Mumbiram has shown the poet as we would not get to see one anywhere else. Here is a rare glimpse of a rare moment of blissful creativity in this poet’s life.The poet is sitting on the floor at a simple writing desk. His beloved is resting next to him. The simple graceful lines of their bodies fall in place to a breath-takingly beautiful composition. Her face exudes a sweet innocence. Is she aware of being the inspiration for the next literary masterpiece, a literary incarnation?
There is a ladder standing in the background. Has he come down the ladder or did she climb up the ladder? That symbol of reaching higher states leaves much to our imagination.
Those who have been in Mumbiram’s legendary studio at the Mandai market in Pune know that bamboo ladders as well as that very same writing desk were familiar features at his studio.

This Rasa masterpiece brings to mind Bhartrihari’s celebrated verse:

संसारेऽस्मिन्नसारे परिणतितरले द्वेगती पण्डितानाम् ।
तत्वज्ञानामृताम्भःप्लवललितधियः यातु कालः कदाचित् ॥
नोचेत् मुग्धाङ्गनानाम् स्तनजघनभराभोगसंभोगिनीनाम् ।
स्थूलोपस्थस्थलीषु स्थगितकरतल स्पर्शलीलोद्यतानाम् ॥

“In this material world that is so very devoid of Rasa, there are only two worthwhile interests for the enlightened Pundit: Either passing time sporting on the waves of the ocean of philosophical and spiritual quest, or leisurely caressing the well-endowed anatomy of young and innocent damsels with beautiful breasts and thighs that are anxious and eager for amorous union.”

The verse that adorns this masterpiece, “While I conjure this literary incarnation – the demigods literally distribute millions of carnations” is part of Mumbiram’s own literary composition titled “Deluges of Ecstasy” that was conceived during his 12 year stay in the US in the 1960s and 70s. It is full of brilliantly enlightened couplets of profound spiritual purport.

Mumbiram created this charcoal rendering in his legendary Mandai studio many years later, after a brave return to India where he was able to attract real-life muses from all walks of life. He in turn depended upon them for emotional sustenance as well as his daily bread. They were not aware of their contribution to the world of art. Only the artist always knew it and was eternally grateful to them.

This charcoal rendering has been included in an anthology of Mumbiram’s other charcoal renderings depicting loving couples sharing their book reading experience. This anthology is titled “Book Readers, Love on the Gutenberg Galaxy”.