Book VII

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916 The _Agnisálá_ or room where the sacrificial fire was kept.

917 The exudation of a fragrant fluid from the male elephant’s temples, especially at certain seasons, is frequently spoken of in Sanskrit poetry. It is said to deceive and attract the bees, and is regarded as a sign of health and masculine vigour.

918 Consisting of warriors on elephants, warriors in chariots, charioteers, and infantry.

919 Indra, generally represented as surrounded by the Maruts or Storm-Gods.

920 Janasthán, where Ráma lived as an ascetic.

921 Máyá, regarded as the paragon of female beauty, was the creation of Maya the chief artificer of the Daityas or Dánavs.

922 One of the Nymphs of Indra’s heaven.

923 The Lotus River, a branch of the heavenly Gangá.

_ 924 Trilokanátha_, Lord of the Three Worlds, is a title of Indra.

925 The celestial elephant that carries Indra.

926 As producers of the _ghi_, clarified butter or sacrificial oil, used in fire-offerings.

927 This desertion to the enemy is somewhat abrupt, and is narrated with brevity not usual with Válmíki. In the Bengal recension the preceding speakers and speeches differ considerably from those given in the text which I follow. Vibhishaṇ is kicked from his seat by Rávaṇ, and then, after telling his mother what has happened, he flies to Mount Kailása where he has an interview with Śiva, and by his advice seeks Ráma and the Vánar army.

928 Vṛihaspati the preceptor of the Gods.

929 In