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RIVER JHELUM � ‘The Goddess Vitasta’tc "RIVER JHELUM � ‘The Goddess Vitasta�"

S. V. Tanuja

Emerging from the emerald hued spring at Verinag;
Traversing, winding and meandering from Khanabal
Approaching from southward to Srinagar City, twisting and coiling;
Across the rich Savannah in the veins of thy face of Valley;
Nourishing, irrigating, yet also with colour of gaiety and expression of dignity;
A tidal blood life, for the happy Valley.

We hail thee; a jewel in the casket of Mother Nature,
O you ‘The Goddess Vitasta�-having sprung up
From the eternal �Himalaya� with ponds, streams and springs and melting snows;
Dividing the Valley; a parting line, as from the woman’s hair brow.
The placid flow of waters concealed in thy bosom�
Flowing tranquil and lake � like on thy surfaces,
Ornamenting the scenary beneath thee, is lush greenery foliage and landscape.

Oh, overhead you, as the years go by, spreads a sky;
Brilliantly lit by the sun with a blue wispy
Softness, like the bridal veil, hung by angels of heaven for humanity.
A raiment shining in thy bosom and depths reflected by the twinkling  stars eternally.
Thy flowing waters on froth from the snow glaciers, enmasse,
Born of the Olympian heights; bubbling and tearing from the rocks;
Enriching the soil fertile with extension track of alluvial;
Cradle in thy valley of velvet of soft graciousness
And your sanctity having inspired generations of Kashmiris.