Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c31.2022

v2.c31.2022

The making of Visākhā’s ornament took four months, with five hundred goldsmiths working day and night. In its construction were used four pint-pots (nāli) of diamonds, eleven of pearls, twenty-two of coral, thirty-three of rubies, one thousand nikkhas of ruddy gold, and sufficient silver. The threadwork was entirely of silver, the parure was fastened to the head and extended to the feet. In various places, seals of gold and dies of silver were attached to hold it in position. In the fabric itself was a peacock with five hundred feathers of gold in either wing, a coral beak, jewels for the eyes, the neck-feathers and the tail. As the wearer walked the feathers moved, producing the sound of music.⁴ Only a woman possessed of the strength of five elephants could wear it.⁵