Lalitastakam

I bow to the goddess Lalita, so beautifully graced with virtues, whose very body serves as the means for wiping away the drops of perspiration from the feet of Radha and Mukunda when they meet, and who is bold with Krishna on account of her uniquely deep affection for Radha.

I bow to the goddess Lalita, so beautifully graced with virtues, whose facial beauty rebukes the splendor of the full moon's nectarean rays, whose eyes are lovely and startled like a young doe's, and who is celebrated for her skill in dressing and adorning Radha.

I bow to the goddess Lalita, so beautifully graced with virtues, whose limbs are set off by a bodice and silk garment patterned like the dancing plumes of Garuda, enemy of serpents, and whose golden fairness rebukes even the luster of gorocana pigment.

I bow to the goddess Lalita, so beautifully graced with virtues, who instructs her: "O Radhe, listen to this good advice — toward that rogue, the son of Vraja's king, show only contrariness; do not be agreeable, for that would only cheapen you."

I bow to the goddess Lalita, so beautifully graced with virtues, who, the moment she notices even the slightest deceit practiced by the son of Vraja's king toward Radha, her eyes reddening with anger, swiftly shames him with her sharp turns of speech.

I bow to the goddess Lalita, so beautifully graced with virtues, who is the very object of the cowherd-queen's parental affection, the teacher of the other sakhis in the arts of friendship, and as dear as life itself, without distinction, to both Radha and Krishna.

I bow to the goddess Lalita, so beautifully graced with virtues, who, upon seeing any young woman of Vraja pleading to be counted among Radha's own party, at once fulfills her, granting that cherished wish.

I bow to the goddess Lalita, so beautifully graced with virtues, who has determined that the delightful task of arranging Radha's meeting with the son of Vraja's king is the very best of all festivities, and who is foremost among Gokula's beloved circle of sakhis.

Whoever, with a pure heart, joyfully recites these eight verses cherishing Lalita's virtues, him she — the resplendent wish-fulfilling creeper of that glorious family — lovingly draws into her own circle of companions.