The Great Liberation Tantra (1884) - Page 4

Fragrant with the scents of flowers from every season, beautiful,

abounding in coolness, fragrance, and softness, and fanned by breezes. (2)

Resounding with the sweet melodies of the songs of the Apsaras,

covered by the shade of motionless trees, gentle and charming. (3)

With the interior of the forest echoing with the swarms of intoxicated cuckoos,

always served by the king of seasons Spring along with his companions. (4)

Surrounded by Siddhas, Charanas, Gandharvas, and the hosts of Gana-patis;

there, the silent Lord, the teacher of the moving and unmoving world. (5)

It should be understood that this refers to Shiva. The place is called "beautiful" because it is a place where Siddhas perfected beings and Charanas celestial beings play. "Adorned with various gems" means it is resplendent with many gems like rubies and emeralds. "Covered with many trees and creepers" means it is pervaded by various trees and vines. "Filled with the cries of diverse birds" means it is joined with the sounds of various kinds of birds. (1)

"Fragrant with the scents of flowers from every season" means it is perfumed by the highly attractive scents of flowers related to all seasons, such as spring. Therefore, it is "beautiful" and "charming." It is "abounding in coolness, fragrance, and softness" and "fanned by breezes." (2)

Regarding "Apsara groups," etc.: "Resounding" means made to sound with the deep, sweet music sung by groups of Apsaras celestial nymphs. "Covered by the shade of motionless trees" means it is made covered by the shadows of trees that do not move. "Gentle and charming" describes the place. (3)

Regarding "intoxicated," etc.: The interior of the forest is made to resound by swarms of intoxicated cuckoos. It is "always served by the king of seasons, Spring," along with his own companions, the bees and others. (4)

Regarding "Siddhas," etc.: "Surrounded by" Siddhas perfected beings, Charanas celestial chanters, Gandharvas celestial musicians, and hosts of Ganapatis attendants of Ganesha. There, the Lord, the shining one, the teacher of the moving and unmoving world...