Mmgl Part 028-001 - Entered Vanchi City Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

(Manimegalai heard several faiths
from the various religious leaders,
Then she came to the interior of
Vanchi City and saw many important
places there. She then went to worship
Masathuvan. She told her grandfather
whatever happened to her. He told
about his renunciation and the services
to Buddhism rendered by his forefathers.
He advised her to go to Kanchi. She went
Sky-way and relieved the King of his
Hunger disease. Aravanar came there.
She worshiped him and asked him to
tell her about the truth and righteousness)

LEFT THE OUTSKIRT

Manimegalai from the outskirt
She moved to the main city next.
Vanchi City was surrounded by moat.
The soldiers were guarding the fort.

APPEARANCE OF THE MOAT

Water flowed to the moat
Continuously from different spots.
Washed sweet smelling water
Of the girls from their hairs.

Pure water from the rains,
Scented water from the temple drains,
Colored paste water from the tanks
And that from overflowing banks.

From the palace, sweet smelling water,
From the Sages feet, washed-water,
The domestic houses bath water,
From the fields excess water,

With these waters the moat was full.
It suppressed the foul smell
That came from fish and crocodile,
Besides from other animals.

The moat had flowers like lotus and lily.
The bees were busy drinking their honey.
The moat had pleasant appearance.
In Vanchi, it had its special importance.

CROSSED THE FORT

The fort gate was well guarded.
To repel enemies who attacked.
It had several spots hidden,
To throw sharp weapons.

The fort was so tall and wide
An army can fight from any side
Or from its top with deadly weapons
To prevent enemies' intrusions.

The royal flag on its top flew high.
It was painted with moonlight dye.
Manimegalai crossed the fort,
And then entered the city gate.

CROSSED STREETS

She crossed several streets.
For the guards a broad street,
Varieties of fish market street,
And white salt sellers street.

Toddy and sweet sellers' street,
Sheep-mutton-market street,
Betel leaves sellers' street,
Panchavasam sellers' street.

Pot and vessel makers' street,
Goldsmiths' and carpenters' street,
Plumbers' and masons' street,
Artists' and cobblers' street,

Tailors' and garland makers' street,
Astrologers' and Bhanar's street,
Bangles maker's street,
Beads chain makers' street,

Dancing girls' and shopkeepers' street,
Weavers' and builders' street,
King's street and ministers' street,
Royal courtiers' and politicians' street,

Clubs, temples, and Matt streets,
Elephant and horse trainers streets,
Manimegalai crossed so many streets,
She felt happy to go thru' these streets.

SCENES WITNESSED

She saw highly placed waterfalls,
From man-made-artificial hills,
Sweet smelling tree groves,
Good water ponds and tanks,

Roads, temples, halls,
Decorated art places
With stories self-explanatory,
To see them all she was happy.

ENTERED BUDDHA SCHOOL

With her sage dress as usual,
She entered the Buddha School,
Where several realized disciples,
Stayed at Indravihar premises.