Elaborate preparations were made precisely for this ceremony. Three ceremonial pavilions ("Sihasana" or Lion Throne; "Gajasana" or Elephant Throne; and the "Marasana" or Peacock Throne) were constructed in a specifically designated plot of land (called the "peacock garden") for this occasion. Offerings were also made to deities and Buddhist "paritta"s were chanted. Specially designated individuals, usually the daughters of dignitaries including merchants and Brahmins, were tasked with procuring anointing water midstream from a river. The water was placed in the respective pavilions.