They also fashioned bees and birds of varied plumage, that hummed or whistled in the rustling breeze. On the pillars they sculptured figures of the gods, all standing there with articles of good omen in their hands.

Squares of all sorts, naturally exquisite, were drawn on the ground and filled with elephant-pearls.

They made most wondrous beautiful mango leaves of graven sapphires with blossoms of gold and bunches of emerald fruits glistening on silken thread.

They wove most charming festoons, which looked like so many nooses fashioned as it were by Cupid. They also made many festal vases as well as beautiful flags and banners and screens and whisks.

The marvellous pavilion with a number of elegant lamps studded with brilliant gems was beyond description. What poet has skill enough to describe the pavilion prepared for sheltering the bride, the princess of Videha (Janaki)?

The canopy erected for Rama the bridegroom, ocean of beauty and perfection, must be the glory of all the three worlds. The magnificence that belonged to king Janaka’s palace was to be seen in every house throughout the city.

To him who beheld Tirhut (Janaka’s capital) at that time, all the fourteen spheres appeared of small account. The rich splendour that reigned in the house of the humblest citizen was enough to fascinate even the king of heaven.