The Colas c12.63

c12.63

A poet,⁶⁷ addressing the Cōḷa king, says that big ships entered the port of Puhār without slacking sail, and poured out on the beach, inhabited by the common people, precious merchandise brought from overseas. In the extensive bazaar of Puhār,⁶⁸ says the author of *Paṭṭinappālai*, were seen many tall mansions surrounded by platforms reached by high ladders. These mansions had many apartments and were provided with door-ways, great and small, and wide verandahs and corridors. Well-dressed damsels glittering in jewels were looking out from the windows of the upper floors, and their palms joined in their front in salutation to Muruga resembled bunches of *śeṅgāndaḷ* (*gloriosa superba*) flowers seen high on the slopes of mountains. When Muruga was taken out in procession in the bazaar, which was done quite often, music and dancing parties accompanied him, and the sound of the flute, lute and drum mingled with the noises in the street. In all parts of the town there were flags of various kinds and shapes⁶⁹ flying in the air; some were flags that were worshipped by many as a high divinity, and the entrances to their precincts were decorated with flowers.