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प्रथम अध्ययन : उत्क्षिप्त ज्ञात
( 96 )
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over-hangs, semi-circular steps, and gem-studded door-tops enhanced the beauty of this palace. Drainage pipes in attractive shapes were fitted at appropriate places. On the top floor of the palace was a Chandrashala (an attic to watch and enjoy the moon).
The bedroom-walls of this palace were white-washed. The outer walls of this room were also white-washed and polished with smooth stones. The inner walls of this chamber were adorned with frescoes of animal, bird, human, and other such attractive motifs. Multi-coloured gem stones were studded on the floor, and the ceiling was decorated with floral motifs. Near the door were placed auspicious golden urns covered with blooming lotus flowers. Beads and pearls strung in gold wire were decoratively suspended over the door. The bed in this room was decorated with fragrant, colourful, soft and velvety flowers. It had a pleasing appearance and was filled with aroma of a variety of burning incenses including Kapur, cloves, sandal wood, black agar, good quality Cheed, and Loban. The added fragrance of other aromatic substances had made the room redolent like a bouquet of flowers. The glow from the decorated jewels was dispelling the darkness in the room. It would not be an exaggeration to state that in grandeur this bedroom surpassed the best of the abodes of gods.
In such exquisite room was placed a bed. It was made to the measure of the queen. There were pillows lying at both ends. It was raised on both sides and sunken in the middle. On this bed, soft and pliant like the beach sand of the Ganges, was laid out a bed spread of colourfully embroidered silk. It was further covered with bed-sheets woven from fibers of Malaya, Navatak, Kushakt, Limb, and lion-mane Over and above all these was spread a plain white bed sheet for protection from dust. A red coloured mosquito-net was put around it This decorated and inviting bed was as soft to touch as chamois leather, softest cotton, Bura plant, fresh butter, or Aak fiber.
THE DREAM
During the second quarter of the night Queen Dharini was sleeping in this beautiful bed. Dozing and lying half asleep in the bed she saw a dream. A giant seven feet tall, grand, and ideally beautiful elephant,
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CHAPTER-1: UTKSHIPTA JNATA
(17)
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