Early History of the Vaishnava Faith and Movement in Bengal, from Sanskrit and Bengali Sources c10.s1.92

c10.s1.92

Gifts to the deity are never wasted, but they always produce the highest merit. Special gifts are specially efficacious. Among such gifts are mentioned the offer of a black milch-cow with a calf, the dedication of a pond and garden, the construction of market-avenue (Āpaṇa-vīthikā), the building of a city, the gift of palanquin, horse, elephant, ringing bells, pitchers, stands or receptacles for incense, light, garlands and perfume, metal utensils, various kinds of jewels, dress and ornaments, flower and fruit trees, religious books (like the Śrīmad-bhāgavata), dancing girls and maid-servants, musical instruments, and lastly, the construction of altar (Vedi), portal (Toraṇa) or temple (Mandira).