଂ
ମୁଖାବ୍ଜଂ ତନ୍ଵଂଗ୍ୟାଃ କିଲ ଵସତି ୟତ୍ରାଧରମଧୁ ।
ଇଦଂ ତତ୍କିଂ ପାକଦ୍ରୁମଫଲଂ ଇଦାନୀଂ ଅତିରସଵ୍ୟତୀତେଽସ୍ମିନ୍
କାଲେ ଵିଷଂ ଇଵ ଭଵିଷ୍ୟ୍ତ୍ୟସୁଖଦମ୍ ॥ 2.48 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ୟତ୍ - which
ଏତତ୍ - this
ପୂର୍ଣ - full
ଇଂଦୁ - moon
ଦ୍ୟୁତି - radiance
ହରଂ - stealing; taking away
ପୂର୍ଣେଂଦୁଦ୍ୟୁତିହରଂ - stealing the radiance of the full moon
ଉଦାର - expansive; noble
ଆକୃତି - form; shape
ପରଂ - excellent
ମୁଖ - face
ଅବ୍ଜଂ - lotus
ମୁଖାବ୍ଜଂ - lotus-face
ତନ୍ଵୀ - slender woman
ଅଂଗୀ - the woman with limbs (a poetic term for the beloved)
ତନ୍ଵଂଗୀ - the slender beloved
ତନ୍ଵଂଗ୍ୟାଃ - of the slender beloved
କିଲ - indeed
ଵସତି - dwells
ୟତ୍ର - where
ଅଧର - lip
ମଧୁ - honey
ଅଧରମଧୁ - the honey of the lips
ଇଦଂ - this
ତତ୍ - that
କିଂ - what
ପାକ - ripe; cooked
ଦ୍ରୁମ - tree
ଫଲଂ - fruit
ପାକଦ୍ରୁମଫଲଂ - a ripe fruit of a tree
ଇଦାନୀଂ - now
ଅତିରସ - excessive sweetness; intense flavor
ଵ୍ୟତୀତେ - when passed; after it has gone
ଅସ୍ମିନ୍ - in this (verse: ଵ୍ୟତୀତେଽସ୍ମିନ୍ = ଵ୍ୟତୀତେ + ଅସ୍ମିନ୍)
କାଲେ - in time
ଵିଷଂ ଇଵ - like poison
ଭଵିଷ୍ୟତି - will become
ଅସୁଖ-ଦଂ - causing unhappiness

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse is a meditation on impermanence inside pleasure. What is sweet now can become bitter later - not because beauty is "wrong", but because time changes everything, and clinging turns change into suffering. In our daily routines, the same is true of novelty: the first phase of attraction is intense, but if the relationship is built only on ଅତିରସ (over-sweetness), the later phases can feel like poison when reality arrives. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to deepen love beyond the first sweetness: build trust, shared values, and a capacity to face change together.

ଉନ୍ମୀଲତ୍ତ୍ରିଵଲୀତରଂଗନିଲୟା ପ୍ରୋତ୍ତୁଂଗପୀନସ୍ତନଦ୍ଵଂଦ୍ଵେନୋଦ୍ଗତ
ଚକ୍ରଵାକୟୁଗଲା ଵକ୍ତ୍ରାଂବୁଜୋଦ୍ଭାସିନୀ ।
କାଂତାକାରଧରା ନଦୀୟଂ ଅଭିତଃ କ୍ରୂରାତ୍ର ନାପେକ୍ଷତେ
ସଂସାରାର୍ଣଵମଜ୍ଜନଂ ୟଦି ତଦା ଦୂରେଣ ସଂତ୍ୟଜ୍ୟତାମ୍ ॥ 2.49 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଉନ୍ମୀଲତ୍ - opening; blossoming
ତ୍ରିଵଲୀ - the three folds/lines on the belly
ତରଂଗ - wave
ନିଲୟା - abode; bed
ଉନ୍ମୀଲତ୍ତ୍ରିଵଲୀତରଂଗନିଲୟା - whose bed is waves of blossoming ତ୍ରିଵଲୀ (poetic image)
ପ୍ରୋତ୍ତୁଂଗ - very lofty; very prominent
ପୀନ - full; firm
ସ୍ତନ - breast
ଦ୍ଵଂଦ୍ଵଂ - pair
ସ୍ତନଦ୍ଵଂଦ୍ଵଂ - pair of breasts
ଉଦ୍ଗତ - arisen; sprung forth
ଚକ୍ରଵାକ - the ଚକ୍ରଵାକ bird (a poetic emblem of lovers)
ୟୁଗଲଂ - pair
ଚକ୍ରଵାକୟୁଗଲା - having a pair of ଚକ୍ରଵାକs (poetic image)
ଵକ୍ତ୍ର - face
ଅଂବୁଜ - lotus
ଉଦ୍ଭାସିନୀ - shining
ଵକ୍ତ୍ରାଂବୁଜୋଦ୍ଭାସିନୀ - shining with a lotus-face
କାଂତା - beloved
ଆକାର - form; shape
ଧରା - bearing
ନଦୀ - river
ଅୟମ୍ - this
କାଂତାକାରଧରା ନଦୀ - this river bearing the form of a beloved
ଅଭିତଃ - on all sides; thoroughly
କ୍ରୂରା - cruel
ଅତ୍ର - here (verse: କ୍ରୂରାତ୍ର = କ୍ରୂରା + ଅତ୍ର)
ନ ଅପେକ୍ଷତେ - does not care; does not show regard
ସଂସାର - worldly life
ଅର୍ଣଵ - ocean
ମଜ୍ଜନମ୍ - drowning
ୟଦି - if
ତଦା - then
ଦୂରେଣ - from far away
ସଂତ୍ୟଜ୍ୟତାଂ - should be abandoned

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The poet turns attraction into a warning-sign: what looks enchanting can also be a current that pulls you under. The imagery is not anti-beauty; it is anti-blindness. In today's relationships, a relationship can become a "river" that drains you if it is built on compulsion, secrecy, or constant turmoil. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is early discernment: if you see patterns that reliably lead to loss of integrity, peace, or purpose, step back while you still can - because later the pull of ରାଗ (attachment) makes quitting far harder.

ଜଲ୍ପଂତି ସାର୍ଧଂ ଅନ୍ୟେନ ପଶ୍ୟଂତ୍ୟନ୍ୟଂ ସଵିଭ୍ରମାଃ ।
ହୃଦ୍ଗତଂ ଚିଂତୟଂତ୍ୟନ୍ୟଂ ପ୍ରିୟଃ କୋ ନାମ ୟୋଷିତାମ୍ ॥ 2.50 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଜଲ୍ପଂତି - they chatter; they speak
ସାର୍ଧଂ - with
ଅନ୍ୟେନ - with one (person)
ପଶ୍ୟଂତି - they look at
ଅନ୍ୟଂ - another (person)
ସଵିଭ୍ରମାଃ - with coquetry; with playful charm
ହୃଦ୍-ଗତଂ - gone into the heart; within the heart
ଚିଂତୟଂତି - they think of
ଅନ୍ୟଂ - another (person)
ପ୍ରିୟଃ - dear; beloved
କଃ - who
ନାମ - indeed
ୟୋଷିତାଂ - of women

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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?

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
Read as a social observation, the verse points to fickleness and divided attention - a pattern not limited to any gender. When desire is shallow, attention jumps: conversation here, fantasy there. In real-world settings, this is intensified by endless options and constant messaging, where people keep one foot in and one foot out. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to look for ଏକଚିତ୍ତତା (one-mindedness): if you want trust and stability, choose relationships where attention, intention, and commitment align.

ମଧୁ ତିଷ୍ଠତି ଵାଚି ୟୋଷିତାଂ ହୃଦି ହାଲାହଲଂ ଏଵ କେଵଲମ୍ ।
ଅତଏଵ ନିପୀୟତେଽଧରୋ ହୃଦୟଂ ମୁଷ୍ଟିଭିରେଵ ତାଡ୍ୟତେ ॥ 2.51 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ମାତ୍ରା-ଚଂଦସ୍): This is in a ମାତ୍ରା-based Chandas/Meter (not a fixed ଅକ୍ଷର-count ଵୃତ୍ତ): in this verse, the written segments carry approximately 32 + 30 ମାତ୍ରାଃ (total 62); treat ଲଘୁ=1 ମାତ୍ରା and ଗୁରୁ=2 ମାତ୍ରାଃ, and keep the natural pauses at the segment ends marked by `।`/`॥` (do not confuse ଦଂଡ with internal ୟତି).

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ମଧୁ - honey
ତିଷ୍ଠତି - stays; abides
ଵାଚି - in speech; on the tongue
ୟୋଷିତାଂ - of women
ହୃଦି - in the heart
ହାଲାହଲଂ - deadly poison (ହାଲାହଲ, from the ocean-churning story)
ଏଵ - indeed; only
କେଵଲଂ - merely; solely
ଅତଏଵ - therefore (the verse uses for a join; read as ଅତଏଵ)
ନିପୀୟତେ - is drunk; is sipped (poetically: is kissed)
ଅଧରଃ - lip (verse: ନିପୀୟତେଽଧରୋ = ନିପୀୟତେ + ଅଧରଃ)
ହୃଦୟଂ - heart
ମୁଷ୍ଟିଭିଃ - with fists
ତାଡ୍ୟତେ - is struck; is beaten

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse is deliberately harsh to make a psychological point: sweetness in words is not proof of sweetness in intention. The image of ହାଲାହଲ (the deadly poison that emerged during the churning of the ocean) is a warning against being intoxicated by flattery or surface charm. In lived experience, the same caution applies in romance and in business: love-bombing, empty promises, and performative kindness can hide manipulation. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to measure people by consistency - speech aligned with action - and to keep boundaries so that attraction does not make you ignore red flags.

To carry this wisely: Let beauty become reverence rather than grasping. ଆଦି ଶଂକରାଚାର୍ୟ opens ସୌଂଦର୍ୟ ଲହରୀ with ଶିଵଃ ଶକ୍ତ୍ୟା ୟୁକ୍ତୋ ୟଦି ଭଵତି ଶକ୍ତଃ ପ୍ରଭଵିତୁମ୍, hinting that beauty and power are inseparable from awareness. Seen that way, admiration can refine the heart. When respect is present, beauty uplifts; when entitlement is present, beauty binds.

ଅପସର ସଖେ ଦୂରାଦସ୍ମାତ୍କଟାକ୍ଷଵିଷାନଲାତ୍
ପ୍ରକୃତିଵିଷମାଦ୍ୟୋଷିତ୍ସର୍ପାଦ୍ଵିଲାସଫଣାଭୃତଃ ।
ଇତରଫଣିନା ଦଷ୍ଟଃ ଶକ୍ୟଶ୍ଚିକିତ୍ସିତୁଂ ଔଷଧୈଶ୍ଚତୁର୍
ଵନିତାଭୋଗିଗ୍ରସ୍ତଂ ହି ମଂତ୍ରିଣଃ ॥ 2.52 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ମାତ୍ରା-ଚଂଦସ୍): This is in a ମାତ୍ରା-based Chandas/Meter (not a fixed ଅକ୍ଷର-count ଵୃତ୍ତ): in this verse, the written segments carry approximately 25 + 25 + 30 + 18 ମାତ୍ରାଃ (total 98); treat ଲଘୁ=1 ମାତ୍ରା and ଗୁରୁ=2 ମାତ୍ରାଃ, and keep the natural pauses at the segment ends marked by `।`/`॥` (do not confuse ଦଂଡ with internal ୟତି).

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଅପସର - move away; withdraw
ସଖେ - O friend
ଦୂରାତ୍ - from far; far away
ଅସ୍ମାତ୍ - from this
କଟାକ୍ଷ - side-glance
ଵିଷ - poison
ଅନଲ - fire
କଟାକ୍ଷଵିଷାନଲ - the poison-fire of a sidelong glance
ପ୍ରକୃତି - nature
ଵିଷମ - venomous; harmful
ୟୋଷିତ୍ - woman
ସର୍ପଃ - snake
ୟୋଷିତ୍ସର୍ପଃ - woman-snake (metaphor for dangerous fascination)
ଵିଲାସ - coquettish play; graceful charm
ଫଣା - hood (of a snake)
ଭୃତଃ - bearing; wearing
ଵିଲାସଫଣାଭୃତଃ - bearing the hood of charm
ଇତର - other
ଫଣୀ - snake (lit. "hooded one"; verse: ଫଣିନା)
ଦଷ୍ଟଃ - bitten
ଶକ୍ୟଃ - possible
ଚିକିତ୍ସିତୁଂ - to treat; to cure
ଔଷଧୈଃ - with medicines
ଚତୁର୍ - clever; skilled
ଵନିତା - woman
ଭୋଗୀ - snake (lit. "coiled one")
ଗ୍ରସ୍ତଂ - seized; swallowed; overpowered
ହି - indeed
ମଂତ୍ରିଣଃ - for the expert/healer; even for the skilled one

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This is hyperbolic, but the practical warning is clear: know your vulnerabilities and keep distance from what predictably burns you. Some temptations are easier to treat after the fact; others are easier only to avoid at the beginning. In ordinary situations, this can mean setting boundaries with someone who repeatedly pulls you into drama, or keeping space from environments that trigger addiction. The point is not to demonize people; it is to take responsibility for your own mind and not walk willingly into a "poison-fire" you already recognize.

ଵିସ୍ତାରିତଂ ମକରକେତନଧୀଵରେଣ
ସ୍ତ୍ରୀସଂଜ୍ଞିତଂ ବଡିଶଂ ଅତ୍ର ଭଵାଂବୁରାଶୌ ।
ୟେନାଚିରାତ୍ତଦ୍ଅଧରାମିଷଲୋଲମର୍ତ୍ୟ
ମତ୍ସ୍ୟାନ୍ଵିକୃଷ୍ୟ ଵିପଚତ୍ୟନୁରାଗଵହ୍ନୌ ॥ 2.53 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଵିସ୍ତାରିତଂ - spread out; cast
ମକରକେତନ - Cupid (ମକର-bannered)
ଧୀଵରଃ - fisherman
ଧୀଵରେଣ - by the fisherman
ସ୍ତ୍ରୀ - woman
ସଂଜ୍ଞିତଂ - named; called
ବଡିଶଂ - fishhook
ଅତ୍ର - here
ଭଵ - becoming; worldly existence
ଅଂବୁ-ରାଶିଃ - ocean; mass of water
ଭଵାଂବୁରାଶୌ - in the ocean of worldly existence
ୟେନ - by which
ଅଚିରାତ୍ - very soon
ତଦ୍ଅଧର - her lip (the verse uses for a join; read as ତଦଧର)
ଆମିଷଂ - bait (lit. "meat")
ଲୋଲ - greedy; eager
ମର୍ତ୍ୟଃ - mortal
ମତ୍ସ୍ୟାନ୍ - fish (pl.)
ଵିକୃଷ୍ୟ - pulling out; drawing forth
ଵିପଚତି - cooks
ଅନୁରାଗ - passion; attachment
ଵହ୍ନିଃ - fire
ଅନୁରାଗଵହ୍ନୌ - in the fire of passion

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The metaphor is sharp: desire is a hook, and a small "bait" can pull a person out of balance. In practical terms, the same mechanics exist in many forms: ads designed to trigger craving, apps designed to keep you scrolling, or flirtation that pulls you into choices you later regret. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to notice the bait early - the thought that says "just one more" - and to regain agency before the hook sets. Attraction can be joyful, but when it becomes ଅନୁରାଗ (binding attachment), it starts cooking peace itself.

କାମିନୀକାୟକାଂତାରେ କୁଚପର୍ଵତଦୁର୍ଗମେ ।
ମା ସଂଚର ମନଃ ପାଂଥ ତତ୍ରାସ୍ତେ ସ୍ମରତସ୍କରଃ ॥ 2.54 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
କାମିନୀ - amorous woman; beloved
କାୟ - body
କାଂତାର - wilderness; forest
କାମିନୀକାୟକାଂତାରେ - in the wilderness of a woman's body (metaphor)
କୁଚ - breast
ପର୍ଵତ - mountain
ଦୁର୍ଗମେ - difficult to traverse
କୁଚପର୍ଵତଦୁର୍ଗମେ - difficult because of the mountains of breasts (metaphor)
ମା - do not
ସଂଚର - wander; roam
ମନଃ - O mind
ପାଂଥ - traveler
ତତ୍ର - there
ଆସ୍ତେ - dwells
ସ୍ମର - Cupid; desire
ତସ୍କରଃ - thief; robber

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse speaks to the mind as a restless traveler: the real danger is not the object, but the inner thief - ସ୍ମର (desire) - that steals attention, energy, and clarity. In the way we live now, this can be seen in compulsive fantasizing that drains productivity and peace. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is simple: do not feed thoughts that you already know will spiral. Redirect early, keep healthy routines, and remember that self-control is not repression; it is choosing where the mind should live.

From a broader perspective: Separation teaches that the root of pain is clinging, not love itself. When you broaden your identity beyond one bond, you suffer less and you love better. Keep friendships, work, and inner practices alive. This does not reduce love; it stabilizes it.

ଵ୍ୟାଡୀର୍ଘେଣ ଚଲେନ ଵକ୍ତ୍ରଗତିନା ତେଜସ୍ଵିନା ଭୋଗିନା
ନୀଲାବ୍ଜଦ୍ୟୁତିନାହିନା ପରଂ ଅହଂ ଦୃଷ୍ଟୋ ନ ତଚ୍ଚକ୍ଷୁଷା ।
ଦୃଷ୍ଟେ ସଂତି ଚିକିତ୍ସକା ଦିଶି ଦିଶି ପ୍ରାୟେଣ ଧନାର୍ଥିନୋ
ମୁଗ୍ଧାକ୍ଷକ୍ଷଣଵୀକ୍ଷିତସ୍ୟ ନ ହି ମେ ଵୈଦ୍ୟୋ ନ ଚାପ୍ୟୌଷଧମ୍ ॥ 2.55 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଵ୍ୟାଡ - snake
ଈର୍ଘ - long
ଵ୍ୟାଡୀର୍ଘ - snake-long; very long
ଵ୍ୟାଡୀର୍ଘେଣ - by the snake-long one (verse: ଵ୍ୟାଡୀର୍ଘେଣ)
ଚଲେନ - moving; restless
ଵକ୍ତ୍ର - face; head
ଗତି - movement
ଵକ୍ତ୍ରଗତିନା - by the head-movement
ତେଜସ୍ଵିନା - radiant; shining
ଭୋଗିନା - by the serpent (lit. "coiled one")
ନୀଲ - blue
ଅବ୍ଜ - lotus
ଦ୍ୟୁତି - luster
ନୀଲାବ୍ଜଦ୍ୟୁତିନା - with the luster of a blue lotus
ଅହିନା - by the snake
ପରଂ - indeed
ଅହଂ - I
ଦୃଷ୍ଟଃ - seen (verse: ଦୃଷ୍ଟୋ = ଦୃଷ୍ଟଃ)
ନ - not
ତତ୍-ଚକ୍ଷୁଷା - by those eyes
ଦୃଷ୍ଟେ - when seen/affected; when the case happens
ସଂତି - there are
ଚିକିତ୍ସକାଃ - physicians
ଦିଶି ଦିଶି - in every direction; everywhere
ପ୍ରାୟେଣ - generally
ଧନାର୍ଥିନାଃ - wealth-seeking; fee-seeking (verse: ଧନାର୍ଥିନୋ = ଧନାର୍ଥିନାଃ)
ମୁଗ୍ଧ - innocent; simple
ଅକ୍ଷ - eye
ମୁଗ୍ଧାକ୍ଷ - innocent-eyed
କ୍ଷଣ - moment
ଵୀକ୍ଷିତଂ - a look; glance
ମୁଗ୍ଧାକ୍ଷକ୍ଷଣଵୀକ୍ଷିତସ୍ୟ - of the momentary glance of the innocent-eyed (girl)
ନ ହି - indeed not
ମେ - for me
ଵୈଦ୍ୟଃ - physician
ନ ଚ ଅପି - nor also
ଔଷଧଂ - medicine

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse says a romantic wound can feel more incurable than a physical one. For bodily pain, we have systems - doctors, medicines, protocols. For the mind's agitation caused by a single glance, the cure is slower: time, self-restraint, and re-centering the mind. At home and at work, this is why "closure" is not a quick fix; emotional attachment is a habit-pattern. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to treat lovesickness like any other mental loop: reduce triggers, avoid rehearsing the fantasy, and replace it with meaningful work, friendships, and inner practice.

ଇହ ହି ମଧୁରଗୀତଂ ନୃତ୍ୟଂ ଏତଦ୍ରସୋଽୟଂ
ସ୍ଫୁରତି ପରିମଲୋଽସୌ ସ୍ପର୍ଶ ଏଷ ସ୍ତନାନାମ୍ ।
ଇତି ହତପରମାର୍ଥୈରିଂଦ୍ରିୟୈର୍ଭ୍ରାମ୍ୟମାଣଃ
ସ୍ଵହିତକରଣଧୂର୍ତୈଃ ପଂଚଭିର୍ଵଂଚିତୋଽସ୍ମି ॥ 2.56 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଇହ - here; in this (world)
ହି - indeed
ମଧୁର - sweet
ଗୀତଂ - song
ନୃତ୍ୟଂ - dance
ରସଃ - aesthetic flavor; pleasure
ଅୟମ୍ - this
ରସୋଽୟଂ - this ରସ (verse: ରସୋଽୟଂ = ରସଃ + ଅୟମ୍)
ସ୍ଫୁରତି - shines forth; appears vividly
ପରିମଲଃ - fragrance
ଅସୌ - that
ପରିମଲୋଽସୌ - that fragrance (verse: ପରିମଲୋଽସୌ = ପରିମଲଃ + ଅସୌ)
ସ୍ପର୍ଶଃ - touch
ଏଷଃ - this
ସ୍ତନାନାଂ - of breasts
ଇତି - thus
ହତ - destroyed; ruined
ପରମାର୍ଥ - highest purpose; true goal
ପରମାର୍ଥୈଃ - with true goals (instrumental pl.)
ଇଂଦ୍ରିୟୈଃ - by the senses
ଭ୍ରାମ୍ୟମାଣଃ - wandering; being deluded
ସ୍ଵ-ହିତ - one's own welfare
କରଣ - doing; making
ଧୂର୍ତୈଃ - by rogues; tricksters
ସ୍ଵହିତକରଣଧୂର୍ତୈଃ - by rogues pretending to work for my good
ପଂଚଭିଃ - by the five
ଵଂଚିତଃ - cheated
ଅସ୍ମି - I am
ଵଂଚିତୋଽସ୍ମି - I am cheated (verse: ଵଂଚିତୋଽସ୍ମି = ଵଂଚିତଃ + ଅସ୍ମି)

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This is an honest confession about the senses (ଇଂଦ୍ରିୟ): they promise happiness, but often steal time and clarity. The poet calls them ଧୂର୍ତs (rogues) because they pretend to be "for my good" while pulling the mind outward. These days, this is not only about romance; it is also about endless entertainment and distraction that feels sweet in the moment and empty afterward. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is ଇଂଦ୍ରିୟ-ନିଗ୍ରହ (training the senses): consciously choose what you consume, set limits, and keep a higher aim in view so that pleasure supports life rather than replacing it.

ନ ଗମ୍ୟୋ ମଂତ୍ରାଣାଂ ନ ଚ ଭଵତି ଭୈଷଜ୍ୟଵିଷୟୋ
ନ ଚାପି ପ୍ରଧ୍ଵଂସଂ ଵ୍ରଜତି ଵିଵିଧୈଃ ଶାଂତିକଶତୈଃ ।
ଭ୍ରମାଵେଶାଦଂଗେ କଂ ଅପି ଵିଦଧଦ୍ଭଂଗଂ ଅସକୃତ୍
ସ୍ମରାପସ୍ମାରୋଽୟଂ ଭ୍ରମୟତି ଦୃଶଂ ଘୂର୍ଣୟତି ଚ ॥ 2.57 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ନ - not
ଗମ୍ୟଃ - reachable; curable; amenable
ମଂତ୍ରାଣାଂ - by mantras
ନ ଚ - nor
ଭଵତି - becomes
ଭୈଷଜ୍ୟ - medicine
ଵିଷୟଃ - object; domain
ଭୈଷଜ୍ୟଵିଷୟଃ - a case for medicine
ନ ଚ ଅପି - nor even
ପ୍ରଧ୍ଵଂସଂ - destruction; ending
ଵ୍ରଜତି - goes
ଵିଵିଧ - various
ଶାଂତିକ - pacifying rite
ଶତୈଃ - by hundreds
ଭ୍ରମା - delusion
ଆଵେଶାତ୍ - by possession/entry
ଅଂଗେ - in the body
କଂ ଅପି - someone; something
ଵିଦଧତ୍ - producing; causing
ଭଂଗଂ - disturbance; break
ଅସକୃତ୍ - repeatedly
ସ୍ମର - Cupid; desire
ଅପସ୍ମାରଃ - epilepsy (used here as a metaphor)
ଅୟମ୍ - this
ସ୍ମରାପସ୍ମାରୋଽୟଂ - this Cupid-epilepsy (verse: ସ୍ମରାପସ୍ମାରୋଽୟଂ = ସ୍ମରାପସ୍ମାରଃ + ଅୟମ୍)
ଭ୍ରମୟତି - makes wander; makes reel
ଦୃଶଂ - the sight; the eyes
ଘୂର୍ଣୟତି - makes whirl; makes spin
ଚ - and

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
ଭର୍ତୃହରି uses ଅପସ୍ମାର (epilepsy) as a metaphor for lovesickness: the mind loses steadiness, and perception itself "spins". When you look around today, we sometimes try to treat emotional obsession with quick fixes - advice, rituals, distractions - but the deeper cure is inner work: reducing triggers, cultivating calm routines, and rebuilding self-respect and purpose. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to recognize when desire has become a disturbance-pattern, and to respond with disciplined care rather than drama.

ଜାତ୍ୟ୍ଅଂଧାୟ ଚ ଦୁର୍ମୁଖାୟ ଚ ଜରାଜୀର୍ଣା ଖିଲାଂଗାୟ ଚ
ଗ୍ରାମୀଣାୟ ଚ ଦୁଷ୍କୁଲାୟ ଚ ଗଲତ୍କୁଷ୍ଠାଭିଭୂତାୟ ଚ ।
ୟଚ୍ଛଂତୀଷୁ ମନୋହରଂ ନିଜଵପୁଲକ୍ଷ୍ମୀଲଵଶ୍ରଦ୍ଧୟା
ପଣ୍ୟସ୍ତ୍ରୀଷୁ ଵିଵେକକଲ୍ପଲତିକାଶସ୍ତ୍ରୀଷୁ ରାଜ୍ୟେତ କଃ ॥ 2.58 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଜାତ୍ୟ୍ଅଂଧଃ - blind from birth (the verse uses for a join; read as ଜାତ୍ୟଂଧଃ)
ଜାତ୍ୟ୍ଅଂଧାୟ - to one blind from birth
ଚ - and
ଦୁର୍ମୁଖଃ - ugly-faced
ଦୁର୍ମୁଖାୟ - to an ugly-faced one
ଜରା - old age
ଜୀର୍ଣଃ - worn out
ଜରାଜୀର୍ଣାୟ - to one worn out by age
ଖିଲାଂଗଃ - crippled; deformed
ଖିଲାଂଗାୟ - to a crippled one
ଗ୍ରାମୀଣଃ - rustic; uncultured
ଗ୍ରାମୀଣାୟ - to a rustic one
ଦୁଷ୍କୁଲଃ - of bad/low family
ଦୁଷ୍କୁଲାୟ - to one of low family
ଗଲତ୍ - falling; oozing
କୁଷ୍ଠ - leprosy
ଅଭିଭୂତଃ - afflicted; overcome
ଗଲତ୍କୁଷ୍ଠାଭିଭୂତାୟ - to one afflicted by leprosy
ୟଚ୍ଛଂତୀଷୁ - when (they are) giving
ମନୋହରଂ - charming; attractive
ନିଜ - their own
ଵପୁଃ - body
ଲକ୍ଷ୍ମୀ - beauty; splendor
ଲଵ - a small portion
ଶ୍ରଦ୍ଧୟା - with confidence; with faith
ନିଜଵପୁଲକ୍ଷ୍ମୀଲଵଶ୍ରଦ୍ଧୟା - trusting even a little in their body's beauty
ପଣ୍ୟ - for sale
ସ୍ତ୍ରୀଷୁ - among women
ପଣ୍ୟସ୍ତ୍ରୀଷୁ - among women for sale (courtesans)
ଵିଵେକ - discrimination; discernment
କଲ୍ପଲତିକା - wish-fulfilling creeper; here: a creeper-like metaphor
ଶସ୍ତ୍ରଂ - weapon; sword
ଶସ୍ତ୍ରୀଷୁ - among those who are like weapons
ଵିଵେକକଲ୍ପଲତିକାଶସ୍ତ୍ରୀଷୁ - among women who act like a weapon against the creeper of discernment
ରାଜ୍ୟେତ - would rule; would remain sovereign
କଃ - who

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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?

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse is really about the market-power of desire and how it can erase ଵିଵେକ (discernment). When attraction becomes transactional, it can become indifferent to dignity on both sides: the buyer is driven by craving, the seller by profit, and both are reduced. In daily interactions, the same dynamic exists anywhere desire is monetized - not only in sexuality, but in any industry that profits from addiction. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to protect ଵିଵେକ: notice manipulation, avoid feeding compulsions, and choose relationships that honor personhood rather than treat people as objects.

ଵେଶ୍ୟାସୌ ମଦନଜ୍ଵାଲା
ରୂପେଽଂଧନଵିଵର୍ଧିତା ।
କାମିଭିର୍ୟତ୍ର ହୂୟଂତେ
ୟୌଵନାନି ଧନାନି ଚ ॥ 2.59 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଵେଶ୍ୟା - courtesan; prostitute
ଅସୌ - this
ମଦନ - Cupid; desire
ଜ୍ଵାଲା - flame
ମଦନଜ୍ଵାଲା - a flame of desire
ରୂପ - beauty; form
ଇଂଧନଂ - fuel
ରୂପେଽଂଧନ - fuel of beauty (verse: ରୂପେଽଂଧନ = ରୂପେ + ଇଂଧନ)
ଵିଵର୍ଧିତା - increased; fanned
କାମିଭିଃ - by lovers; by the desirous
ୟତ୍ର - where
ହୂୟଂତେ - are offered into fire; are sacrificed
ୟୌଵନାନି - youth (pl.)
ଧନାନି - wealth (pl.)
ଚ - and

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
This courtesan is a flame of desire, fanned by the fuel of beauty; into her fire, lovers pour their youth and wealth.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse is a moral metaphor: when pleasure becomes a paid addiction, it can burn both ୟୌଵନ (youth) and ଧନ (wealth). In common experience, "flames" like this are not only courtesans; they can be any habit that consumes time, money, and health while promising relief. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to track what your pleasures cost you over months and years, not over minutes - and to redirect resources toward what builds you rather than burns you.

କଶ୍ଚୁଂବତି କୁଲପୁରୁଷୋ ଵେଶ୍ୟାଧରପଲ୍ଲଵଂ ମନୋଜ୍ଞଂ ଅପି ।
ଚାରଭଟଚୋରଚେଟକନଟଵିଟନିଷ୍ଠୀଵନଶରାଵମ୍ ॥ 2.60 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ମାତ୍ରା-ଚଂଦସ୍): This is in a ମାତ୍ରା-based Chandas/Meter (not a fixed ଅକ୍ଷର-count ଵୃତ୍ତ): in this verse, the written segments carry approximately 31 + 27 ମାତ୍ରାଃ (total 58); treat ଲଘୁ=1 ମାତ୍ରା and ଗୁରୁ=2 ମାତ୍ରାଃ, and keep the natural pauses at the segment ends marked by `।`/`॥` (do not confuse ଦଂଡ with internal ୟତି).

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
କଃ - who
ଚୁଂବତି - kisses
କୁଲ - noble family; respectable lineage
ପୁରୁଷଃ - man; person
କୁଲପୁରୁଷଃ - a respectable person
ଵେଶ୍ୟା - courtesan
ଅଧର - lip
ପଲ୍ଲଵଂ - bud; tender shoot
ଵେଶ୍ୟାଧରପଲ୍ଲଵଂ - the bud-like lip of a courtesan
ମନୋଜ୍ଞଂ - charming
ଅପି - even
ଚାର - spy
ଭ୍ହଟ - soldier
ଚୋର - thief
ଚେଟକ - servant
ନଟ - actor; performer
ଵିଟ - rake; parasite
ନିଷ୍ଠୀଵନଂ - spittle
ଶରାଵଂ - bowl; dish
ନିଷ୍ଠୀଵନଶରାଵଂ - a bowl of spittle (metaphor for promiscuity)

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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?

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse is intentionally shocking: it tries to break romantic glamour by forcing a thought of hygiene, promiscuity, and self-respect. In contemporary life, the underlying point can be read as a warning about casual intimacy without care: it carries health risks and also emotional consequences. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to bring dignity and responsibility into desire: choose relationships where trust, exclusivity (if promised), and mutual respect exist - and do not let momentary craving override long-term wellbeing.

ଧନ୍ୟାସ୍ତ ଏଵ ଧଵଲାୟତଲୋଚନାନାଂ
ତାରୁଣ୍ୟଦର୍ପଘନପୀନପୟୋଧରାଣାମ୍ ।
କ୍ଷାମୋଦରୋପରି ଲସତ୍ତ୍ରିଵଲୀଲତାନାଂ
ଦୃଷ୍ଟ୍ଵାକୃତିଂ ଵିକୃତିଂ ଏତି ମନୋ ନ ୟେଷାମ୍ ॥ 2.61 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଧନ୍ୟାଃ - blessed; fortunate
ତଃ - those (verse: ଧନ୍ୟାସ୍ତ = ଧନ୍ୟାଃ + ତଃ)
ଏଵ - indeed
ଧଵଲ - bright; white
ଆୟତ - long; wide
ଲୋଚନାନାଂ - of eyes
ଧଵଲାୟତଲୋଚନାନାଂ - of women with bright, wide eyes
ତାରୁଣ୍ୟ - youth
ଦର୍ପ - pride; boldness
ଗନ - abundance; mass
ପୀନ - full; firm
ପୟୋଧରାଣାଂ - of breasts
ତାରୁଣ୍ୟଦର୍ପଘନପୀନପୟୋଧରାଣାଂ - of women with full, firm breasts (swollen with youthful pride)
କ୍ଷାମ - slender; thin
ଉଦର - belly
ଉପରି - upon
ଲସତ୍ - shining; sporting
ତ୍ରିଵଲୀ - the three folds/lines (on the belly)
ଲତା - creeper; vine
ତ୍ରିଵଲୀଲତାନାଂ - of vine-like triple folds
କ୍ଷାମୋଦରୋପରି - upon a slender belly
କ୍ଷାମୋଦରୋପରି ଲସତ୍ତ୍ରିଵଲୀଲତାନାଂ - of women whose slender bellies bear shining, vine-like triple folds
ଦୃଷ୍ଟ୍ଵା - having seen
ଆକୃତିଂ - form; shape
ଵିକୃତିଂ - distortion; change; agitation
ଏତି - goes to; becomes
ମନଃ - mind
ନ - not
ୟେଷାଂ - of whom

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse praises an inner stability that is rare: the ability to see beauty without being pushed into compulsion. In everyday life, this is not only about romance - it is the same skill we need with anything that can hijack attention (social media, luxury, status, flattery). The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is ସଂୟମ (self-restraint): you can appreciate what is attractive while choosing your response deliberately. This protects both your dignity and the dignity of others.

ବାଲେ ଲୀଲାମୁକୁଲିତଂ ଅମୀ ମଂଥରା ଦୃଷ୍ଟିପାତାଃ
କିଂ କ୍ଷିପ୍ୟଂତେ ଵିରମଵିରମ ଵ୍ୟର୍ଥ ଏଷ ଶ୍ରମସ୍ତେ ।
ସଂପ୍ରତ୍ୟନ୍ୟେ ଵୟଂ ଉପରତଂ ବାଲ୍ୟଂ ଆସ୍ଥା ଵନାଂତେ
କ୍ଷୀଣୋ ମୋହସ୍ତୃଣଂ ଇଵ ଜଗଜ୍ଜାଲଂ ଆଲୋକୟାମଃ ॥ 2.62 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ମଂଦାକ୍ରାଂତା): This is in ମଂଦାକ୍ରାଂତା (ସମ-ଵୃତ୍ତ) Chandas/Meter: 4 ପାଦାଃ, 17 ଅକ୍ଷରାଃ per ପାଦ; ଲଘୁ/ଗୁରୁ pattern (per ପାଦ) is `GGGG LLLLLG GLGGLGG`; ୟତି (pause) is after the 4th and 10th syllables in each ପାଦ.

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ବାଲେ - O young girl
ଲୀଲା - playfulness; sport
ମୁକୁଲିତଂ - half-closed like a bud
ଲୀଲାମୁକୁଲିତଂ - playfully half-closed (about the eyes/glance)
ଅମୀ - these
ମଂଥରାଃ - slow; languid
ଦୃଷ୍ଟି - sight; glance
ପାତାଃ - falls; castings
ଦୃଷ୍ଟିପାତାଃ - glances
କିଂ - why
କ୍ଷିପ୍ୟଂତେ - are thrown/cast
ଵିରମ - stop
ଵିରମ - stop (repeated for emphasis)
ଵ୍ୟର୍ଥଃ - futile
ଏଷଃ - this
ଶ୍ରମଃ - effort
ତେ - your
ସଂପ୍ରତି - now
ଅନ୍ୟେ - different; other
ଵୟଂ - we
ଉପରତଂ - ended; ceased
ବାଲ୍ୟଂ - childishness; immaturity
ଆସ୍ଥା - taking up; abiding; residence
ଵନାଂତେ - in the forest; at the forest's edge
କ୍ଷୀଣଃ - diminished; worn out
ମୋହଃ - delusion
ତୃଣଂ - grass; straw
ଇଵ - like
ଜଗତ୍ - world
ଜାଲଂ - net; web
ଜଗଜ୍ଜାଲଂ - the world's net; worldly entanglement
ଆଲୋକୟାମଃ - we look upon; we behold

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse describes a shift in priorities: when ମୋହ (delusion - the mind's spell of "this alone will fulfill me") weakens, the same attractions lose their grip. In day-to-day living, this can happen when someone commits to a higher aim - disciplined study, service, or spiritual practice. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is honest boundaries: if you have chosen a path, do not keep one foot in flirtation and one foot in renunciation. Clarity is kinder than mixed signals.

ଇୟଂ ବାଲା ମାଂ ପ୍ରତ୍ୟନଵରତଂ ଇଂଦୀଵରଦଲପ୍ରଭା
ଚୀରଂ ଚକ୍ଷୁଃ କ୍ଷିପତି କିଂ ଅଭିପ୍ରେତଂ ଅନୟା ।
ଗତୋ ମୋହୋଽସ୍ମାକଂ ସ୍ମରଶବରବାଣଵ୍ୟତିକରଜ୍ଵର
ଜ୍ଵାଲା ଶାଂତା ତଦପି ନ ଵରାକୀ ଵିରମତି ॥ 2.63 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଇୟଂ - this
ବାଲା - young girl
ମାଂ - me
ପ୍ରତି - toward (verse: ମାଂ ପ୍ରତି)
ଅନଵରତଂ - continually; without pause
ଇଂଦୀଵର - blue lotus
ଦଲ - petal
ପ୍ରଭା - radiance; luster
ଇଂଦୀଵରଦଲପ୍ରଭା - radiance like a blue-lotus petal (about her glance/eyes)
ଚୀରଂ - for a long time
ଚକ୍ଷୁଃ - eye; glance
କ୍ଷିପତି - throws; casts
କିଂ - what
ଅଭିପ୍ରେତଂ - intended
ଅନୟା - by her
ଗତଃ - gone
ମୋହଃ - delusion
ଅସ୍ମାକଂ - of us (verse: ମୋହୋଽସ୍ମାକଂ = ମୋହଃ + ଅସ୍ମାକଂ)
ସ୍ମର - Cupid; desire
ଶବର - hunter
ବାଣ - arrow
ଵ୍ୟତିକର - crowd; shower; barrage
ଜ୍ଵର - fever
ଜ୍ଵାଲା - flame
ସ୍ମରଶବରବାଣଵ୍ୟତିକରଜ୍ଵର - fever born of Cupid-the-hunter's shower of arrows
ଶାଂତା - cooled; quenched
ତଦପି - even then
ନ - not
ଵରାକୀ - the poor girl
ଵିରମତି - stops; ceases

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse shows two different inner worlds meeting: one side still speaks through glances and longing, the other has moved on. In our daily routines, this mismatch happens when one person seeks attention and the other has clearly shifted priorities - or when someone continues to flirt after another person has stepped away. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to respond with respect: do not exploit attention, and do not shame vulnerability. Where possible, give clarity; where not, keep distance without cruelty.

On a subtler level: Let romance be powered by values, not by secrecy. What feels thrilling in the moment can become harm if it breaks ସତ୍ୟ (truthfulness) or trust. A practical step is to slow down the first surge: wait, reflect, and speak honestly. Love that respects truth becomes a blessing; love that hides becomes a burden.

କିଂ କଂଦର୍ପ କରଂ କଦର୍ଥୟସି ରେ କୋଦଂଡଟଂକାରିତଂ
ରେ ରେ କୋକିଲ କୋମଲଂ କଲରଵଂ କିଂ ଵା ଵୃଥା ଜଲ୍ପସି ।
ମୁଗ୍ଧେ ସ୍ନିଗ୍ଧଵିଦଗ୍ଧଚାରୁମଧୁରୈର୍ଲୋଲୈଃ କଟାକ୍ଷୈରଲଂ
ଚେତଶ୍ଚୁଂବିତଚଂଦ୍ରଚୂଡଚରଣଧ୍ୟାନାମୃତଂ ଵର୍ତତେ ॥ 2.64 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
କିଂ - why
କଂଦର୍ପ - Cupid; desire-personified
କରଂ - hand; here: Cupid's grasp/assault (a force that "handles" the mind)
କଦର୍ଥୟସି - trouble; torment; abuse
ରେ - O! (interjection)
କୋଦଂଡ - bow
ଟଂକାରିତଂ - made to twang/resound; ringing
ରେ ରେ - O! O!
କୋକିଲ - cuckoo
କୋମଲଂ - soft; sweet
କଲରଵଂ - gentle sound; cooing
କିଂ - why
ଵା - or
ଵୃଥା - in vain
ଜଲ୍ପସି - you sing/prattle
ମୁଗ୍ଧେ - O innocent one
ସ୍ନିଗ୍ଧ - affectionate; smooth
ଵିଦଗ୍ଧ - clever; artful
ଚାରୁ - lovely
ମଧୁରୈଃ - sweet
ଲୋଲୈଃ - playful; restless
କଟାକ୍ଷୈଃ - with sidelong glances
ଅଲଂ - enough!
ଚେତଃ - mind
ଚୁଂବିତ - kissed; touched
ଚଂଦ୍ରଚୂଡ - moon-crested Lord Shiva
ଚରଣ - feet
ଧ୍ୟାନ - meditation
ଅମୃତଂ - nectar
ଚେତଶ୍ଚୁଂବିତଚଂଦ୍ରଚୂଡଚରଣଧ୍ୟାନାମୃତଂ - the nectar of meditation on Shiva's feet, "kissed" by the mind
ଵର୍ତତେ - remains; abides; is engaged

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse points to a principle found across ଭକ୍ତି and ୟୋଗ: a lower pull weakens when a higher taste becomes real. When the mind is absorbed in ଧ୍ୟାନ (steady contemplation), even springtime triggers - birdsong, flirtation, the climate of desire - lose their power. In today's relationships, this is the difference between willpower and purpose: sheer resistance is exhausting, but a clear inner anchor makes restraint natural. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to build that anchor intentionally through daily practice.

A gentle practice is: From an inner standpoint, remember that the rush is a wave in the mind. ଆଦି ଶଂକରାଚାର୍ୟ reminds us in ଆତ୍ମ ଷଟକମ୍, ମନୋ ବୁଦ୍ଧ୍ୟହଂକାର ଚିତ୍ତାନି ନାହମ୍ (I am not the mind, intellect, ego, or mind-stuff). Returning to that witness does not kill love; it makes love workable, so you can act with dignity instead of being driven.

ଵିରହେଽପି ସଂଗମଃ ଖଲୁ
ପରସ୍ପରଂ ସଂଗତଂ ମନୋ ୟେଷାମ୍ ।
ହୃଦୟଂ ଅପି ଵିଘଟ୍ଟିତଂ ଚେତ୍
ସଂଗୀ ଵିରହଂ ଵିଶେଷୟତି ॥ 2.65 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ମାତ୍ରା-ଚଂଦସ୍): This is in a ମାତ୍ରା-based Chandas/Meter (not a fixed ଅକ୍ଷର-count ଵୃତ୍ତ): in this verse, the written segments carry approximately 13 + 18 + 14 + 15 ମାତ୍ରାଃ (total 60); treat ଲଘୁ=1 ମାତ୍ରା and ଗୁରୁ=2 ମାତ୍ରାଃ, and keep the natural pauses at the segment ends marked by `।`/`॥` (do not confuse ଦଂଡ with internal ୟତି).

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଵିରହେ - in separation
ଅପି - even (verse: ଵିରହେଽପି = ଵିରହେ + ଅପି)
ସଂଗମଃ - union; meeting
ଖଲୁ - indeed
ପରସ୍ପରଂ - mutually
ସଂଗତଂ - united; joined
ମନଃ - mind
ୟେଷାଂ - of whom
ହୃଦୟଂ - heart
ଅପି - even
ଵିଘଟ୍ଟିତଂ - broken; shattered
ଚେତ୍ - if
ସଂଗୀ - one united; a companion (one whose mind is joined)
ଵିରହଂ - separation
ଵିଶେଷୟତି - makes special; intensifies; heightens

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse captures a paradox: emotional closeness can make absence feel more intense. In real-world settings, this is the psychology of long-distance love - the bond remains, but the distance amplifies longing. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to support the bond with clear communication and shared routines (regular calls, mutual plans, trust), so that ଵିରହ (separation) does not become needless suffering.

One more layer is this: Longing magnifies: the mind replays memories and interprets everything through absence. Give longing a wholesome outlet - write, create, pray, or serve - so it becomes expression rather than rumination. If you are in relationship, turn longing into reliability and communication rather than suspicion.

କିଂ ଗତେନ ୟଦି ସା ନ ଜୀଵତି
ପ୍ରାଣିତି ପ୍ରିୟତମା ତଥାପି କିମ୍ ।
ଇତ୍ୟୁଦୀକ୍ଷ୍ୟ ନଵମେଘମାଲିକାଂ
ନ ପ୍ରୟାତି ପଥିକଃ ସ୍ଵମଂଦିରମ୍ ॥ 2.66 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
କିଂ - what (use) is
ଗତେନ - by going; by returning
ୟଦି - if
ସା - she
ନ - not
ଜୀଵତି - lives
ପ୍ରାଣିତି - breathes; lives
ପ୍ରିୟତମା - the beloved
ତଥାପି - even then
କିଂ - what (use)
ଇତି - thus
ଉଦୀକ୍ଷ୍ୟ - having looked at; having seen
ନଵ - new
ମେଘ - cloud
ମାଲିକାଂ - row; garland
ନ - not
ପ୍ରୟାତି - goes
ପଥିକଃ - traveler
ସ୍ଵ - own
ମଂଦିରଂ - home

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse portrays how longing can paralyze action: the mind spins scenarios, and even a simple return home becomes impossible. In lived experience, this is the avoidance that comes from fear - fear of rejection, change, or what we will find when we return. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to stop feeding hypothetical misery and take the next honest step: communicate, show up, and accept whatever truth is present rather than living inside anxious imagination.

A helpful way to apply this is: Separation teaches that the root of pain is clinging, not love itself. When you broaden your identity beyond one bond, you suffer less and you love better. Keep friendships, work, and inner practices alive. This does not reduce love; it stabilizes it.

ଵିରମତ ବୁଧା ୟୋଷିତ୍ସଂଗାତ୍ସୁଖାତ୍କ୍ଷଣଭଂଗୁରାତ୍
କୁରୁତ କରୁଣାମୈତ୍ରୀପ୍ରଜ୍ଞାଵଧୂଜନସଂଗମମ୍ ।
ନ ଖଲୁ ନରକେ ହାରାକ୍ରାଂତଂ ଘନସ୍ତନମଂଡଲଂ
ଶରଣଂ ଅଥଵା ଶ୍ରୋଣୀବିଂବଂ ରଣନ୍ମଣିମେଖଲମ୍ ॥ 2.67 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଵିରମତ - desist; refrain
ବୁଧାଃ - O wise ones
ୟୋଷିତ୍ - woman
ସଂଗାତ୍ - from association; from company
ସୁଖ୍ହାତ୍ - from pleasure
କ୍ଷଣ - moment
ଭଂଗୁର - fragile; quickly broken
କ୍ଷଣଭଂଗୁରାତ୍ - fleeting; lasting only a moment
କୁରୁତ - do; cultivate
କରୁଣା - compassion
ମୈତ୍ରୀ - friendship; loving-kindness
ପ୍ରଜ୍ଞା - wisdom; insight
ଵଧୂ - bride (metaphor here)
ଜନ - people
ସଂଗମଂ - association; company
କରୁଣାମୈତ୍ରୀପ୍ରଜ୍ଞାଵଧୂଜନସଂଗମଂ - company of compassion, friendship, and the bride named wisdom
ନ - not
ଖଲୁ - indeed
ନରକେ - in hell
ହାର - necklace
ଆକ୍ରାଂତଂ - encircled; covered
ଘନ - dense; heavy
ସ୍ତନ - breast
ମଂଡଲଂ - orb; circle
ଘନସ୍ତନମଂଡଲଂ - a heavy orb of breasts (poetic)
ଶରଣଂ - refuge
ଅଥଵା - or
ଶ୍ରୋଣୀ - hips
ବିଂବଂ - orb; round fruit (poetic for rounded hips)
ରଣନ୍ - jingling
ମଣି - jewel
ମେଖଲା - girdle
ରଣନ୍ମଣିମେଖଲଂ - a jingling jeweled girdle

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse contrasts short-lived thrills with long-lived virtues. It uses sensual imagery as a symbol for କ୍ଷଣିକ (momentary) pleasure: when consequences arrive, beauty cannot protect you. In ordinary situations, the same pattern shows up when impulse overrides ethics - an affair, an addiction, or a dishonest shortcut. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to actively invest in କରୁଣା (compassion), ମୈତ୍ରୀ (friendship), and ପ୍ରଜ୍ଞା (wisdom): these are the supports that remain when circumstances become difficult.

To carry this wisely: Timing matters. Do not try to resolve everything at peak emotion. Pause, cool down, then speak. When you repair quickly and gently, love becomes a place of safety; when you turn small quarrels into ego battles, romance becomes exhaustion. Let the verse nudge you toward calmer repair.

ୟଦା ୟୋଗାଭ୍ୟାସଵ୍ୟସନକୃଶୟୋରାତ୍ମମନସୋରଵିଚ୍ଛିନ୍ନା
ମୈତ୍ରୀ ସ୍ଫୁରତି କୃତିନସ୍ତସ୍ୟ କିଂ ଉ ତୈଃ ।
ପ୍ରିୟାଣାଂ ଆଲାପୈରଧରମଧୁଭିର୍ଵକ୍ତ୍ରଵିଧୁଭିଃ
ସନିଶ୍ଵାସାମୋଦୈଃ ସକୁଚକଲଶାଶ୍ଲେଷସୁରତୈଃ ॥ 2.68 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ୟଦା - when
ୟୋଗ - ୟୋଗ
ଅଭ୍ୟାସ - practice
ଵ୍ୟସନ - intense habit; absorbed pursuit
କୃଶ - thin; lean (i.e., desires weakened; body/mind made light)
ୟୋଗାଭ୍ୟାସଵ୍ୟସନକୃଶୟୋଃ - of (one) made lean by intense ୟୋଗ-practice
ଆତ୍ମ - self
ମନସୋଃ - of the self and the mind (dual)
ଅଵିଚ୍ଛିନ୍ନା - unbroken; uninterrupted
ମୈତ୍ରୀ - friendship; harmony
ସ୍ଫୁରତି - shines forth; appears
କୃତିନଃ - of the accomplished one
ତସ୍ୟ - for him
କିଂ ଉ - what indeed (need)
ତୈଃ - by those
ପ୍ରିୟାଣାଂ - of loved ones
ଆଲାପୈଃ - with conversations; talk
ଅଧର - lip
ମଧୁ - honey
ଅଧରମଧୁଭିଃ - with honey of the lips
ଵକ୍ତ୍ର - face
ଵିଧୁ - moon
ଵକ୍ତ୍ରଵିଧୁଭିଃ - with moon-like faces
ନିଶ୍ଵାସ - breath; exhalation
ଆମୋଦ - fragrance
ସନିଶ୍ଵାସାମୋଦୈଃ - with the fragrance of breath
କୁଚ - breast
କଲଶ - pot (metaphor for rounded breasts)
ଆଶ୍ଲେଷ - embrace
ସୁରତ - lovemaking; intimacy
ସକୁଚକଲଶାଶ୍ଲେଷସୁରତୈଃ - with intimate embraces of the "pot-like" breasts

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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?

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This verse describes a shift from outward sweetness to inward fullness. When the mind becomes a friend to the ଆତ୍ମ (Self), it no longer begs the world for constant stimulation. In practical terms, this shows up when someone experiences deep contentment from meditation, meaningful work, or service: external pleasures are still seen, but they are no longer necessities. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to build that inner friendship gradually through daily practice rather than expecting desire to disappear by mere moral effort.

A mature reading suggests: This is also an invitation to ଅନୁସଂଧାନ (contemplative linking): notice how the same object looks different when you are agitated versus when you are calm. That observation itself is freedom. As calm grows, the world is still beautiful, but it no longer owns you.

ୟଦାସୀଦଜ୍ଞାନଂ ସ୍ମରତିମିରସଂଚାରଜନିତଂ
ତଦା ଦୃଷ୍ଟନାରୀମୟଂ ଇଦଂ ଅଶେଷଂ ଜଗଦିତି ।
ଇଦାନୀଂ ଅସ୍ମାକଂ ପଟୁତରଵିଵେକାଂଜନଜୁଷାଂ
ସମୀଭୂତା ଦୃଷ୍ଟିସ୍ତ୍ରିଭୁଵନଂ ଅପି ବ୍ରହ୍ମ ମନୁତେ ॥ 2.69 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ୟଦା - when
ଆସୀତ୍ - was
ଅଜ୍ଞାନଂ - ignorance
ୟଦାସୀଦଜ୍ଞାନଂ - when there was ignorance (verse join)
ସ୍ମର - Cupid; desire
ତିମିର - darkness
ସଂଚାର - roaming; movement
ଜନିତଂ - produced
ସ୍ମରତିମିରସଂଚାରଜନିତଂ - produced by the roaming darkness of desire
ତଦା - then
ଦୃଷ୍ଟ - seen
ନାରୀ - woman
ମୟଂ - made of; consisting of
ଦୃଷ୍ଟନାରୀମୟଂ - seen as "made of woman" (everything looked like her)
ଇଦଂ - this
ଅଶେଷଂ - entire; without remainder
ଜଗତ୍ - world
ଇତି - thus
ଇଦାନୀଂ - now
ଅସ୍ମାକଂ - of us
ପଟୁତରା - very sharp
ଵିଵେକ - discernment
ଅଂଜନ - collyrium; eye-ointment (metaphor: clarifying medicine for the eye of understanding)
ଜୁଷାଂ - of those who use/possess
ପଟୁତରଵିଵେକାଂଜନଜୁଷାଂ - of us who are anointed with sharp discernment
ସମୀଭୂତା - become even; steady; balanced
ଦୃଷ୍ଟିଃ - vision; way of seeing
ତ୍ରିଭୁଵନଂ - the three worlds
ଅପି - even
ବ୍ରହ୍ମ - ବ୍ରହ୍ମନ୍ (the Absolute)
ମନୁତେ - considers; understands

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This verse is a direct bridge to ଅଦ୍ଵୈତ: obsession is not only an emotion, it is a filter that colors reality. When ଅଜ୍ଞାନ (ignorance) and ସ୍ମର (desire) dominate, everything is interpreted through one craving. When ଵିଵେକ (discernment) arises, perception becomes balanced and begins to recognize the underlying whole. In the way we live now, this is the difference between "everything reminds me of one person" and "I can see life as it is". The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to notice when perception is being hijacked and to return to clarity through disciplined habits and self-inquiry.

If you want this verse to uplift you: Here ଭର୍ତୃହରି hints that perception is colored by desire and clarified by ଵିଵେକ. This is central to ଅଦ୍ଵୈତ: the mind projects, and freedom begins when projection is seen. A simple practice is to watch your own stories and ask, "What am I adding to what is happening?" That question loosens obsession.

ତାଵଦେଵ କୃତିନାଂ ଅପି ସ୍ଫୁରତ୍ୟେଷ
ନିର୍ମଲଵିଵେକଦୀପକଃ ।
ୟାଵଦେଵ ନ କୁରଂଗଚକ୍ଷୁଷାଂ
ତାଡ୍ୟତେ ଚଟୁଲଲୋଚନାଂଚଲୈଃ ॥ 2.70 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ତାଵତ୍ - so long
ଏଵ - only
କୃତିନାଂ - of the accomplished; the capable
ଅପି - even
ସ୍ଫୁରତି - shines forth; appears
ଏଷଃ - this
ନିର୍ମଲ - pure; stainless
ଵିଵେକ - discernment
ଦୀପକଃ - lamp
ନିର୍ମଲଵିଵେକଦୀପକଃ - the lamp of pure discernment
ୟାଵତ୍ - as long as
ଏଵ - only
ନ - not
କୁରଂଗ - deer
ଚକ୍ଷୁଷାଂ - of the eyes; of the deer-eyed (women)
ତାଡ୍ୟତେ - is struck; is beaten
ଚଟୁଲ - fickle; playful
ଲୋଚନ - eye
ଅଂଚଲୈଃ - by the corners/ends (of the eyes); by glances
ଚଟୁଲଲୋଚନାଂଚଲୈଃ - by playful, darting glances

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse is a warning about overconfidence: talent and intelligence do not automatically protect us from temptation. At home and at work, the mind gets struck not only by a glance, but by carefully designed stimuli - flirtation, attention, curated images, and praise. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is humility and preventive discipline: reduce exposure to triggers, keep your schedule and values strong, and do not assume that being "smart" makes you immune.

From a broader perspective: ଆଦି ଶଂକରାଚାର୍ୟ's refrain ଚିଦାନଂଦରୂପଃ ଶିଵୋଽହଂ ଶିଵୋଽହମ୍ points to the Self as awareness-bliss. When you rest even briefly in that, attraction and aversion stop being dictators. Love remains, but it is no longer desperate. Let the verse remind you to keep one foot in inner clarity.

ଵଚସି ଭଵତି ସଂଗତ୍ୟାଗଂ ଉଦ୍ଦିଶ୍ୟ ଵାର୍ତା
ଶ୍ରୁତିମୁଖରମୁଖାନାଂ କେଵଲଂ ପଂଡିତାନାମ୍ ।
ଜଘନଂ ଅରୁଣରତ୍ନଗ୍ରଂଥିକାଂଚୀକଲାପଂ
କୁଵଲୟନୟନାନାଂ କୋ ଵିହାତୁଂ ସମର୍ଥଃ ॥ 2.71 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଵଚସି - in speech; in words
ଭଵତି - becomes; happens
ସଂଗତି - association; attachment
ତ୍ୟାଗଃ - abandonment; renunciation
ସଂଗତ୍ୟାଗଃ - renunciation of attachment (in verse: ସଂଗତ୍ୟାଗଂ)
ଉଦ୍ଦିଶ୍ୟ - aiming at; with reference to; about
ଵାର୍ତା - talk; discussion
ଶ୍ରୁତି - ଶ୍ରୁତି (Vedas)
ମୁଖର - resounding; noisy
ମୁଖାନାଂ - of mouths
ଶ୍ରୁତିମୁଖରମୁଖାନାଂ - of those whose mouths resound with ଶ୍ରୁତି
କେଵଲଂ - merely; only
ପଂଡିତାନାଂ - of scholars
ଜଘନଂ - hips; buttocks
ଅରୁଣ - red
ରତ୍ନ - gem
ଗ୍ରଂଥିକା - knot
ଅଂଚୀ - girdle; waist-chain
କଲାପଃ - cluster; arrangement
ଅରୁଣରତ୍ନଗ୍ରଂଥିକାଂଚୀକଲାପଂ - a waist-girdle arrangement knotted with red gems
କୁଵଲୟ - blue lotus
ନୟନାନାଂ - of eyes
କୁଵଲୟନୟନାନାଂ - of lotus-eyed women
କଃ - who
ଵିହାତୁଂ - to abandon; to give up
ସମର୍ଥଃ - capable; able

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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?

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse points to the gap between talk and transformation. It is easy to recite lofty ideas about ସଂଗ (attachment) and ତ୍ୟାଗ (letting go) in a safe setting; it is harder when the senses are directly invited. These days, this looks like preaching minimalism while still craving status symbols, or speaking about boundaries while still chasing attention in subtle ways. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is honesty: admit what pulls you, reduce triggers, and choose small consistent disciplines so that your actions match your words.

ସ୍ଵପରପ୍ରତାରକୋଽସୌ
ନିଂଦତି ୟୋଽଲୀକପଂଡିତୋ ୟୁଵତୀଃ ।
ୟସ୍ମାତ୍ତପସୋଽପି ଫଲଂ
ସ୍ଵର୍ଗଃ ସ୍ଵର୍ଗେଽପି ଚାପ୍ସରସଃ ॥ 2.72 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ଆର୍ୟା): This is in ଆର୍ୟା (ମାତ୍ରା-ଚଂଦସ୍) Chandas/Meter: 12+18 ମାତ୍ରାଃ in the first half (30 total) and 12+15 ମାତ୍ରାଃ in the second half (27 total); treat ଲଘୁ=1 ମାତ୍ରା and ଗୁରୁ=2 ମାତ୍ରାଃ, and use the 12-ମାତ୍ରା splits as the natural ୟତି (pauses).

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ସ୍ଵ - self
ପର - others
ପ୍ରତାରକଃ - deceiver; cheat
ସ୍ଵପରପ୍ରତାରକଃ - one who deceives both self and others
ଅସୌ - that person (verse: ସ୍ଵପରପ୍ରତାରକୋଽସୌ = ସ୍ଵପରପ୍ରତାରକଃ + ଅସୌ)
ନିଂଦତି - criticizes; condemns
ୟଃ - who (verse: ୟୋ = ୟଃ)
ଲୀକ - false; hypocritical
ପଂଡିତଃ - scholar
ଲୀକପଂଡିତଃ - a false scholar; hypocritical "pandit"
ୟୁଵତୀଃ - young women
ୟସ୍ମାତ୍ - because
ତପସ୍ - austerity
ଫଲଂ - fruit; result
ତପସଃ - of austerity (verse: ତପସୋ = ତପସଃ)
ଅପି - even
ସ୍ଵର୍ଗଃ - heaven
ସ୍ଵର୍ଗେ - in heaven
ଚ - and
ଅପ୍ସରସଃ - ଅପ୍ସରସ୍ (heavenly nymphs)

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse is not defending indulgence; it is attacking hypocrisy and scapegoating. Desire does not vanish just because we speak against it, and blaming women is an easy way to avoid owning one's own କାମ (desire). When you look around today, this appears as moralizing that hides private compulsions, or "virtue signaling" that collapses under pressure. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is self-responsibility: acknowledge attraction, set clear boundaries, and practice discipline without turning it into judgment of others.

A gentle practice is: Timing matters. Do not try to resolve everything at peak emotion. Pause, cool down, then speak. When you repair quickly and gently, love becomes a place of safety; when you turn small quarrels into ego battles, romance becomes exhaustion. Let the verse nudge you toward calmer repair.

ମତ୍ତେଭକୁଂଭଦଲନେ ଭୁଵି ସଂତି ଧୀରାଃ
କେଚିତ୍ପ୍ରଚଂଡମୃଗରାଜଵଧେଽପି ଦକ୍ଷାଃ ।
କିଂତୁ ବ୍ରଵୀମି ବଲିନାଂ ପୁରତଃ ପ୍ରସହ୍ୟ
କଂଦର୍ପଦର୍ପଦଲନେ ଵିରଲା ମନୁଷ୍ୟାଃ ॥ 2.73 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ମତ୍ତେବ - intoxicated/maddened elephant
କୁଂଭଃ - temple (forehead globes of an elephant)
ଦଲନଂ - splitting; breaking
ମତ୍ତେଭକୁଂଭଦଲନେ - in splitting the temples of a maddened elephant
ଭୁଵି - on earth
ସଂତି - are; exist
ଧୀରାଃ - brave; steady
କେଚିତ୍ - some
ପ୍ରଚଂଡ - fierce
ମୃଗ - beast
ରଜଃ - king
ମୃଗରାଜଃ - lion (king of beasts)
ଵଧେ - in killing
ଅପି - even (verse: ଵଧେଽପି = ଵଧେ + ଅପି)
ଦକ୍ଷାଃ - skilled; capable
କିଂତୁ - but
ବ୍ରଵୀମି - I say
ବଲିନାଂ - of the strong
ପୁରତଃ - in front of; in the presence of
ପ୍ରସହ୍ୟ - boldly; forcibly
କଂଦର୍ପ - Cupid; desire-personified
ଦର୍ପଃ - pride; arrogance
ଦଲନଂ - crushing; breaking
କଂଦର୍ପଦର୍ପଦଲନେ - in crushing the pride of Cupid
ଵିରଲାଃ - rare
ମନୁଷ୍ୟାଃ - humans; men

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
Outer courage is visible, but inner mastery is harder. The "pride of Cupid" is the mind's insistence: "I must have this now." In daily interactions, we may win debates, close deals, or endure hardship, yet lose to impulses - compulsive scrolling, addiction, flirtation that becomes secrecy, anger that ruins relationships. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to train ଇଂଦ୍ରିୟନିଗ୍ରହ (sense-discipline) like any other skill: reduce triggers, build habits, and keep accountability so that desire does not quietly overthrow your values.

One more layer is this: Let romance be powered by values, not by secrecy. What feels thrilling in the moment can become harm if it breaks ସତ୍ୟ (truthfulness) or trust. A practical step is to slow down the first surge: wait, reflect, and speak honestly. Love that respects truth becomes a blessing; love that hides becomes a burden.

ସନ୍ମାର୍ଗେ ତାଵଦାସ୍ତେ ପ୍ରଭଵତି ଚ ନରସ୍ତାଵଦେଵେଂଦ୍ରିୟାଣାଂ
ଲଜ୍ଜାଂ ତାଵଦ୍ଵିଧତ୍ତେ ଵିନୟଂ ଅପି ସମାଲଂବତେ ତାଵଦେଵ ।
ଭ୍ରୂଚାପାକୃଷ୍ଟମୁକ୍ତାଃ ଶ୍ରଵଣପଥଗତା ନୀଲପକ୍ଷ୍ମାଣ ଏତେ
ୟାଵଲ୍ଲୀଲାଵତୀନାଂ ହୃଦି ନ ଧୃତିମୁଷୋ ଦୃଷ୍ଟିବାଣାଃ ପତଂତି ॥ 2.74 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ସତ୍ - good; right
ମାର୍ଗଃ - path
ସନ୍ମାର୍ଗେ - on the good path
ତାଵତ୍ - so long as
ଆସ୍ତେ - remains; stays
ପ୍ରଭଵତି - prevails; is effective
ଚ - and
ନରଃ - a man
ଏଵ - only
ଇଂଦ୍ରିୟାଣାଂ - of the senses
ଲଜ୍ଜାଂ - modesty
ଵିଧତ୍ତେ - maintains; establishes
ଵିନୟଂ - humility
ଅପି - also
ସମାଲଂବତେ - holds on to; sustains
ଭ୍ରୂ - eyebrow
ଚାପଃ - bow
ଭ୍ରୂଚାପଃ - eyebrow-bow
ଆକୃଷ୍ଟ - drawn (as an arrow)
ମୁକ୍ତାଃ - released; shot
ଶ୍ରଵଣ - ear
ପଥଃ - path
ଗତଃ - gone to; reaching
ଶ୍ରଵଣପଥଗତାଃ - reaching the path of the ear (coming into awareness)
ନୀଲ - dark/blue
ପକ୍ଷ୍ମାଣଃ - eyelashes
ନୀଲପକ୍ଷ୍ମାଣଃ - dark-lashed
ଏତେ - these
ୟାଵତ୍ - as long as
ଲୀଲାଵତୀନାଂ - of playful women
ହୃଦି - in the heart
ନ - not
ଧୃତି - firmness; steadiness
ମୁଷଃ - stealing
ଦୃଷ୍ଟି - glance
ବାଣାଃ - arrows
ଦୃଷ୍ଟିବାଣାଃ - arrows of glance
ପତଂତି - fall; strike

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This is not "women are the enemy"; it is "temptation tests everyone." The poet uses the "glance-arrow" as a symbol for small stimuli that suddenly hijack attention. In common experience, the arrows can be a flirtatious message, curated images, or the thrill of being wanted - and once ଧୃତି (steadiness) is stolen, people rationalize actions they would otherwise reject. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is preventive: avoid situations that predictably weaken you, keep transparency and accountability, and let major decisions be made when the mind is calm, not when it is dazzled.

A helpful way to apply this is: ଭକ୍ତି poetry often borrows romance to teach surrender. In ଆଦି ଶଂକରାଚାର୍ୟ's ଶିଵାନଂଦ ଲହରୀ, intensity is redirected into devotion, showing a principle: love becomes peaceful when ego stops demanding and starts giving. Apply that here by practicing gratitude, not control.

ଉନ୍ମତ୍ତପ୍ରେମସଂରଂଭାଦ୍
ଆରଭଂତେ ୟଦ୍ଅଂଗନାଃ ।
ତତ୍ର ପ୍ରତ୍ୟୂହଂ ଆଧାତୁଂ
ବ୍ରହ୍ମାପି ଖଲୁ କାତରଃ ॥ 2.75 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଉନ୍ମତ୍ତ - mad; intoxicated
ପ୍ରେମ - love
ସଂରଂଭଃ - impetuous outburst; agitation
ଉନ୍ମତ୍ତପ୍ରେମସଂରଂଭାତ୍ - from an impetuous surge of mad love
ଆରଭଂତେ - begin; undertake
ୟଦା - when
ଅଂଗନାଃ - women
ୟଦ୍ଅଂଗନାଃ - when women (verse join: ୟଦା + ଅଂଗନାଃ)
ତତ୍ର - there
ପ୍ରତ୍ୟୂହଂ - obstacle; hindrance
ଆଧାତୁଂ - to place; to put
ବ୍ରହ୍ମା - Brahma
ଅପି - even
ଖଲୁ - indeed
କାତରଃ - helpless; powerless

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse praises the momentum of passion, and also warns about its force. When ସଂରଂଭ (impetuous agitation) takes over, advice and consequences feel distant. In contemporary life, this is when someone rushes into secrecy, makes promises they cannot keep, or burns bridges because the emotion feels "destined". The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to slow the first surge: wait a day before major decisions, speak to a trusted friend, and check whether the action will still look wise when the intensity settles.

ତାଵନ୍ମହତ୍ତ୍ଵଂ ପାଂଡିତ୍ୟଂ
କୁଲୀନତ୍ଵଂ ଵିଵେକିତା ।
ୟାଵଜ୍ଜ୍ଵଲତି ନାଂଗେଷୁ
ହତଃ ପଂଚେଷୁପାଵକଃ ॥ 2.76 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ତାଵତ୍ - so long
ମହତ୍ତ୍ଵଂ - greatness; eminence
ପାଂଡିତ୍ୟଂ - scholarship; learning
କୁଲୀନତ୍ଵଂ - noble lineage; good family
ଵିଵେକିତା - discernment; good judgment
ୟାଵତ୍ - as long as
ଜ୍ଵଲତି - burns; blazes
ନ - not
ଅଂଗେଷୁ - in the limbs; in the body
ନାଂଗେଷୁ - not in the limbs (sandhi: ନ + ଅଂଗେଷୁ)
ହତଃ - struck; smitten
ପଂଚ - five
ଏଷୁଃ - arrow
ପଂଚେଷୁଃ - the five-arrowed one (Cupid)
ପାଵକଃ - fire
ପଂଚେଷୁପାଵକଃ - the fire of the five-arrowed Cupid

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse is a sober observation: under strong desire, we can temporarily lose what we take pride in - judgment, reputation, and even basic decency. In everyday life, this can look like an accomplished person risking a career for a short-lived affair, or someone intelligent making reckless financial and relational choices because they feel "consumed". The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to treat desire as fire: enjoy its warmth, but build guardrails - boundaries, transparency, and time to think - so it does not burn down what you value.

ଶାସ୍ତ୍ରଜ୍ଞୋଽପି ପ୍ରଥିତଵିନୟୋଽପ୍ୟାତ୍ମବୋଧୋଽପି ବାଢଂ
ସଂସାରେଽସ୍ମିନ୍ଭଵତି ଵିରଲୋ ଭାଜନଂ ସଦ୍ଗତୀନାମ୍ ।
ୟେନୈତସ୍ମିନ୍ନିରୟନଗରଦ୍ଵାରଂ ଉଦ୍ଘାଟୟଂତୀ
ଵାମାକ୍ଷୀଣାଂ ଭଵତି କୁଟିଲା ଭ୍ରୂଲତା କୁଂଚିକେଵ ॥ 2.77 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଶାସ୍ତ୍ର - scripture
ଜ୍ଞଃ - knower
ଶାସ୍ତ୍ରଜ୍ଞଃ - knower of scripture
ଅପି - even (verse: ଶାସ୍ତ୍ରଜ୍ଞୋଽପି = ଶାସ୍ତ୍ରଜ୍ଞଃ + ଅପି)
ପ୍ରଥିତ - renowned; well-known
ଵିନୟଃ - humility; good conduct
ପ୍ରଥିତଵିନୟଃ - renowned for humility
ଅପି - even (verse: ପ୍ରଥିତଵିନୟୋଽପି = ପ୍ରଥିତଵିନୟଃ + ଅପି)
ଆତ୍ମ - Self
ବୋଧଃ - knowledge; awakening
ଆତ୍ମବୋଧଃ - self-knowledge
ଅପି - even (verse: ଆତ୍ମବୋଧୋଽପି = ଆତ୍ମବୋଧଃ + ଅପି)
ବାଢଂ - indeed; certainly
ସଂସାରେ - in the world
ଅସ୍ମିନ୍ - in this
ସଂସାରେଽସ୍ମିନ୍ - in this world (sandhi)
ଭଵତି - becomes; is
ଵିରଲଃ - rare
ଭାଜନଂ - vessel; fit receptacle
ସତ୍ - good
ଗତିଃ - path; destiny
ସଦ୍ଗତୀନାଂ - of the good path / good destinies
ୟେନ - by which; because of which
ଏତସ୍ମିନ୍ - in this
ନିରୟ - hell
ନଗର - city
ଦ୍ଵାରଂ - gate
ନିରୟନଗରଦ୍ଵାରଂ - the gate of the city of hell
ଉଦ୍ଘାଟୟଂତୀ - opening; unbolting
ଵାମା - lovely; charming (also: "woman")
ଅକ୍ଷୀ - eye
ଵାମାକ୍ଷୀଣାଂ - of lovely-eyed women
କୁଟିଲା - crooked
ଭ୍ରୂ - eyebrow
ଲତା - creeper; vine
ଭ୍ରୂଲତା - eyebrow-vine
କୁଂଚିକା - key
ଇଵ - like

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse is hyperbole, but its point is practical: knowledge has to be assimilated, not merely collected. In ଅଦ୍ଵୈତ, this is why ଜ୍ଞାନ (knowledge) is paired with ଵାସନା-kShaya (wearing down latent impressions) and steady ଅଭ୍ୟାସ (practice). In day-to-day living, you can be educated, respected, and even spiritually informed, yet still be undone by a small trigger - a flirtation, a private chat, a "harmless" secret. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is humility and structure: treat your weak points seriously, avoid feeding them, and make your life transparent enough that your better intentions can actually win.

କୃଶଃ କାଣଃ ଖଂଜଃ ଶ୍ରଵଣରହିତଃ ପୁଚ୍ଛଵିକଲୋ
ଵ୍ରଣୀ ପୂୟକ୍ଲିନ୍ନଃ କୃମିକୁଲଶତୈରାଵୃତତନୁଃ ।
କ୍ଷୁଧା କ୍ଷାମୋ ଜୀର୍ଣଃ ପିଠରକକପାଲାର୍ପିତଗଲଃ
ଶୁନୀଂ ଅନ୍ଵେତି ଶ୍ଵା ହତଂ ଅପି ଚ ହଂତ୍ୟେଵ ମଦନଃ ॥ 2.78 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
କୃଶଃ - thin; emaciated
କାଣଃ - one-eyed
ଖଂଜଃ - lame
ଶ୍ରଵଣ - ear
ରହିତଃ - deprived of; without
ଶ୍ରଵଣରହିତଃ - without ears
ପୁଚ୍ଛ - tail
ଵିକଲଃ - deficient; missing
ପୁଚ୍ଛଵିକଲଃ - without a tail
ଵ୍ରଣୀ - wounded
ପୂୟ - pus
କ୍ଲିନ୍ନଃ - soaked; wet
ପୂୟକ୍ଲିନ୍ନଃ - soaked with pus
କୃମି - worm
କୁଲଂ - group; multitude
ଶତୈଃ - with hundreds
କୃମିକୁଲଶତୈଃ - with hundreds of worms
ଆଵୃତ - covered
ତନୁଃ - body
ଆଵୃତତନୁଃ - body covered
କ୍ଷୁଧା - by hunger
କ୍ଷାମଃ - withered; emaciated
ଜୀର୍ଣଃ - worn; old
ପିଠରକ - broken pot-shard; potsherd
କପାଲଂ - shard; bowl; skull-piece
ଅର୍ପିତ - placed; fastened
ଗଲଃ - neck
ପିଠରକକପାଲାର୍ପିତଗଲଃ - whose neck is trapped/fastened in broken pot-shards
ଶୁନୀଂ - a female dog
ଅନ୍ଵେତି - follows
ଶ୍ଵା - a dog
ହତଂ - struck; destroyed
ଅପି - even
ଚ - and
ହଂତି - strikes; destroys
ଏଵ - indeed
ମଦନଃ - ମଦନ (Cupid); desire

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This verse is intentionally shocking to show how blind compulsion can be. ମଦନ here stands for craving itself, not romance: the mind runs toward a stimulus even when it is clearly painful and degrading. In our daily routines, this is any addiction-loop - pornography, gambling, substances, doom-scrolling - or any toxic relationship pattern where the same harm repeats. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to treat compulsion as a real problem, not as "destiny": name it, reduce access to triggers, seek support, and rebuild the mind through healthier routines.

From a broader perspective: Let romance be powered by values, not by secrecy. What feels thrilling in the moment can become harm if it breaks ସତ୍ୟ (truthfulness) or trust. A practical step is to slow down the first surge: wait, reflect, and speak honestly. Love that respects truth becomes a blessing; love that hides becomes a burden.

ସ୍ତ୍ରୀମୁଦ୍ରାଂ କୁସୁମାୟୁଧସ୍ୟ ଜୟିନୀଂ ସର୍ଵାର୍ଥସଂପତ୍କରୀଂ
ୟେ ମୂଢାଃ ପ୍ରଵିହାୟ ୟାଂତି କୁଧିୟୋ ମିଥ୍ୟାଫଲାନ୍ଵେଷିଣଃ ।
ତେ ତେନୈଵ ନିହତ୍ୟ ନିର୍ଦୟତରଂ ନଗ୍ନୀକୃତା ମୁଂଡିତାଃ
କେଚିତ୍ପଂଚଶିଖୀକୃତାଶ୍ଚ ଜଟିଲାଃ କାପାଲିକାଶ୍ଚାପରେ ॥ 2.79 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ସ୍ତ୍ରୀ - woman
ମୁଦ୍ରା - seal; sign; stamp
ସ୍ତ୍ରୀମୁଦ୍ରାଂ - the "seal/sign" of womanhood (metaphor for love/pleasure)
କୁସୁମ - flower
ଆୟୁଧଃ - weapon
କୁସୁମାୟୁଧଃ - the flower-weaponed one (Cupid)
କୁସୁମାୟୁଧସ୍ୟ - of Cupid
ଜୟିନୀଂ - victorious; conquering
ସର୍ଵ - all
ଅର୍ଥ - aims; purposes
ସଂପତ୍ - prosperity
କରୀଂ - making; producing (f.)
ସର୍ଵାର୍ଥସଂପତ୍କରୀଂ - producing prosperity for all aims
ୟେ - those who
ମୂଢାଃ - fools
ପ୍ରଵିହାୟ - abandoning; giving up
ୟାଂତି - go
କୁ - bad
ଧିୟଃ - of intellects
କୁଧିୟାଃ - of dull/bad understanding
ମିଥ୍ୟା - false
ଫଲଂ - fruit; result
ଅନ୍ଵେଷିଣଃ - seekers
ମିଥ୍ୟାଫଲାନ୍ଵେଷିଣଃ - seeking false "fruits"
ତେ - they
ତେନ - by that (Cupid/desire) itself
ଏଵ - indeed
ନିହତ୍ୟ - striking down; destroying
ନିର୍ଦୟତରଂ - most mercilessly
ନଗ୍ନୀ - naked (f.)
କୃତଃ - made
ନଗ୍ନୀକୃତାଃ - made naked
ମୁଂଡିତାଃ - shaved
କେଚିତ୍ - some
ପଂଚ - five
ଶିଖୀ - tuft of hair
କୃତଃ - made
ପଂଚଶିଖୀକୃତାଃ - made into (ascetics) with five tufts
ଚ - and
ଜଟିଲାଃ - matted-haired ascetics
କାପାଲିକାଃ - skull-bearing ascetics
ଚ - and
ଅପରେ - others

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The target is confused renunciation: running away from desire without understanding the mind. When craving is only suppressed, it often returns as obsession, bitterness, or spiritual show. In today's relationships, this can look like someone publicly declaring detachment while privately being consumed by the same longing - or swinging between indulgence and harsh self-punishment. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is integration: treat desire with clarity and ethics, not denial; channel it into commitment and responsibility, or consciously step back with honest self-work.

On a subtler level: From an inner standpoint, remember that the rush is a wave in the mind. ଆଦି ଶଂକରାଚାର୍ୟ reminds us in ଆତ୍ମ ଷଟକମ୍, ମନୋ ବୁଦ୍ଧ୍ୟହଂକାର ଚିତ୍ତାନି ନାହମ୍ (I am not the mind, intellect, ego, or mind-stuff). Returning to that witness does not kill love; it makes love workable, so you can act with dignity instead of being driven.

ଵିଶ୍ଵାମିତ୍ରପରାଶରପ୍ରଭୃତୟୋ ଵାତାଂବୁପର୍ଣାଶନାସ୍ତେଽପି
ସ୍ତ୍ରୀମୁଖପଂକଜଂ ସୁଲଲିତଂ ଦୃଷ୍ଟ୍ଵୈଵ ମୋହଂ ଗତାଃ ।
ଶାଲ୍ୟନ୍ନଂ ସଘୃତଂ ପୟୋଦଧିୟୁତଂ ୟେ ଭୁଂଜତେ ମାନଵାସ୍ତେଷାମ୍
ଇଂଦ୍ରିୟନିଗ୍ରହୋ ୟଦି ଭଵେଦ୍ଵିଂଧ୍ୟଃ ପ୍ଲଵେତ୍ସାଗରେ ॥ 2.80 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଵିଶ୍ଵାମିତ୍ର - ଵିଶ୍ଵାମିତ୍ର
ପରାଶର - ପରାଶର
ପ୍ରଭୃତୟଃ - and others like them
ଵିଶ୍ଵାମିତ୍ରପରାଶରପ୍ରଭୃତୟଃ - ଵିଶ୍ଵାମିତ୍ର, ପରାଶର, and the like
ଵାତ - air
ଅଂବୁ - water
ପର୍ଣ - leaf
ଆଶନାଃ - eating; subsisting on
ଵାତାଂବୁପର୍ଣାଶନାଃ - subsisting on air, water, and leaves
ତେ - they
ଅପି - even (verse: ତେଽପି = ତେ + ଅପି)
ସ୍ତ୍ରୀ - woman
ମୁଖଂ - face
ପଂକଜଂ - lotus
ସ୍ତ୍ରୀମୁଖପଂକଜଂ - a woman's lotus-face
ସୁ - very
ଲଲିତଂ - charming; graceful
ଦୃଷ୍ଟ୍ଵା - having seen
ଏଵ - merely; just (verse: ଦୃଷ୍ଟ୍ଵୈଵ = ଦୃଷ୍ଟ୍ଵା + ଏଵ)
ମୋହଂ - delusion
ଗତାଃ - gone into; fallen into
ଶାଲି - rice
ଅନ୍ନଂ - food
ଶାଲ୍ୟନ୍ନଂ - rice-food
ସ - with
ଘୃତଂ - ghee
ସଘୃତଂ - with ghee
ପୟସ୍ - milk
ଦଧି - curd
ୟୁତଂ - joined with; accompanied by
ପୟୋଦଧିୟୁତଂ - accompanied by milk and curd
ୟେ - those who
ଭୁଂଜତେ - eat
ମାନଵାଃ - humans
ତେଷାଂ - of them (verse: ମାନଵାସ୍ତେଷାମ୍ = ମାନଵାଃ + ତେଷାଂ)
ଇଂଦ୍ରିୟ - senses
ନିଗ୍ରହଃ - restraint; control
ଇଂଦ୍ରିୟନିଗ୍ରହଃ - sense-control
ୟଦି - if
ଭଵେତ୍ - would be (verse: ଭଵେଦ୍ଵିଂଧ୍ୟଃ = ଭଵେତ୍ + ଵିଂଧ୍ୟଃ)
ଵିଂଧ୍ୟଃ - the Vindhya mountain
ପ୍ଲଵେତ୍ - would float
ସାଗରେ - in the ocean (verse: ପ୍ଲଵେତ୍ସାଗରେ = ପ୍ଲଵେତ୍ + ସାଗରେ)

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse argues for humility about self-control. If even disciplined ascetics can stumble, ordinary people should neither be smug nor despairing. In real-world settings, willpower alone is often not enough; environment and habits matter. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to train ଇଂଦ୍ରିୟନିଗ୍ରହ (sense-discipline) gradually: choose what you consume (media, company, impulses), create distance from predictable triggers, and build supportive routines rather than relying on momentary resolve.

A gentle practice is: A simple daily practice is to check intention: am I trying to connect, or am I trying to win? The verse reminds us that relationship is built by small choices - listening, truthfulness, and respect for boundaries. When those are steady, even strong emotions become beautiful instead of chaotic.

ପରିମଲଭୃତୋ ଵାତାଃ ଶାଖା ନଵାଂକୁରକୋଟୟୋ
ମଧୁରଵିରୁତୋତ୍କଂଠା ଵାଚଃ ପ୍ରିୟାଃ ପିକପକ୍ଷିଣାମ୍ ।
ଵିରଲସୁରତସ୍ଵେଦୋଦ୍ଗାରା ଵଧୂଵଦନେଂଦଵଃ
ପ୍ରସରତି ମଧୌ ରାତ୍ର୍ୟାଂ ଜାତୋ ନ କସ୍ୟ ଗୁଣୋଦୟଃ ॥ 2.81 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ପରିମଲ - fragrance
ଭୃତଃ - bearing; carrying
ପରିମଲଭୃତଃ - fragrance-bearing
ଵାତାଃ - winds
ଶାଖା - branches
ନଵ - new
ଅଂକୁର - sprout
କୋଟୟଃ - tips; points
ନଵାଂକୁରକୋଟୟଃ - tips of new sprouts
ମଧୁର - sweet
ଵିରୁତଂ - sound; cooing; song
ଉତ୍କଂଠା - longing; yearning
ମଧୁରଵିରୁତୋତ୍କଂଠା - longing stirred by sweet calls
ଵାଚଃ - voices; calls
ପ୍ରିୟାଃ - dear; beloved
ପିକ - cuckoo
ପକ୍ଷିଣାଂ - of birds
ପିକପକ୍ଷିଣାଂ - of cuckoo birds
ଵିରଲ - sparse; slight
ସୁରତ - lovemaking; intimacy
ସ୍ଵେଦ - sweat
ଉଦ୍ଗାରଃ - exudation; emission
ଵିରଲସୁରତସ୍ଵେଦୋଦ୍ଗାରାଃ - (having) only slight sweat due to lovemaking
ଵଧୂ - bride; young woman
ଵଦନଂ - face
ଇଂଦୁଃ - moon
ଵଧୂଵଦନେଂଦଵଃ - moonlike faces of women
ପ୍ରସରତି - spreads; unfolds
ମଧୌ - in spring (ମଧୁ season/month)
ରାତ୍ର୍ୟାଂ - in the night
ଜାତଃ - arisen; produced
ନ - not
କସ୍ୟ - of whom
ଗୁଣଃ - quality; excellence
ଉଦୟଃ - rise; awakening
ଗୁଣୋଦୟଃ - awakening/rising of qualities

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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?

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse captures how ଋତୁ (season) changes the mind: the same world feels freshly alive, and even ordinary people become more affectionate, poetic, and expressive. In lived experience too, weather and atmosphere affect mood - spring can increase sociability and romance, and small sights/sounds become emotional triggers. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to enjoy this uplift consciously: let the season inspire creativity and warmth, while keeping ଵିଵେକ (discernment) so excitement does not turn into impulsiveness.

One more layer is this: These seasonal images show how mood is shaped by climate. When you feel more restless or nostalgic, treat it as a natural rhythm, not as a command. Use it to deepen appreciation: be kinder, write more, reach out more. But do not let mood drive reckless choices; let it become beauty with discipline.

ମଧୁରୟଂ ମଧୁରୈରପି କୋକିଲା
କଲରଵୈର୍ମଲୟସ୍ୟ ଚ ଵାୟୁଭିଃ ।
ଵିରହିଣଃ ପ୍ରହିଣସ୍ତି ଶରୀରିଣୋ
ଵିପଦି ହଂତ ସୁଧାପି ଵିଷାୟତେ ॥ 2.82 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ଦ୍ରୁତଵିଲଂବିତ): This is in ଦ୍ରୁତଵିଲଂବିତ (ସମ-ଵୃତ୍ତ) Chandas/Meter: 4 ପାଦାଃ, 12 ଅକ୍ଷରାଃ per ପାଦ; ଲଘୁ/ଗୁରୁ pattern (per ପାଦ) is `LLLGLLGLLGLG`.

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ମଧୁରୟଂ - sweetening; making sweet
ମଧୁରୈଃ - by sweet things; with sweetness
ଅପି - even
କୋକିଲା - the cuckoo (here: cuckoo birds)
କଲ - soft; melodious
ରଵୈଃ - with sounds
କଲରଵୈଃ - with melodious calls
ମଲୟସ୍ୟ - of the Malaya mountain (source of fragrant breeze)
ଚ - and
ଵାୟୁଭିଃ - by winds
ଵିରହିଣଃ - of the separated; of love-lorn people
ପ୍ରହିଣସ୍ତି - strikes; torments
ଶରୀରିଣଃ - embodied beings
ଵିପଦି - in misfortune; in adversity
ହଂତ - alas
ସୁଧା - nectar
ଅପି - even
ଵିଷଂ - poison
ଆୟତେ - becomes
ଵିଷାୟତେ - becomes poison

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse is about context: the same stimulus can feel like medicine or like torture depending on the heart's condition. A song, a fragrance, or a festival can be joy for one person and pain for another who is in ଵିରହ (separation). In ordinary situations, this is why after a breakup even "happy places" can feel heavy. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is compassion and patience: reduce triggers while healing, do not force yourself to "be fine", and gradually create new associations through supportive routines and friendships.

A helpful way to apply this is: A season changes the outer world and the inner weather. Pay attention to that inner weather. If you are lonely, a rainy night can push you into old loops; if you are content, it can become poetry. Build small practices that keep you grounded - sleep, movement, and a little silence.

ଆଵାସଃ କିଲକିଂଚିତସ୍ୟ ଦୟିତାପାର୍ଶ୍ଵେ ଵିଲାସାଲସାଃ
କର୍ଣେ କୋକିଲକାମିନୀକଲରଵଃ ସ୍ମେରୋ ଲତାମଂଡପଃ ।
ଗୋଷ୍ଠୀ ସତ୍କଵିଭିଃ ସମଂ କତିପୟୈର୍ମୁଗ୍ଧାଃ ସୁଧାଂଶୋଃ କରାଃ
କେଷାଂଚିତ୍ସୁଖୟଂତି ଚାତ୍ର ହୃଦୟଂ ଚୈତ୍ରେ ଵିଚିତ୍ରାଃ କ୍ଷପାଃ ॥ 2.83 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଆଵାସଃ - dwelling; staying
କିଲକିଂଚିତସ୍ୟ - of playful soft sounds/gestures (କିଲକିଂଚିତ)
ଦୟିତା - beloved
ପାର୍ଶ୍ଵେ - by the side
ଦୟିତାପାର୍ଶ୍ଵେ - by the beloved's side
ଵିଲାସ - play; amorous sport
ଅଲସାଃ - languid; relaxed
ଵିଲାସାଲସାଃ - languid with play
କର୍ଣେ - in the ear
କୋକିଲା - cuckoo
କାମିନୀ - female; beloved
କଲରଵଃ - melodious call
କୋକିଲକାମିନୀକଲରଵଃ - the melodious call of the female cuckoo
ସ୍ମେରଃ - smiling
ଲତା - vine
ମଂଡପଃ - pavilion
ଲତାମଂଡପଃ - vine-pavilion
ଗୋଷ୍ଠୀ - gathering; conversation circle
ସତ୍ - good
କଵିଭିଃ - with poets
ସତ୍କଵିଭିଃ - with good poets
ସମଂ - together
କତିପୟୈଃ - with a few
ମୁଗ୍ଧାଃ - gentle; soft; charming
ସୁଧା - nectar
ଅଂଶୁଃ - ray
ସୁଧାଂଶୁଃ - the nectar-rayed one (the moon)
ସୁଧାଂଶୋଃ - of the moon
କରାଃ - rays
କେଷାଂଚିତ୍ - for some
ସୁଖୟଂତି - make happy; gladden
ଚ - and
ଅତ୍ର - here
ହୃଦୟଂ - heart
ଚୈତ୍ରେ - in the month of Chaitra (spring)
ଵିଚିତ୍ରାଃ - varied; charming
କ୍ଷପାଃ - nights

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse shows that happiness is often a crafted atmosphere: companionship, beauty, art, and unhurried time. In practical terms, the same elements appear as a quiet evening with someone you love, music that feels intimate, or a circle of friends where conversation is nourishing. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to create such spaces deliberately and ethically: choose relationships that deepen trust, avoid distractions that fragment attention, and let pleasure be connected to presence rather than to excess.

To carry this wisely: Such verses also teach that pleasure is relational: fragrance, sound, and moonlight become delightful when the heart is open. If the heart is closed, the same stimuli irritate. So care for the heart: reduce resentment, practice forgiveness, and keep gratitude alive.

ପାଂଥ ସ୍ତ୍ରୀଵିରହାନଲାହୁତିକଲାଂ ଆତନ୍ଵତୀ ମଂଜରୀମାକଂଦେଷୁ
ପିକାଂଗନାଭିରଧୁନା ସୋତ୍କଂଠଂ ଆଲୋକ୍ୟତେ ।
ଅପ୍ୟେତେ ନଵପାଟଲାପରିମଲପ୍ରାଗ୍ଭାରପାଟଚ୍ଚରା
ଵାଂତିକ୍ଲାଂତିଵିତାନତାନଵକୃତଃ ଶ୍ରୀଖଂଡଶୈଲାନିଲାଃ ॥ 2.84 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ପାଂଥ - traveler
ସ୍ତ୍ରୀ - wife; beloved woman
ଵିରହଃ - separation
ଅନଲଃ - fire
ସ୍ତ୍ରୀଵିରହାନଲଃ - the fire of separation from the beloved
ଆହୁତି - oblation
କଲା - art; skill
ଆହୁତିକଲାଂ - the art of offering oblations
ସ୍ତ୍ରୀଵିରହାନଲାହୁତିକଲାଂ - the art of offering oblations into the fire of separation
ଆତନ୍ଵତୀ - spreading; performing; extending
ମଂଜରୀ - blossom cluster
ମାକଂଦଃ - mango tree
ମାକଂଦେଷୁ - in mango trees
ପିକ - cuckoo
ଅଂଗନା - woman
ପିକାଂଗନାଃ - female cuckoos
ପିକାଂଗନାଭିଃ - by female cuckoos
ଅଧୁନା - now
ସୋତ୍କଂଠଂ - with longing
ଆଲୋକ୍ୟତେ - is looked at; is seen
ଅପି - even
ଏତେ - these
ନଵ - new
ପାଟଲା - the ପାଟଲା flower
ପରିମଲଃ - fragrance
ପ୍ରାଗ୍ଭାରଃ - heavy load; excess
ପାଟଚ୍ଚରାଃ - roaming about; moving around
ନଵପାଟଲାପରିମଲ୍ପ୍ରାଗ୍ଭାରପାଟଚ୍ଚରାଃ - roaming about bearing the heavy load of fresh ପାଟଲା fragrance
ଵାଂତି - blow
କ୍ଲାଂତିଃ - fatigue; weariness
ଵିତାନଃ - canopy; spread
ତାନଃ - stretching; extension
ଵକୃତଃ - cutting off; removing
କ୍ଲାଂତିଵିତାନତାନଵକୃତଃ - removing the stretched canopy of fatigue (relieving weariness)
ଶ୍ରୀଖଂଡ - sandalwood
ସୈଲଃ - mountain
ଅନିଲଃ - wind
ଶ୍ରୀଖଂଡଶୈଲାନିଲାଃ - the winds from the sandalwood hill

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This verse mixes beauty with pain: spring comforts the body and simultaneously sharpens longing. In the way we live now, travel or distance can do the same - a beautiful place can still feel empty when someone important is missing. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to recognize the mind's double movement: allow the ache of ଵିରହ (separation) without dramatizing it, and also let nature and rest genuinely restore you, so you return to your responsibilities and relationships with steadier energy.

A mature reading suggests: Let nature's beauty remind you of balance. Seasons come and go; moods also come and go. When you learn to enjoy without clinging, you gain both joy and freedom. That is the quiet wisdom hidden inside these descriptions.

ପ୍ରଥିତଃ ପ୍ରଣୟଵତୀନାଂ
ତାଵତ୍ପଦଂ ଆତନୋତୁ ହୃଦି ମାନଃ ।
ଭଵତି ନ ୟାଵଚ୍ଚଂଦନତରୁ
ସୁରଭିର୍ମଲୟପଵମାନଃ ॥ 2.85 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ମାତ୍ରା-ଚଂଦସ୍): This is in a ମାତ୍ରା-based Chandas/Meter (not a fixed ଅକ୍ଷର-count ଵୃତ୍ତ): in this verse, the written segments carry approximately 13 + 19 + 15 + 13 ମାତ୍ରାଃ (total 60); treat ଲଘୁ=1 ମାତ୍ରା and ଗୁରୁ=2 ମାତ୍ରାଃ, and keep the natural pauses at the segment ends marked by `।`/`॥` (do not confuse ଦଂଡ with internal ୟତି).

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ପ୍ରଥିତଃ - well-known; established
ପ୍ରଣୟଃ - love; affection
ପ୍ରଣୟଵତୀନାଂ - of loving women
ତାଵତ୍ - so long
ପଦଂ - place; foothold
ଆତନୋତୁ - may take; may assume
ହୃଦି - in the heart
ମାନଃ - pride; sulkiness (lover's offended pride)
ଭଵତି - becomes; is
ନ - not
ୟାଵତ୍ - until
ଚଂଦନ - sandalwood
ତରୁଃ - tree
ଚଂଦନତରୁ - sandalwood tree
ସୁରଭିଃ - fragrant
ମଲୟ - Malaya mountain
ପଵମାନଃ - wind
ମଲୟପଵମାନଃ - the Malaya breeze

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
The pride/sulking of loving women holds its place in the heart only until the Malaya breeze becomes fragrant with sandalwood trees.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
In ଶୃଂଗାର, ମାନ (the lover's proud "sulk") is not hatred; it is part of intimacy's rhythm. The verse says even that pride melts when the atmosphere turns soft and fragrant. At home and at work, timing matters similarly: a difficult conversation goes better when both people are rested and the environment is calm. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to de-escalate first - lower stress, speak gently, and let warmth return - then resolve the issue without turning it into a power struggle.

ସହକାରକୁସୁମକେସରନିକର
ଭରାମୋଦମୂର୍ଚ୍ଛିତଦିଗ୍ଅଂତେ ।
ମଧୁରମଧୁରଵିଧୁରମଧୁପେ
ମଧୌ ଭଵେତ୍କସ୍ୟ ନୋତ୍କଂଠା ॥ 2.86 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ମାତ୍ରା-ଚଂଦସ୍): This is in a ମାତ୍ରା-based Chandas/Meter (not a fixed ଅକ୍ଷର-count ଵୃତ୍ତ): in this verse, the written segments carry approximately 16 + 15 + 17 + 16 ମାତ୍ରାଃ (total 64); treat ଲଘୁ=1 ମାତ୍ରା and ଗୁରୁ=2 ମାତ୍ରାଃ, and keep the natural pauses at the segment ends marked by `।`/`॥` (do not confuse ଦଂଡ with internal ୟତି).

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ସହକାର - mango tree
କୁସୁମଂ - flower
କେସରଃ - pollen; stamen
ନିକରଃ - heap; cluster
ସହକାରକୁସୁମକେସରନିକରଃ - clusters of mango blossoms and pollen
ଭରା - load; weight
ଆମୋଦଃ - fragrance
ଭରାମୋଦଃ - heavy fragrance
ମୂର୍ଚ୍ଛିତ - swooned; intoxicated
ଦିଗ୍ - direction
ଅଂତଃ - end; quarter
ଦିଗଂତେ - in the directions/quarters
ଦିଗ୍ଅଂତେ - in the directions (verse join)
ଭରାମୋଦମୂର୍ଚ୍ଛିତଦିଗ୍ଅଂତେ - when the quarters are intoxicated by heavy fragrance
ମଧୁରଂ - sweetly
ମଧୁର - sweet
ଵିଧୁରଂ - plaintively; piteously
ମଧୁପଃ - bee
ମଧୁପେ - O bee
ମଧୁରମଧୁରଵିଧୁରମଧୁପେ - O bee, sweetly-sweetly and plaintively (your humming)
ମଧୌ - in spring (ମଧୁ season)
ଭଵେତ୍ - would be
କସ୍ୟ - of whom
ନ - not
ଉତ୍କଂଠା - longing; yearning

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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?

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse describes how the senses are "tuned" by the environment: spring fragrances and sounds naturally intensify ଉତ୍କଂଠା (yearning). These days, the same is true of certain places, music, or memories - they can amplify longing instantly. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to use this wisely: choose environments that support wholesome love and creativity, and be cautious of settings that predictably push you toward impulsive choices.

From a broader perspective: A season changes the outer world and the inner weather. Pay attention to that inner weather. If you are lonely, a rainy night can push you into old loops; if you are content, it can become poetry. Build small practices that keep you grounded - sleep, movement, and a little silence.

ଅଚ୍ଛାଚ୍ଛଚଂଦନରସାର୍ଦ୍ରତରା ମୃଗାକ୍ଷ୍ୟୋ
ଧାରାଗୃହାଣି କୁସୁମାନି ଚ କୌମୁଦୀ ଚ ।
ମଂଦୋ ମରୁତ୍ସୁମନସଃ ଶୁଚି ହର୍ମ୍ୟପୃଷ୍ଠଂ
ଗ୍ରୀଷ୍ମେ ମଦଂ ଚ ମଦନଂ ଚ ଵିଵର୍ଧୟଂତି ॥ 2.87 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଅଚ୍ଛାଚ୍ଛ - very clear; very clean
ଚଂଦନ - sandalwood
ରସଃ - juice; paste
ଆର୍ଦ୍ର - moist
ତରା - more (comparative)
ଚଂଦନ - sandalwood
ରସାର୍ଦ୍ରତରାଃ - more moist with sandalwood paste
ମୃଗାକ୍ଷ୍ୟଃ - doe-eyed women
ଧାରା - stream; jet
ଗୃହଂ - house; pavilion
ଧାରାଗୃହାଣି - water-pavilions; shower-houses
କୁସୁମାନି - flowers
ଚ - and
କୌମୁଦୀ - moonlight; moonlit night
ଚ - and
ମଂଦଃ - gentle
ମରୁତ୍ - wind
ସୁମନସଃ - flowers
ମରୁତ୍ସୁମନସଃ - winds and flowers
ଶୁଚି - clean
ହର୍ମ୍ୟ - palace; mansion
ପୃଷ୍ଠଂ - terrace; roof
ହର୍ମ୍ୟପୃଷ୍ଠଂ - the mansion-terrace
ଗ୍ରୀଷ୍ମେ - in summer
ମଦଂ - intoxication
ଚ - and
ମଦନଂ - desire; Cupid
ଚ - and
ଵିଵର୍ଧୟଂତି - increase; intensify

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
Bhartruhari notes a simple truth: comfort and sensuous atmosphere can intensify craving. When you look around today, the same happens when we are relaxed, surrounded by beauty, and feeling physically good - desire feels stronger and self-control can weaken. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is balance: enjoy pleasures without letting them dictate decisions; keep your commitments and boundaries steady, especially in settings where the senses are strongly stimulated.

On a subtler level: Such verses also teach that pleasure is relational: fragrance, sound, and moonlight become delightful when the heart is open. If the heart is closed, the same stimuli irritate. So care for the heart: reduce resentment, practice forgiveness, and keep gratitude alive.

ସ୍ରଜୋ ହୃଦ୍ୟାମୋଦା ଵ୍ୟଜନପଵନଶ୍ଚଂଦ୍ରକିରଣାଃ
ପରାଗଃ କାସାରୋ ମଲୟଜରଜଃ ଶୀଧୁ ଵିଶଦମ୍ ।
ଶୁଚିଃ ସୌଧୋତ୍ସଂଗଃ ପ୍ରତନୁ ଵସନଂ ପଂକଜଦୃଶୋ
ନିଦାଘଋତାଵେତଦ୍ଵିଲସତି ଲଭଂତେ ସୁକୃତିନଃ ॥ 2.88 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ସ୍ରଜାଃ - garlands
ହୃଦି - in the heart
ଆମୋଦଃ - fragrance
ହୃଦ୍ୟାମୋଦାଃ - pleasing fragrance
ଵ୍ୟଜନଂ - fan
ପଵନଃ - breeze
ଵ୍ୟଜନପଵନଃ - fan-breeze
ଚଂଦ୍ର - moon
କିରଣାଃ - rays
ଚଂଦ୍ରକିରଣାଃ - moon-rays
ପରାଗଃ - pollen
କାସାରଃ - lake; lotus-pond
ମଲୟ - Malaya mountain
ଜ - born from
ରଜଃ - dust; powder
ମଲୟଜରଜଃ - sandalwood-dust (from Malaya)
ସୀଧୁ - wine; fermented drink
ଵିଶଦଂ - clear; pure
ଶୁଚିଃ - clean; pure
ସୌଧଃ - mansion
ଉତ୍ସଂଗଃ - lap; ledge; terrace-seat
ସୌଧୋତ୍ସଂଗଃ - the clean ledge/terrace of a mansion
ପ୍ରତନୁ - thin; delicate
ଵସନଂ - garment
ପଂକଜ - lotus
ଦୃଶ୍ - eye; sight
ପଂକଜଦୃଶଃ - of the lotus-eyed woman
ନିଦାଘ - summer
ଋତୌ - in the season
ଏତଦ୍ - this
ଵିଲସତି - sport; delight
ଲଭଂତେ - obtain; enjoy
ସୁକୃତିନଃ - the meritorious; the fortunate

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse is a catalogue of "cooling" pleasures - things that soothe the body and, by that very soothing, make sensual enjoyment easier. In daily interactions, comfort and luxury can either become healthy rest or become a slippery slope into excess. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to enjoy comfort with awareness: let it restore you, not numb you; and remember that the mind can become dependent on external arrangements unless it also learns inner contentment.

A gentle practice is: Let nature's beauty remind you of balance. Seasons come and go; moods also come and go. When you learn to enjoy without clinging, you gain both joy and freedom. That is the quiet wisdom hidden inside these descriptions.

ସୁଧାଶୁଭ୍ରଂ ଧାମ ସ୍ଫୁରଦ୍ଅମଲରଶ୍ମିଃ ଶଶଧରଃ
ପ୍ରିୟାଵକ୍ତ୍ରାଂଭୋଜଂ ମଲୟଜରଜଶ୍ଚାତିସୁରଭିଃ ।
ସ୍ରଜୋ ହୃଦ୍ୟାମୋଦାସ୍ତଦିଦଂ ଅଖିଲଂ ରାଗିଣି ଜନେ
କରୋତ୍ୟଂତଃ କ୍ଷୋଭଂ ନ ତୁ ଵିଷୟସଂସର୍ଗଵିମୁଖେ ॥ 2.89 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ସୁଧା - nectar
ଶୁଭ୍ରଂ - white; bright
ଧାମ - radiance; light
ସୁଧାଶୁଭ୍ରଂ ଧାମ - nectar-white radiance
ସ୍ଫୁରଦ୍ - shining
ଅମଲ - spotless; pure
ରଶ୍ମିଃ - ray
ସ୍ଫୁରଦ୍ଅମଲରଶ୍ମିଃ - shining with pure rays (verse join)
ଶଶଧରଃ - the moon
ପ୍ରିୟା - beloved
ଵକ୍ତ୍ରଂ - face
ଅଂବୁଜଂ - lotus
ପ୍ରିୟାଵକ୍ତ୍ରାଂଭୋଜଂ - the beloved's lotus-face
ମଲୟଜ - sandalwood
ରଜଃ - dust
ଅତି - very
ସୁରଭିଃ - fragrant
ମଲୟଜରଜଃ - sandalwood dust
ଚାତିସୁରଭିଃ - very fragrant
ସ୍ରଜାଃ - garlands
ହୃଦ୍ୟାମୋଦାଃ - pleasing fragrance
ତଦ୍ - that
ଇଦଂ - this
ଅଖିଲଂ - all; entire
ରାଗିଣି - in one full of passion
ଜନେ - in a person
କରୋତି - makes
ଅଂତଃ - within
କ୍ଷୋଭଂ - agitation; disturbance
ନ - not
ତୁ - but
ଵିଷୟ - sense-objects
ସଂସର୍ଗଃ - contact; association
ଵିମୁଖେ - in one turned away; detached

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse makes a subtle psychological point: the world does not "do" the same thing to everyone. The same moonlight that stirs longing in one mind can be simply beautiful and quiet for another mind that is ଵିମୁଖ (turned away) from craving. In common experience, this is why the best change is internal: when attachment loosens, triggers lose power. From an ଅଦ୍ଵୈତ (non-duality) angle, reducing ରାଗ (clinging) and ଦ୍ଵେଷ (aversion) makes perception clearer and less agitated.

One more layer is this: Here ଭର୍ତୃହରି hints that perception is colored by desire and clarified by ଵିଵେକ. This is central to ଅଦ୍ଵୈତ: the mind projects, and freedom begins when projection is seen. A simple practice is to watch your own stories and ask, "What am I adding to what is happening?" That question loosens obsession.

ତରୁଣୀଵେଷୋଦ୍ଦୀପିତକାମା
ଵିକସଜ୍ଜାତୀପୁଷ୍ପସୁଗଂଧିଃ ।
ଉନ୍ନତପୀନପୟୋଧରଭାରା
ପ୍ରାଵୃଟ୍ତନୁତେ କସ୍ୟ ନ ହର୍ଷମ୍ ॥ 2.90 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ମାତ୍ରା-ଚଂଦସ୍): This is in a ମାତ୍ରା-based Chandas/Meter (not a fixed ଅକ୍ଷର-count ଵୃତ୍ତ): in this verse, the written segments carry approximately 16 + 16 + 16 + 16 ମାତ୍ରାଃ (total 64); treat ଲଘୁ=1 ମାତ୍ରା and ଗୁରୁ=2 ମାତ୍ରାଃ, and keep the natural pauses at the segment ends marked by `।`/`॥` (do not confuse ଦଂଡ with internal ୟତି).

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ତରୁଣୀ - young woman
ଵେଷଃ - attire; dress
ଉଦ୍ଦୀପିତ - kindled; intensified
କାମଃ - desire
ତରୁଣୀଵେଷୋଦ୍ଦୀପିତକାମା - desire kindled by young women's attire
ଵିକସତ୍ - blooming
ଜାତୀ - jasmine
ପୁଷ୍ପଂ - flower
ସୁଗଂଧିଃ - fragrant
ଵିକସଜ୍ଜାତୀପୁଷ୍ପସୁଗଂଧିଃ - fragrant with blooming jasmine flowers
ଉନ୍ନତ - high
ପୀନ - full
ପୟୋଧରଃ - breast
ଭାରଃ - weight; burden
ଉନ୍ନତପୀନପୟୋଧରଭାରା - with the burden of high, full breasts
ପ୍ରାଵୃଟ୍ - the rainy season
ତନୁତେ - produces; spreads
କସ୍ୟ - for whom
ନ - not
ହର୍ଷଂ - joy

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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?

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
Bhartruhari links ପ୍ରାଵୃଟ୍ (monsoon) with romance: clouds, fragrance, and closeness make desire feel natural and widespread. In contemporary life, seasons and settings still shape behavior - rainy evenings can make people nostalgic, intimate, and more impulsive. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to let the mood deepen connection, not lower ethics: enjoy romance with clarity, consent, and responsibility, so that seasonal emotion becomes sweetness rather than regret.

ଵିୟଦ୍ଉପଚିତମେଘଂ ଭୂମୟଃ କଂଦଲିନ୍ୟୋ
ନଵକୁଟଜକଦଂବାମୋଦିନୋ ଗଂଧଵାହାଃ ।
ଶିଖିକୁଲକଲକେକାରାଵରମ୍ୟା ଵନାଂତାଃ
ସୁଖିନଂ ଅସୁଖିନଂ ଵା ସର୍ଵଂ ଉତ୍କଂଠୟଂତି ॥ 2.91 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଵିୟତ୍ - sky
ଉପଚିତ - filled; accumulated
ମେଘଂ - cloud(s)
ଵିୟଦ୍ଉପଚିତମେଘଂ - the sky filled with clouds (verse join)
ଭୂମୟଃ - the earth; grounds
କଂଦଲ - fresh shoot; sprout
କଂଦଲିନ୍ୟାଃ - full of shoots/sprouts
ନଵ - new
କୁଟଜ - the କୁଟଜ tree
କଦଂବ - the କଦଂବ tree
ଆମୋଦିନଃ - fragrant; perfuming
ନଵକୁଟଜକଦଂବାମୋଦିନାଃ - fragrant with new କୁଟଜ and କଦଂବ
ଗଂଧଵାହାଃ - winds (bearers of fragrance)
ଶିଖି - peacock
କୁଲଂ - group
ଶିଖିକୁଲଂ - flocks of peacocks
କଲକଲଃ - chattering sound; noisy calls
ଏକାରାଵଃ - a single cry/call
ରମ୍ୟାଃ - charming
ଶିଖିକୁଲକଲକେକାରାଵରମ୍ୟାଃ - charming with peacocks' calls and chatter
ଵନାଂତାଃ - forest-groves
ସୁଖିନଂ - the happy one
ଅସୁଖିନଂ - the unhappy one
ଵା - or
ସର୍ଵଂ - everyone
ଉତ୍କଂଠୟଂତି - stir longing; make eager

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This verse says some moods are "in the air". In monsoon, nature becomes dramatic and sensual, and even people who feel fine can suddenly feel ଉତ୍କଂଠା (yearning). In everyday life, weather and music can work similarly: a rainy evening can make you nostalgic, romantic, or restless without any clear reason. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to notice the mood as a wave, not as a command - enjoy it, express it creatively, but do not let it push you into choices that you will regret.

ଉପରି ଘନଂ ଘନପଟଲଂ
ତିର୍ୟଗ୍ଗିରୟୋଽପି ନର୍ତିତମୟୂରାଃ ।
କ୍ଷିତିରପି କଂଦଲଧଵଲା
ଦୃଷ୍ଟିଂ ପଥିକଃ କ୍ଵ ପାତୟତି ॥ 2.92 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ମାତ୍ରା-ଚଂଦସ୍): This is in a ମାତ୍ରା-based Chandas/Meter (not a fixed ଅକ୍ଷର-count ଵୃତ୍ତ): in this verse, the written segments carry approximately 12 + 18 + 13 + 16 ମାତ୍ରାଃ (total 59); treat ଲଘୁ=1 ମାତ୍ରା and ଗୁରୁ=2 ମାତ୍ରାଃ, and keep the natural pauses at the segment ends marked by `।`/`॥` (do not confuse ଦଂଡ with internal ୟତି).

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଉପରି - above
ଘନଂ - dense; massed
ଘନ - cloud
ପଟଲଂ - layer; mass
ଘନପଟଲଂ - mass of clouds
ତିର୍ୟକ୍ - sideways
ଗିରୟଃ - mountains
ଅପି - even; also (verse: ଗିରୟୋଽପି = ଗିରୟଃ + ଅପି)
ନର୍ତିତ - dancing
ମୟୂରାଃ - peacocks
କ୍ଷିତିଃ - the earth
ଅପି - also
କଂଦଲ - sprouts; shoots
ଧଵଲା - white; pale
କଂଦଲଧଵଲା - pale with fresh shoots
ଦୃଷ୍ଟିଂ - gaze
ପଥିକଃ - traveler
କ୍ଵ - where
ପାତୟତି - casts; drops

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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?

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse is about being surrounded by beauty: attention wants to jump everywhere. In day-to-day living, we can feel the same in a new city, a festival, or even a "feed" full of stimuli - the eyes do not know where to rest. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to slow down and savor one thing at a time. Pleasure becomes deeper when attention is steady, not scattered.

ଇତୋ ଵିଦ୍ୟୁଦ୍ଵଲ୍ଲୀଵିଲସିତଂ ଇତଃ କେତକିତରୋଃ
ସ୍ଫୁରନ୍ଗଂଧଃ ପ୍ରୋଦ୍ୟଜ୍ଜଲଦନିନଦସ୍ଫୂର୍ଜିତଂ ଇତଃ ।
ଇତଃ କେକିକ୍ରୀଡାକଲକଲରଵଃ ପକ୍ଷ୍ମଲଦୃଶାଂ
କଥଂ ୟାସ୍ୟଂତ୍ୟେତେ ଵିରହଦିଵସାଃ ସଂଭୃତରସାଃ ॥ 2.93 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଇତଃ - here; from this side
ଵିଦ୍ୟୁତ୍ - lightning
ଵଲ୍ଲୀ - creeper; vine
ଵିଲସିତଂ - flashing play
ଵିଦ୍ୟୁଦ୍ଵଲ୍ଲୀଵିଲସିତଂ - the play of lightning-vines
ଇତଃ - here
କେତକୀ - the କେତକୀ plant
ତରୁଃ - tree
କେତକିତରୋଃ - of the କେତକୀ tree
ସ୍ଫୁରତ୍ - throbbing; spreading
ଗଂଧଃ - fragrance
ସ୍ଫୁରନ୍ଗଂଧଃ - spreading fragrance
ପ୍ରୋଦ୍ୟତ୍ - rising; swelling
ଜଲଦଃ - cloud
ନିନଦଃ - sound; roar
ସ୍ଫୂର୍ଜିତଂ - thunderous roar
ଜଲଦନିନଦସ୍ଫୂର୍ଜିତଂ - the thunder-roar of clouds
ଇତଃ - here
କେକି - peacock
କ୍ରୀଡା - play
କଲକଲଃ - noisy chatter
ରଵଃ - sound
କେକିକ୍ରୀଡାକଲକଲରଵଃ - the noisy calls of peacocks at play
ପକ୍ଷ୍ମଲ - long-lashed
ଦୃଶାଂ - of the eyes; of the doe-eyed women
ପକ୍ଷ୍ମଲଦୃଶାଂ - of the long-lashed (women)
କଥଂ - how
ୟାସ୍ୟଂତି - will pass; will go
ଏତେ - these
ଵିରହ - separation
ଦିନସାଃ - days
ଵିରହଦିନସାଃ - days of separation
ସଂଭୃତ - full; heaped up
ରସଃ - feeling; emotion
ସଂଭୃତରସାଃ - full of intense feeling

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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?

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse explains why certain seasons make loneliness feel sharper: they are full of sensory reminders. In our daily routines, this is why a rainy playlist, a smell, or a place can suddenly reopen longing - the mind links stimuli with memory. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to work with triggers: if you are healing, reduce exposure; if you are in a long-distance bond, use the same triggers intentionally (a shared song, a planned call) to convert longing into connection rather than rumination.

If you want this verse to uplift you: These seasonal images show how mood is shaped by climate. When you feel more restless or nostalgic, treat it as a natural rhythm, not as a command. Use it to deepen appreciation: be kinder, write more, reach out more. But do not let mood drive reckless choices; let it become beauty with discipline.

ଅସୂଚିସଂଚାରେ ତମସି ନଭସି ପ୍ରୌଢଜଲଦଧ୍ଵନିପ୍ରୟେ
ତସ୍ମିନ୍ ପତତି ଦୃଶଦାଂ ନୀରନିଚୟେ ।
ଇଦଂ ସୌଦାମିନ୍ୟାଃ କନକକମନୀୟଂ ଵିଲସିତଂ
ମୁଦଂ ଚ ଗ୍ଲାନିଂ ଚ ପ୍ରଥୟତି ପଥିଷ୍ଵେଵ ସୁଦୃଶାମ୍ ॥ 2.94 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଅସୂଚି - needle(-like)
ସଂଚାରଃ - movement; roaming
ଅସୂଚିସଂଚାରେ - where needle-like streaks move (rain-streaks)
ତମସି - in darkness
ନଭସି - in the sky
ପ୍ରୌଢ - dense; intense
ଜଲଦଃ - cloud
ଧ୍ଵନିଃ - sound; thunder
ପ୍ରାୟଃ - mostly; filled with
ଧ୍ଵନିପ୍ରୟେ - filled with thunder
ତସ୍ମିନ୍ - in that
ପତତି - falls
ଦୃଶଦ୍ - stone; hail
ଦୃଶଦାଂ - of hailstones
ନୀର - water
ନିଚୟଃ - heap; collection
ନୀରନିଚୟେ - in the collection/pool of water
ଇଦଂ - this
ସୌଦାମିନୀ - lightning
ସୌଦାମିନ୍ୟାଃ - of lightning
କନକ - gold
କମନୀୟଂ - charming; beautiful
ଵିଲସିତଂ - flash; play; shining
ମୁଦଂ - joy
ଚ - and
ଗ୍ଲାନିଂ - fatigue; weariness
ଚ - and
ପ୍ରଥୟତି - spreads; produces
ପଥିଷୁ - on the roads
ଏଵ - indeed
ସୁଦୃଶାଂ - of beautiful-eyed women

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse captures mixed emotion: a storm can be thrilling and also tiring. In today's relationships, intense experiences often produce both - excitement and exhaustion, joy and a kind of ଗ୍ଲାନି (weariness). The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to respect that blend: after high stimulation, rest and ground yourself, so that beauty does not turn into burnout.

ଆସାରେଣ ନ ହର୍ମ୍ୟତଃ ପ୍ରିୟତମୈର୍ୟାତୁଂ ବହିଃ ଶକ୍ୟତେ
ଶୀତୋତ୍କଂପନିମିତ୍ତଂ ଆୟତଦୃଶା ଗାଢଂ ସମାଲିଂଗ୍ୟତେ ।
ଜାତାଃ ଶୀକରଶୀତଲାଶ୍ଚ ମରୁତୋରତ୍ୟଂତଖେଦଚ୍ଛିଦୋ
ଧନ୍ୟାନାଂ ବତ ଦୁର୍ଦିନଂ ସୁଦିନତାଂ ୟାତି ପ୍ରିୟାସଂଗମେ ॥ 2.95 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଆସାରଃ - rain; shower
ଆସାରେଣ - because of rain
ନ - not
ହର୍ମ୍ୟତଃ - from the mansion
ପ୍ରିୟତମୈଃ - by/with beloved ones
ୟାତୁଂ - to go
ବହିଃ - outside
ଶକ୍ୟତେ - is possible
ଶୀତ - cold
ଉତ୍କଂପଃ - shivering
ନିମିତ୍ତଂ - cause
ଶୀତୋତ୍କଂପନିମିତ୍ତଂ - because of shivering from cold
ଆୟତ - long
ଦୃଶା - by the long-eyed woman
ଗାଢଂ - tightly
ସମାଲିଂଗ୍ୟତେ - is embraced
ଜାତାଃ - become
ଶୀକରଃ - spray; mist
ଶୀତଲାଃ - cool
ଚ - and
ମରୁତଃ - winds
ଅତ୍ୟଂତ - extremely
ଖେଦଃ - fatigue; distress
ଚ୍ଛିଦଃ - cutting; removing
ଅତ୍ୟଂତଖେଦଚ୍ଛିଦଃ - removing great fatigue
ଧନ୍ୟାନାଂ - of the fortunate
ବତ - indeed; alas
ଦୁର୍ଦିନଂ - a gloomy/bad day
ସୁଦିନତାଂ - becomes a good day
ୟାତି - goes; becomes
ପ୍ରିୟା - beloved
ସଂଗମଃ - union; meeting
ପ୍ରିୟାସଂଗମେ - in union with the beloved

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This verse is about turning constraint into closeness. When the world forces a pause, lovers can use it to be present with one another. In real-world settings, a storm that cancels plans can become an evening of warmth, conversation, and repair - if we choose it. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to create "good days" not only by external events, but by how we meet the moment: attention, kindness, and shared time.

ଅର୍ଧଂ ସୁପ୍ତ୍ଵା ନିଶାୟାଃ ସରଭସସୁରତାୟାସସନ୍ନଶ୍ଲଥାଂଗପ୍ରୋଦ୍ଭୂତାସହ୍ୟ
ତୃଷ୍ଣୋ ମଧୁମଦନିରତୋ ହର୍ମ୍ୟପୃଷ୍ଠେ ଵିଵିକ୍ତେ ।
ସଂଭୋଗକ୍ଲାଂତକାଂତାଶିଥିଲଭୁଜଲତାଵର୍ଜିତଂ କର୍କରୀତୋ
ଜ୍ୟୋତ୍ସ୍ନାଭିନ୍ନାଚ୍ଛଧାରଂ ପିବତି ନ ସଲିଲଂ ଶାରଦଂ ମଂଦପୁଣ୍ୟଃ ॥ 2.96 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଅର୍ଧଂ - half
ସୁପ୍ତ୍ଵା - having slept
ନିଶାୟାଃ - of the night
ସରଭସ - hurried; impetuous
ସୁରତଂ - lovemaking; intimacy
ଆୟାସଃ - exertion; fatigue
ଆୟାସସନ୍ନଃ - exhausted by exertion
ଶ୍ଲଥ - slack
ଅଂଗଃ - limbs
ସନ୍ନଶ୍ଲଥାଂଗଃ - limbs grown slack from exhaustion
ପ୍ରୋଦ୍ଭୂତ - arisen
ଅସହ୍ୟ - unbearable
ତୃଷ୍ଣା - thirst
ପ୍ରୋଦ୍ଭୂତାସହ୍ୟ ତୃଷ୍ଣା - unbearable thirst that has arisen
ମଧୁ - wine; intoxicant
ମଦନଃ - Cupid; desire
ମଧୁ ମଦନ - wine and desire
ମଧୁମଦନିରତଃ - given to wine and desire
ହର୍ମ୍ୟ - mansion
ପୃଷ୍ଠଂ - terrace; roof
ହର୍ମ୍ୟପୃଷ୍ଠେ - on the mansion-terrace
ଵିଵିକ୍ତେ - in solitude
ସଂଭୋଗଃ - union; enjoyment
କ୍ଲାଂତା - tired
କାଂତା - beloved woman
ଶିଥିଲ - slack
ଭୁଜଃ - arm
ଲତା - creeper; vine
ବୁଜଲତା - arm-vines
ଆଵର୍ଜିତଂ - drawn around; encircling
ସଂଭୋଗକ୍ଲାଂତକାଂତାଶିଥିଲଭୁଜଲତାଵର୍ଜିତଂ - embraced by the beloved's slack arms after union
କର୍କରୀ - a water-vessel/pitcher
ଇତଃ - from
କର୍କରୀତୋ - from the କର୍କରୀ
ଜ୍ୟୋତ୍ସ୍ନା - moonlight
ଭିନ୍ନ - split; broken by
ଅଚ୍ଛ - clear
ଧାରା - stream
ଜ୍ୟୋତ୍ସ୍ନାଭିନ୍ନାଚ୍ଛଧାରଂ - a clear stream broken by moonlight
ପିବତି - drinks
ନ - not
ସଲିଲଂ - water
ଶାରଦଂ - autumnal
ମଂଦ - little
ପୁଣ୍ୟଃ - merit; good fortune
ମଂଦପୁଣ୍ୟଃ - of little fortune; unfortunate

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This verse is playful irony: he has water in front of him and still cannot drink, because love has "captured" him. In lived experience, we also miss simple, nourishing things because we are caught in an absorbing experience - sometimes beautiful, sometimes addictive. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to keep balance: let intimacy be deep, but also take care of basic needs (sleep, health, clarity) so pleasure does not become depletion.

ହେମଂତେ ଦଧିଦୁଗ୍ଧସର୍ପିରଶନା ମାଂଜିଷ୍ଠଵାସୋଭୃତଃ
କାଶ୍ମୀରଦ୍ରଵସାଂଦ୍ରଦିଗ୍ଧଵପୁଷଶ୍ଛିନ୍ନା ଵିଚିତ୍ରୈ ରତୈଃ ।
ଵୃତ୍ତୋରୁସ୍ତନକାମିନୋଜନକୃତାଶ୍ଲେଷା ଗୃହାଭ୍ୟଂତରେ
ତାଂବୂଲୀଦଲପୂଗପୂରିତମୁଖା ଧନ୍ୟାଃ ସୁଖଂ ଶେରତେ ॥ 2.97 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ହେମଂତେ - in winter
ଦଧି - curd
ଦୁଗ୍ଧ - milk
ସର୍ପିଃ - ghee
ଅଶନା - eating
ଦଧିଦୁଗ୍ଧସର୍ପିରଶନା - eating curd, milk, and ghee
ମାଂଜିଷ୍ଠ - red dye (ମାଂଜିଷ୍ଠ)
ଵାସଃ - garments
ଭୃତଃ - wearing
ମାଂଜିଷ୍ଠଵାସୋଭୃତଃ - wearing ମାଂଜିଷ୍ଠ-colored garments
କାଶ୍ମୀର - saffron/Kashmir
ଦ୍ରଵଃ - liquid; paste
ସାଂଦ୍ର - thick
ଦିଗ୍ଧ - smeared
ଵପୁଷଃ - bodies
କାଶ୍ମୀରଦ୍ରଵସାଂଦ୍ରଦିଗ୍ଧଵପୁଷଃ - bodies smeared with thick saffron paste
ଚିନ୍ନାଃ - ended; spent
ଵିଚିତ୍ରୈଃ - with various
ରତୈଃ - acts of love; pleasures
ଵୃତ୍ତ - round
ଊରୁଃ - thigh
ସ୍ତନଃ - breast
କାମିନୀ - woman
ଜନଃ - person
କୃତଃ - made; done
ଆଶ୍ଲେଷଃ - embrace
ଵୃତ୍ତୋରୁସ୍ତନକାମିନୋଜନକୃତାଶ୍ଲେଷାଃ - those who have embraced women with round thighs and breasts
ଗୃହ - house
ଅଭ୍ୟଂତରଃ - inside
ଗୃହାଭ୍ୟଂତରେ - inside the house
ତାଂବୂଲୀ - betel leaf
ଦଲଂ - leaf
ପୂଗଃ - areca nut
ପୂରିତ - filled
ମୁଖା - mouths
ତାଂବୂଲୀଦଲପୂଗପୂରିତମୁଖାଃ - mouths filled with betel leaves and areca
ଧନ୍ୟାଃ - the fortunate
ସୁଖଂ - happily
ଶେରତେ - lie down; sleep

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse describes warmth, luxury, and intimacy as a seasonal rhythm: when it is cold outside, people seek heat and closeness within. In ordinary situations, winter often increases "nesting" - home, comfort food, and private connection. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is moderation: enjoy warmth and intimacy, but keep health in mind and avoid turning comfort into excess that leaves the body and mind dull.

ପ୍ରଦୁୟତ୍ପ୍ରୌଢପ୍ରିୟଂଗୁଦ୍ୟୁତିଭୃତି ଵିକସତ୍କୁଂଦମାଦ୍ୟଦ୍ଦ୍ଵିରେଫେ
କାଲେ ପ୍ରାଲେୟଵାତପ୍ରଚଲଵିଲସିତୋଦାରମଂଦାରଧାମ୍ନି ।
ୟେଷାଂ ନୋ କଂଠଲଗ୍ନା କ୍ଷଣଂ ଅପି ତୁହିନକ୍ଷୋଦଦକ୍ଷା ମୃଗାକ୍ଷୀ
ତେସାଂ ଆୟାମୟାମା ୟମସଦନସମା ୟାମିନୀ ୟାତି ୟୂନାମ୍ ॥ 2.98 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ପ୍ରଦୁୟତ୍ - shining
ପ୍ରୌଢ - full; intense
ପ୍ରିୟଂଗୁ - the ପ୍ରିୟଂଗୁ plant/flower
ଦ୍ୟୁତିଃ - radiance
ଭୃତିଃ - bearing
ପ୍ରିୟଂଗୁଦ୍ୟୁତିଭୃତି - bearing the radiance of ପ୍ରିୟଂଗୁ
ଵିକସତ୍ - blooming
କୁଂଦ - କୁଂଦ flower
ମାଦ୍ୟତ୍ - intoxicating; maddening
ଦ୍ଵିରେପଃ - bee ("two-drinker")
ମାଦ୍ୟଦ୍ଦ୍ଵିରେପେ - where bees are intoxicated
କାଲେ - in the season/time
ପ୍ରାଲେୟ - frost; snow
ଵାତଃ - wind
ପ୍ରଚଲ - moving; shaking
ଵିଲସିତଂ - play; swaying
ଓଦାର - splendid
ମଂଦାର - the ମଂଦାର tree
ଧାମନ୍ - abode; region
ମଂଦାରଧାମ୍ନି - in the region of ମଂଦାର
ପ୍ରାଲେୟଵାତପ୍ରଚଲଵିଲସିତୋଦାରମଂଦାରଧାମ୍ନି - in the splendid ମଂଦାର groves swaying in the frosty wind
ୟେଷାଂ - of those (for whom)
ନ - not
ଉ - indeed; even
ନୋ - not indeed (poetic)
କଂଠଃ - neck
ଲଗ୍ନା - clinging
କ୍ଷଣଂ - a moment
ଅପି - even
ତୁହିନ - frost; snow
କ୍ଷୋଦଃ - rubbing; crushing
ଦକ୍ଷା - skilled
ତୁହିନକ୍ଷୋଦଦକ୍ଷା - skilled at rubbing away the cold
ମୃଗାକ୍ଷୀ - doe-eyed woman
ତେସାଂ - for those
ଆୟାମଃ - long
ୟାମା - night (watch)
ଆୟାମୟାମା - the long night
ୟମ - Yama (lord of death)
ସଦନଂ - abode; house
ସମା - like
ୟମସଦନସମା - like Yama's abode
ୟାମିନୀ - night
ୟାତି - goes; passes
ୟୂନାଂ - for youths

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse says absence is not abstract; it is felt in the body. Cold makes the need for warmth immediate, so separation feels harsher. In practical terms, loneliness often intensifies at night, in winter, or during quiet moments when there is no distraction. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to not romanticize suffering: build support, routines, and honest connection, so that longing does not turn into despair.

ଚୁଂବଂତୋ ଗଂଡଭିତ୍ତୀରଲକଵତି ମୁଖେ ସୀତ୍କୃତାନ୍ୟାଦଧାନା
ଵକ୍ଷଃସୂତ୍କଂଚୁକେଷୁ ସ୍ତନଭରପୁଲକୋଦ୍ଭେଦଂ ଆପାଦୟଂତଃ ।
ଊରୂନାକଂପୟଂତଃ ପୃଥୁଜଘନତଟାତ୍ସ୍ରଂସୟଂତୋଽଂଶୁକାନି
ଵ୍ୟକ୍ତଂ କାଂତାଜନାନାଂ ଵିଟଚରିତଭୃତଃ ଶୈଶିରା ଵାଂତି ଵାତାଃ ॥ 2.99 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଚୁଂବଂତଃ - kissing
ଗଂଡଃ - cheek
ଭିତ୍ତିଃ - wall
ଗଂଡଭିତ୍ତୀ - cheek-walls
ଅଲକଃ - curl; lock of hair
ଵତି - possessing
ଅଲକଵତୀ - curly-haired
ମୁଖେ - on the face/mouth
ସୀତ୍କୃତାନି - hissing sounds (made in passion)
ଆଦଧାନାଃ - producing; adopting
ଵକ୍ଷଃ - chest
ଉତ୍କଂଚୁକଃ - tight bodice
ସୂତ୍କଂଚୁକେଷୁ - in tight bodices
ସ୍ତନଃ - breast
ଭରଃ - weight
ପୁଲକଃ - goosebumps
ଉଦ୍ଭେଦଃ - rising; manifestation
ସ୍ତନଭରପୁଲକୋଦ୍ଭେଦଂ - making goosebumps rise on the breasts
ଆପାଦୟଂତଃ - causing; producing
ଊରୂନ୍ - thighs
ଆକଂପୟଂତଃ - making tremble
ପୃଥୁ - broad
ଜଘନଂ - hips
ତଟା - slope/bank
ପୃଥୁଜଘନତଟା - the slope of broad hips
ତ୍ସ୍ରଂସୟଂତଃ - loosening; making slip down
ଅଂଶୁକାନି - garments
ତ୍ସ୍ରଂସୟଂତୋଽଂଶୁକାନି - loosening garments (sandhi)
ଵ୍ୟକ୍ତଂ - clearly
କାଂତାଜନାନାଂ - of beloved women
ଵିଟଃ - libertine; gallant
ଚରିତଂ - behavior
ଭୃତଃ - bearing
ଵିଟଚରିତଭୃତଃ - bearing the behavior of a libertine
ଶୈଶିର - winter
ଶୈଶିରାଃ - the winter (winds)
ଵାଂତି - blow
ଵାତାଃ - winds

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
Bhartruhari uses playful personification: cold wind "flirts" by forcing closeness. In the way we live now, weather can change relationship dynamics too - winter makes people seek warmth, sit closer, and become more affectionate. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to let such natural moods deepen tenderness, while keeping respect and consent central; intimacy grows when it is mutual, not forced.

କେଶାନାକୁଲୟଂଦୃଶୋ ମୁକୁଲୟନ୍ଵାସୋ ବଲାଦାକ୍ଷିପନ୍ନାତନ୍ଵନ୍
ପୁଲକୋଦ୍ଗମଂ ପ୍ରକଟୟନ୍ନାଵେଗକଂପଂ ଶନୈଃ ।
ବାରଂ ବାରଂ ଉଦାରସୀତ୍କୃତକୃତୋ ଦଂତଚ୍ଛଦାନ୍ପୀଡୟନ୍
ପ୍ରାୟଃ ଶୈଶିର ଏଷ ସଂପ୍ରତି ମରୁତ୍କାଂତାସୁ କାଂତାୟତେ ॥ 2.100 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
କେଶାନ୍ - hair
ଆକୁଲୟନ୍ - making disordered
ଦୃଶଃ - the eyes
ମୁକୁଲୟନ୍ - closing (like a bud)
ଵାସଃ - garment
ବଲାତ୍ - forcibly
ଆକ୍ଷିପନ୍ - pulling away
ଆତନ୍ଵନ୍ - producing
ପୁଲକ - goosebumps
ଉଦ୍ଗମଃ - arising
ପୁଲକୋଦ୍ଗମଂ - arising of goosebumps
ପ୍ରକଟୟନ୍ - manifesting
ଆଵେଗଃ - sudden impulse; rush
କଂପଃ - trembling
ଆଵେଗକଂପଂ - trembling from a sudden rush
ଶନୈଃ - slowly
ବାରଂ ବାରଂ - again and again
ଉଦାର - strong; loud
ସୀତ୍କୃତ - hissing sound
କୃତଃ - making
ଉଦାରସୀତ୍କୃତକୃତଃ - making loud hissing sounds
ଦଂତ - teeth
ଚ୍ଛଦଃ - covering (lip)
ଦଂତଚ୍ଛଦାନ୍ - the lips
ପୀଡୟନ୍ - pressing; biting
ପ୍ରାୟଃ - as if; almost
ଶୈଶିର - winter (cold season)
ଏଷଃ - this
ସଂପ୍ରତି - now
ମରୁତ୍ - wind
କାଂତାସୁ - among beloved women
କାଂତାୟତେ - behaves like a lover; becomes "beloved-like"

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse shows Bhartruhari's eye for embodied detail: emotion is not only in the mind, it is in skin, breath, and reflex. At home and at work, we can notice how environment shapes behavior - cold makes people hold one another tighter, heat makes people restless, music changes posture and mood. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to be mindful of these forces so you can respond consciously instead of being pushed unconsciously.

ୟଦ୍ୟସ୍ୟ ନାସ୍ତି ରୁଚିରଂ ତସ୍ମିଂସ୍ତସ୍ୟ ସ୍ପୃହା ମନୋଜ୍ଞେଽପି ।
ରମଣୀୟେଽପି ସୁଧାଂଶୌ ନ ମନଃକାମଃ ସରୋଜିନ୍ୟାଃ ॥ 2.101 ॥

ଛଂଦଃ (ମାତ୍ରା-ଚଂଦସ୍): This is in a ମାତ୍ରା-based Chandas/Meter (not a fixed ଅକ୍ଷର-count ଵୃତ୍ତ): in this verse, the written segments carry approximately 30 + 28 ମାତ୍ରାଃ (total 58); treat ଲଘୁ=1 ମାତ୍ରା and ଗୁରୁ=2 ମାତ୍ରାଃ, and keep the natural pauses at the segment ends marked by `।`/`॥` (do not confuse ଦଂଡ with internal ୟତି).

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ୟଦି - if
ଅସ୍ୟ - of him; of a person
ନ - not
ଅସ୍ତି - is
ରୁଚିରଂ - liking; taste; attraction
ତସ୍ମିନ୍ - in that
ତସ୍ୟ - of him
ସ୍ପୃହା - longing; desire
ମନୋଜ୍ଞେ - in what is pleasing/beautiful
ଅପି - even (verse: ମନୋଜ୍ଞେଽପି = ମନୋଜ୍ଞେ + ଅପି)
ରମଣୀୟେ - in what is delightful
ଅପି - even (verse: ରମଣୀୟେଽପି = ରମଣୀୟେ + ଅପି)
ସୁଧା - nectar
ଅଂଶୁଃ - ray
ସୁଧାଂଶୁଃ - the nectar-rayed one (the moon)
ସୁଧାଂଶୌ - in the moon
ନ - not
ମନଃ - mind
କାମଃ - desire
ମନଃକାମଃ - desire of the mind
ସରୋଜିନି - lotus (water-lily)
ସରୋଜିନ୍ୟାଃ - of the lotus

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
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.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
The verse is a reminder that attraction depends on ରୁଚି (inner taste), not only on objective beauty. These days, we see this when a job, a lifestyle, or even a relationship that looks "perfect" from the outside does not pull us inwardly - and forcing ourselves usually creates resentment. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to respect genuine inclination: choose environments and commitments that align with your nature, and allow others to have different tastes without judging them.

If you want this verse to uplift you: Treat desire as a signal, not a verdict. Attraction shows what the mind likes, but it does not decide what is right. Pause and ask: will this increase trust or reduce it; will it make tomorrow lighter or heavier? That small pause is ଵିଵେକ (discernment). When you choose transparency and boundaries early, love stays dignified and does not turn into compulsion.

ଵୈରାଗ୍ୟେ ସଂଚରତ୍ୟେକୋ ନୀତୌ ଭ୍ରମତି ଚାପରଃ ।
ଶୃଂଗାରେ ରମତେ କଶ୍ଚିଦ୍ଭୁଵି ଭେଦାଃ ପରସ୍ପରମ୍ ॥ 2.102 ॥

Meaning (ପଦାର୍ଥ):
ଵୈରାଗ୍ୟେ - in dispassion; renunciation
ସଂଚରତି - moves about; lives
ଏକଃ - one person
ନୀତୌ - in ନୀତି (ethics/practical wisdom)
ଭ୍ରମତି - wanders
ଚ - and
ଅପରଃ - another
ଶୃଂଗାରେ - in love/romance (ଶୃଂଗାର)
ରମତେ - delights
କଶ୍ଚିତ୍ - someone
ଭୁଵି - on earth
ଭେଦାଃ - differences
ପରସ୍ପରଂ - among one another

Translation (ଭାଵାର୍ଥ):
One lives in renunciation, another wanders in practical ethics, and someone else delights in romance; on earth, people differ from one another.

Commentary (ଅନୁସଂଧାନ):
This is a calm closing: human minds are not uniform. When you look around today, this means we should not force one template on everyone - some value solitude and simplicity, some value duty and strategy, and some value relationship and beauty. The practical ଅନୁସଂଧାନ is to discern your own stage and temperament, and to relate to others with respect rather than comparison. When we stop demanding sameness, we cooperate better and suffer less.

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