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S. T. Nimkar
quarter-damsels, and which was as if surrounded by a moat
(in the form) of the world. 166. Which was like a reflection of the vast expansive sky, like
the waist garment of the Earth, (lit. garment covering the hips or regions of earth), like the (dark) glory of the Great Deluge (of world.destruction) and like the birth place
of all the worlds. 167. Seeing that ocean, o king, I thought to myself that this
(ocean) is difficult for us to cross as said by Pottisa. 168. It appears to have filled the circle of ten quarters with the
echo of the (roaring of the) gusty wind, and has gigantic
waves after waves rocking and rolling tumultuously, 169. Although Apsarás had come out of it, it was not crossed over
by beautiful women (or, removing the paradox, crossed by Rāma); though without poison, it was full of Vișa (i.e. poison or water) and though without elephant (Airāvana) and horse (Uccaissravas), it had protected kings from harm (or removing the paradox, the mountain Meru from the blow of
adamant). 170. Though without wine, it is always intoxicated, though
intoxicated it never transgresses its own limit; and although staying within boundaries and averse to enjoyment, it
is still Savāņiya (i. e. engaging in trade or full of 'water). 171. (This is the ocean) in which, the great bridge, indicative of
the valour of the monkey chief (Sugriva or Nala) and looking like the fore-arm of the Earth, declares even today the
great feats of Rāma.. 172. (This is the ocean where ) the shores, strewn with jewels
thrown up by waves into the thickets in Sands, 'look like the flower-decorations arranged at (the entrance of) Lakşmi's
house. 173.1 (This is the ocean) where the Bakula trees making all the
surroundings: (lit: quarters) fragrant with heaps of *swectsmelling flowers scattered on its shores, even today tell (us) of the emergence of wine (from the ocean).
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