8. Lomā-latā-bāli, lit. 'down-vine-wreath,' here compared to a half suffocated snake, to suggest the depth of Rādhā's navel. Garuḍa is the enemy of all snakes. The lomā-latā-bāli is often indicated in Orissan sculpture (e.g. Viśvakarmā LV) by a slight furrow extending upwards from the navel. See also [LI], 17.
12. The Indian Eros is armed with five arrows, from which he sometimes takes the name Five Arrows (cf. No. [CXX]). Here it is suggested that Love with Three Arrows slew the Three Worlds, and gave the two others to Rādhā's eyes, that the slain might be slain again.
The Three Worlds, constantly alluded to are Svarga, Mata and Patal,—Heaven, Earth and Underworld.
17. The well of love: by 'maidens about the village well,' we can hardly doubt that the poet intends to signify the souls of men, attracted to the source of Eternal Life.
18, 19. The names of the poet's patron and his queen are constantly introduced in the refrains.
'Oh woe is me, that ever I did see
The beauty that did me bewitch.''—
John Forbes, 1661.
1. 'Cowdust-time,' viz. evening, when the cows are driven home: a favourite subject of Pahārī painters.