The word "champak" is used in the following passage:
*In the night's hushed heart the lotus glows,*
*In secret joy the champak blows;*
*O'er the sleeping earth the jasmines shed*
*Their fragrant dew to the moonlit flowers below.*
Here, "champak" refers to a type of magnolia tree native to Asia, particularly India. It is known for its fragrant, pale yellow-orange flowers that bloom during the night.
Naidu uses the champak as a symbol of secret joy and love. Just like the champak blossoms quietly in the darkness of the night, the love between the lovers is concealed from the outside world. It is a hidden passion, known only to the two individuals involved.
The blooming of the champak adds a touch of mystery and romance to the setting, creating a sense of intimacy between the lovers. It is as though their love is wrapped in the secrecy and beauty of the night, cherished and protected from the outside world.
By incorporating natural elements like the champak, Naidu heightens the emotional depth of the love depicted in her poem. It is a poem about the intensity and hidden nature of love, where the lovers find solace and joy in their secret passion, much like the gentle fragrance of the champak that wafts through the night.