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## The Twelfth Chapter
Horses adorned with beautiful, fluttering fly whisks, moving with carefree grace, as if dancing, enhanced his splendor. ||359|| A multitude of elephants, their necks adorned with large, resonant bells, from which flowed streams of intoxicating nectar, their trumpets resonating with a sweet sound, followed by a swarm of bees, accompanied him. ||360|| Along with these, the lords of great armies, mounted on their respective steeds, the celestial beings, the Vidyadharas, followed him. Thus, in a moment, Ravana reached the outskirts of Lanka. ||361|| Seeing Ravana approaching, the protectors of the city, the citizens, and their relatives, filled with anticipation, came out to receive him, bearing offerings. ||362|| Some performed rituals for Ravana, while he, in turn, performed rituals for some elders. Some bowed to him, while he, free from pride, bowed to some elders. ||363|| Knowing the nature of people, and with affection for the humble, Ravana honored some with a loving gaze. He greeted some with a gentle smile, and others with pleasant words. ||364||
The city of Lanka, naturally beautiful, and adorned with special embellishments on this occasion, was adorned with tall, magnificent, gem-studded arches. ||365|| The city was filled with colorful flags, fluttering in the gentle breeze, and the entire earth was sprinkled with saffron and other fragrant substances. ||366|| The royal roads were adorned with flowers of all seasons, and the city was decorated with numerous garlands made of five-colored powders, black, yellow, blue, red, and green. ||367|| The city gates were adorned with full, shining pots, and the city was decorated with garlands of fresh leaves and fine garments, and a grand celebration was underway. It was in this city of Lanka that Ravana entered. ||368|| Just as Indra is surrounded by many gods, so too was Ravana surrounded by many Vidyadharas. At that time, he was enjoying the supreme happiness, the result of his past virtuous deeds. ||369|| Mounted on a beautiful, wish-fulfilling chariot, with a radiant crown, a magnificent necklace, and strong arms, he... ||370||