Ramayana, Epic of Rama, Prince of India

VII. In the Nilgiri Mountains - 107
Here we dwell till month of Kartik when the clouded sky will clear,
And the time of war and vengeance on our foeman shall be near.”
Bowing to the victor’s mandate brave Sugriva marched in state,
And the host of thronging Vanars entered by the city gate,
Prostrate chiefs with due obeisance rendered homage, one and all,
And Sugriva blessed his people, stepped within the palace hall.
And they sprinkled sacred water from the vases jewel-graced,
And they waved the fan of chowri, raised the sun-shade silver-laced,
And they spread the gold and jewel, grain and herb and fragrant ghee,
Sapling twigs and bending branches, blossoms from the flowering tree,
Milk-white garments gem-bespangled, and the Chandan’s fragrant dye,
Wreaths and spices, snow-white lilies, lotus azure as the sky,
Jatarupa and Priyangu, honey, curd and holy oil,
Costly sandals gilt and jewelled, tiger-skin the hunter’s spoil!
Decked in gold and scented garlands, robed in radiance rich and rare,
Sweetly stepped around Sugriva sixteen maidens passing fair,
Priests received the royal bounty, gift and garment gold-belaced,
And they lit the holy altar with the sacred mantra graced,
And they poured the sweet libation on the altar’s lighted flame,
And on throne of royal splendour placed the chief of royal fame!
On a high and open terrace with auspicious garlands graced,
Facing eastward, in his glory was the brave Sugriva placed,
Water from each holy river, from each tirtha famed of old,
From the broad and boundless ocean, was arranged in jars of gold,
[113] And from vase and horn of wild bull, on their monarch and their lord,
Holy consecrating water chiefs and loyal courtiers poured.
Gaya and the great Gavaksha, Gandha-madan proud and brave,
Hanuman held up the vases, Jambaman his succour gave,
And they laved the king Sugriya as Immortals in the sky,
Consecrate the star-eyed INDRA in his mansions bright and high,