Towering above everything else that dazzled and reached for the sky was the Pushpaka. Worshipped by the devas and asuras, white as mount Kailas it shot out of its home on the Trikoota mountain soaring towards the clouds and beyond. An aerial chariot created by Visvakarma for Brahma, who had gifted it to Kubera for his austerities. It was now Ravana's by the right of his might and symbol of his power. Seemingly suspended in the sky, that marvel made of silver, gold and gems from the earth, had windows of gold, with trellises of ivory, which were festooned with pearls from the deep blue seas. Embellished with every conceivable gem the Pushpaka radiated with an unabated brilliance, like that of the Sun and its master Ravana, lord of the Rakshasas. In that vast expanse of riches crystal floors were studded with gems while carved pillars and stairs leading up its many floors flashed their share of precious stones. The floor was covered by an exquisite carpet designed to resemble the surface of the earth and from the roof hung shapes of animals crafted out of gold silver and gem stones. Those crafted like birds seemed to flutter around as they swayed gently, touched by wafting winds. Hanuman wandered through the myriad chambers of the Pushpaka each richer and fairer than the other, filled with art galleries, sporting houses and paintings depicting the many splendors of nature. Hanuman inhaled the air redolent with the aromas of food and drink, which like an old friend seemed to beckon him to where Ravana was. Thoroughly fascinated by the creation known as Pushpaka, Hanuman thought, "This must be the home of the gods. If this can be so interminably big, how much more so will be the palace of Ravana?" But beyond all that awe and bewilderment was the lingering sadness of having not yet found that worshipful consort of Rama, who in turn worshipped her lord, captivated by his charm and his virtue.