The World of Courtesans c9.31

c9.31

In order to join the *yatra* Naravahanadatta mounted a chariot which brought him to the city gate. The way was cleared by an attendant (*anujnabhinaya*). The party wanted another view of the crowd so they proceeded to the temple. There they saw a carriage (*pravahana*) which was covered with white cloth and to which were yoked eight bullocks decorated with palm impressions dipped in saffron paste. In the carriage there were many courtesans. One of them held two fingers on her forehead and her other hand was folded with a lotus bud. Poor Naravahanadatta who was ignorant of the art of love could not interpret the meaning of the gesture. His artful companion watched Naravahanadatta's confusion and told him to take off his crown and return the girl's salute. This gave rise to a lot of merriment among the girls for they thought he lacked manners.