Meghaduta 8

The Megha Dūta, or Cloud Messenger 8

Language: English

8

Thou being mounted in the road of the wind, the travellers’ wives will breathe out in full confidence with the points of their locks held up while beholding thee. Who would neglect a wife distressed by separation, when thou art at hand? Not even one like me, in a subservient condition. (would do so.)

8.n1

The Indian women were in the habit, when their husbands were en voyage, of braiding their hair into a single lock, called Veni, which was not to be unloosed until their return. This took place at the advent of the rains. At the sight of the cloud, therefore, they held up their locks, thinking “Now we shall soon have these unbound.” The poor Yaksha had no chance of unloosing his wife’s Veni; but although he was dependent on the will of another, he still wished to do all in his power not to neglect her; he consequently tries to comfort her with a message.

Linked texts (1)

Meghadūta — Kālidāsa, Sanskrit