IN QUEST OF GOD - Swami Ramdas -4

IN QUEST OF GOD

Swami Ramdas

ANANDASHRAM 

KANHANGAD

CHAPTER XXVI

HIMALAYAN JOURNEY (Contd.)

IN Kedarnath Ramdas performed a most difficult feat - all by Ram’s

grace. He ascended one of the surrounding high rocks covered with snow. Of

course, Ramkinker followed him. While going up they had to do so by

holding the rough grass that grew on the hill. It was a steep ascent. For

nearly half the way Ramkinker accompanied him and then he refused to go

higher up with Ramdas, both on account of cold and the danger of slipping

down. Meanwhile, Ramdas, who had surrendered himself into the hands of

Ram, mounted higher and higher until he reached the summit of the hill,

and touched its narrow conical peak. As he touched the top he gave a cry of

triumph in the name of Sri Ram. He uttered at the top of his voice: “Om Sri

Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram!” O Ram, what a glorious Being Thou art!

Now descent was most perilous, an unguarded step or a slight slip

meant a headlong fall, and certain destruction of the body. However, when

Ram guides where is the fear? What danger cannot be faced boldly? He

slowly crept down, nay, slipped down the hill. While doing so, it began to

rain white solid globules of snow. He had ascended without any warm

clothing. But by Ram’s grace he felt neither cold nor fear. At last, Ram

brought him safely to the base of the rock. It took five hours to accomplish

this ascent; the height of the hill might have been over a mile. Going to the

source of the river, Mandakini, which starts at this place, where the snow

melts and flows down, he took his bath; the water was, of course, very,

very cold, but what cold can affect him when Ram protects!

In Kedarnath there is a temple, some shops and residences. A day’s

stay, and he, on the advice of Ramkinker, travelled onwards. After

descending for some miles, the pilgrims commenced to walk up another

chain of mountains. Higher and higher again they climbed. Again glorious

enchanting landscapes and scenes met their eyes. At the foot of a hill they

came upon a resting place where there was a small tank called Gauri Kund,

wherein hot water through a spring is collected. There was also another

tank in which the water was yellow in colour. From there he and Ramkinker

started on their upward journey, miles and miles of ascents were traversed.

The pathway now was not so bad as that which led to Kedarnath. For days

and days they walked on and at last neared the place called Badrinath or

Badrinarayan. While they were yet about half a mile from the place, they

sat down on the path and looked at the Badrinath mountains. The sight was

bewitching.

To describe the scene the poor pen of Ramdas is quite inadequate

and unfit. As he gazed on, he for a time lost body-consciousness and became

one with the tall mountains in the midst of which he was sitting. Badrinath

is the source of the river Alaknanda. While going up these heights, at 3 or 4

places, the pilgrims had to cross wide tracts of snow. He travelled over

them with naked feet. These tracts of snow are glaciers. Below the surface

of these vast cakes of snow is flowing water in heavy torrents downhill to

meet the river below. It is said that many pilgrims, while walking on their

surface, have been sucked down by the torrent, some thin layer of snow

giving way beneath their feet. The story is current that a wealthy merchant

of Bombay, while being carried on a Doli or cradle-like conveyance by four

strong men, was drowned and lost in the swift current below.

Badrinath was reached - it was a flat valley surrounded on all sides by

high mountains like Kedarnath - and here stands the temple of Badrinarayan

in white marble. At this place also there was a tank containing hot water,

received from a hot spring running down the hills. All the pilgrims bathed in

this tank. The cold was very intense. But Ram was kind and gracious at the

same time. So Ramdas did not feel the rigour of the cold very much. He had

some difficulty in gaining entrance to the temple for the Darshan of

Badrinarayan, as there was a heavy rush of pilgrims at the front door. But

some sickly people were permitted to get in by a narrow side-door at which

two Pandas or Brahmins were set to watch. He sought entrance here. One of

the Pandas said:

“If you are sick, you can come in,”

“No, Ramdas is not sick,” replied Ramdas.

“Well, pretend that you are sick, if you are not,” suggested the

Pandaji.

“Never,” returned Ramdas, “he does not want the Darshan of

Badrinath by telling a lie. It is against the command of Ram.”

Saying thus, he turned away from the place. But the kind Pandaji at

once grasping his hand took him inside and getting him the Darshan of

Badrinath gave him also some Prasad. O Ram! Thou art testing Thy slave in

various ways. Remaining in Badrinath for a day, the Sadhus started on their

return journey. After several days’ walk they came to a place called

Ramnagar whence the railway-line starts running southward. In all, the

distance travelled over the Himalayas was 400 miles, and the time taken

from Hardwar to Ramnagar was 40 days.

Ramnagar, as the name suggests, is a blessed place. Charity is the

ideal of the people there. Near the railway station there was a dispensary,

worked by the Congress volunteers for the benefit of ailing pilgrims.

Hundreds of pilgrims are everyday receiving aid from this dispensary.

Arrangements by well-to-do citizens are made for feeding Sadhus and poor

pilgrims. The people of the place are kind and hospitable. For his part,

Ramdas must say the same with regard to all parts of India wherever he

travelled. Ram was uniformly kind to him in all his travels, because he had

started on his travels at the bidding of Ram alone.

At Ramnagar, he and Ramkinker got into the train proceeding to

Mathura, which they reached in due time. Here Ramkinker who was taken ill

proposed to return to Jhansi. During all the time he was with Ramdas,

Ramkinker was more than a mother to him. He took every care of him. It

was all Ram’s wish that such a friend should leave him. Accordingly

Ramkinker left Mathura for Jhansi. Ramdas was now alone only for a few

minutes, for Ram had another Sadhu ready at the Dharmashala, where they

were halting, to take him up.

CHAPTER XXVII

MATHURA, GOKUL AND BRINDABAN

MATHURA is the birthplace of that great incarnation - Sri Krishna. Sri

Krishna is the veritable personification of Love itself. His imperishable name

lives still green and in all its pristine glory in the minds of all people in

India. The Bhagavad Gita stands unrivalled in the depth of its philosophy

pointing out the one Goal which all human endeavour should aim at, as the

ultimate accomplishment of all life and existence. Mathura still remembers

vividly the child Krishna and his charmed life, which is proved by the variety

of Mandirs in the place in which he is worshipped daily in the form of

gaudily dressed idols. On the day of Ramdas’ arrival at Mathura - Ramkinker

being laid up with fever - Ramdas, before he came in touch with the new

Sadhuram, went to the city in quest of the holy river Jamuna. Ram, who was

ever ready to offer help to him, now brought him in touch with a Brahmin

going towards the river. He came of his own accord towards him and

proposed to lead him to the river.

Having reached the holy Jamuna, Ramdas first washed his clothes and

then descended into the river for a bath. But before doing so, he placed his

small Lota on one of the stone steps into which he also put his spectacles.

Finishing bath he was returning to the spot where he had placed the Lota,

and he was only a moment too late, because a monkey coming up carried

off the spectacles. Now without spectacles he could not clearly see objects

at a distance. The Brahmin guide, seeing this, was annoyed. But Ramdas,

unperturbed, said:

“It was all Ram’s wish,” and thought within himself that perhaps Ram

meant to restore his failing sight.

But the Brahmin would not rest content. He requested two boys

standing nearby to run after the monkey for the pair of spectacles. The

monkey, meanwhile, was jumping from one turret of the temple to the

other closely followed by a number of other monkeys who thought the first

one had got some eatable in its grasp. However, in about a quarter of an

hour, the boys returned bringing with them the pair of spectacles in a sound

condition. It was after all a test of Ram on his humble slave. After visiting

some temples of Sri Krishna by the kindness of this Brahmin guide, he

proceeded next day to Govardhan, in the company of the new Sadhuram.

Govardhan was situated at a distance of 14 miles from Mathura. They

reached this place at midday. Here was the famous hill of Govardhan which

is said to have been lifted up by Sri Krishna and supported on the tip of his

little finger to protect the cows and cowherds - his playmates - from the

heavy torrents of rain sent down by the angry god Indra. But this hill is fast

diminishing and has come down almost to the level of the surrounding land.

The stones cut out from the hill have been for the most part used in the

erection of houses at the place. However to represent the hill, a piece of

rock from it is preserved, enclosed by an iron fence and with a top roof.

Upon this rock pilgrims pour Ghee, milk, curds, etc. and offer Puja. Even

from this rock, bits are knocked off by the pilgrims and carried as

mementos. After securing food at a Dharmashala, Ramdas and the Sadhuram

rested for a while in the afternoon.

In the evening, both the Sadhuram and he were out on the road going

about the town when they heard from a distance the sound of Bhajan.

Thither Ram led him and the Sadhuram. Shortly after this, they found

themselves in a small Ram Mandir, and in front of the images about half a

dozen Saints were sitting and singing to the accompaniment of cymbals,

Tambourine and Mridang, the glorious name of Ram. The words were “Hare

Ram, Hare Ram, Ram Ram, Hare Hare! Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna

Krishna, Hare Hare!”

This Bhajan was sung repeatedly in a variety of tunes producing in the

atmosphere an electric influence full of peace. In this place he remained for

nearly four hours fully absorbed in the charming sound of Ram’s name. Next

day, he and his guide started back for Mathura and after a short stay there,

Ramdas, who missed the Sadhuram, proceeded alone to Gokul lying at a

distance of about 5 miles. Ah! Gokul is the place where Sri Krishna grew up

as a child, played his games and exhibited his extraordinary powers! Here

also the blessed Jamuna flows. It was here in this river, perhaps, that Sri

Krishna rode and danced on the hood of the venomous serpent Kaliya. After

a day’s stay here, he returned to Mathura, whence he proceeded to

Brindaban about six miles off.

Brindaban is a very delightful place. Here the same Jamuna flows in

all her tameness and purity. There are beautiful natural gardens of Neem

and other trees on the banks of the river. To sit under their cool shade,

when the fresh breeze is blowing over the place from the bosom of mother

Jamuna, is to enjoy heaven itself. He was charmed with the place and

stayed on the banks of the river for a fortnight, made the dry sand his bed

and seat for the night, and the shade of the trees a little above, his resting

place for the day. Moonlit nights here were all-bewitching. The very air

seemed to be charged with the presence of that Love incarnate Sri Krishna -

and when soft breezes were blowing they seemed to be carrying into

Ramdas’ ears the maddening music of Sri Krishna’s flute, and the silvery

sound of the tinkling tiny bells of his blessed dancing feet. Now and again, a

deep, soft and resonant voice would travel in the air - “Radheshyam,

Radheshyam.” Ramdas lived there in a state of complete ecstasy and

rapture. Days passed by unconsciously. The whole stay seemed to be one

long-drawn, sweet and pleasant dream.

At Brindaban, he visited many Krishna-Mandirs of which the

Ranganath-Mandir is a huge and picturesque structure. It resembles a

fortress enclosed by high massive walls. The gateway and interior building

and roofs are all made of stone artistically carved. The command came at

last from Ram to quit. Returning to Mathura, he got into a train directed by

the friends of the place.

CHAPTER XXVIII

RAIPUR

THE train carried him to Raipur. Ram’s ways are mysterious. So he did

not know why Ram had brought him to Raipur since it is not a place of

pilgrimage. After taking his midday meal in the company of a Sadhu kindly

provided by Ram, at the suggestion of the Sadhuram, they went to a

beautiful garden of the place. Here after bathing in the water of a canal,

Ramdas spread a small deer-skin he was carrying with him (presented by a

kind friend at Jhansi, of course, supplied by Ram) under the shade of a tree

and laying himself down upon it, had hardly closed his eyes, when someone

lightly shook him by the shoulders. Opening his eyes he discovered a young

Mohammedan beside him.

“Excuse the disturbance, sir,” said the young friend in Hindustani.

Ramdas now sat up and enquired what he wanted.

“I have come to have a chat with you. I want to know if you have

faith in Mohammed,” inquired the young friend.

“Why not? He is one of the greatest prophets of God,” replied

Ramdas.

“Why do you say one of the prophets? Why not the only one?” put in

the Muslim friend.

“Young brother, although Mohammed is a world teacher, there are

others also who are as great teachers - for instance, Buddha, Jesus Christ

and Krishna - and in our days, Mahatma Gandhi. If you would try to

understand the message they deliver to the world, you would find that in

the essentials they all agree and hold out the same goal to mankind.”

The words produced a deep impression upon the mind of the Muslim

friend. The conversation continued for some time with regard to Ramdas’

experiences, etc. The young friend became very fond of him so much so that

he made up his mind to follow Ramdas wherever he went. It was a sudden

impulse. Ramdas told him that he should not do so as he had no orders from

Ram to take him with him. After some persuasion he was induced to give up

the idea. But he wanted something from Ramdas as a memento. Ramdas

told him that he was quite willing to give him anything he had with him -

that he had only to ask for what he wanted. The kind friend then asked for

the deer-skin and it was at once handed over to him. He said, while

receiving it:

“My object in having this skin is to perform my Namaz, i.e., prayers

to Allah sitting upon it; and it will also remind me of you every time.”

At parting he asked Ramdas where he was going next. He replied that

Ram intended to take him to Ajmer.

“Well, that is good,” said the friend, “when you are there, please

don’t fail to pay a visit to the famous Muslim shrine, the Khaja Pir. Any

Mussulman can show you the way to it.”

These were prophetic words. In due course he reached Ajmer. It was

night. While he was resting in the station a policeman interfered and drove

him away. Knocking about along with some other Sadhus, who had also

arrived by the same train, the railway police objected and asked all of them

to go out. He sought a place under a tree in front of the station, within the

compound. But here again the policeman interfered and drove him away.

Knocking about for some time, he saw at last a spot under another tree in a

far-off corner of the railway compound. As he had nothing to spread on the

floor, he lay himself down on the bare ground. When his nose came in close

proximity with the ground he felt the strong smell of urine. O Ram, how

kind you are; you make your humble slave pass through every kind of

experience - all for his good.

This condition taught him further still what a folly it was to make

much of this perishable body, and it also tended greatly to make him find

his true level, which is indeed very, very low. To afford him the benefit of

this experience, O Ram, Thou alone appeared as the policeman and brought

about this circumstance. Here Ramdas, the child of Ram, slept soundly till

morning in the loving embrace of that all-powerful Being - Ram.

CHAPTER XXIX

AJMER

AT daybreak, he directed his steps towards the city. When he was

going through the thickly populated streets of Ajmer, knowing not where he

was being led - he was always engaged in the contemplation of Ram - a tall

and stout Mohammedan stopped Ramdas and made a sign to follow him. He

had no choice in such matters. He always thinks that all calls are from Ram.

So, without any hesitation he obeyed the Mohammedan guide, not knowing,

nor caring to know, where the friend was taking him. They walked through

the streets for nearly a mile and at last stopped at an arched gate. The

friend entered closely followed by him. After passing through a courtyard,

and on descending some flight of steps and then going through a doorway, a

beautiful Masjid came into view. Going in here, he found himself in front of

a huge silver Mandap or Tabooth, domed and carved picturesquely.

“This is Khaja Pir,” exclaimed the Muslim friend, “Kneel down here

and enlist yourself as the Chela of Mohammed.”

At once Ramdas knelt as bidden by him, in all reverence. Then

looking up to the kind friend, he said:

“Brother, there is no need of his enlisting himself here as

Mohammed’s Chela, because he has already been a Chela of Mohammed.”

O Ram O Mohammed! How wonderful are Thy ways! In fulfilment of

the fervent wish of that young Muslim friend of Raipur, Thou hadst brought

Ramdas on a visit to the sacred shrine of the Mohammedans. All glory to

Thee, O Ram - O Mohammed!

Leading him out of this holy place, the Muslim friend left him on the

main road. Soon after this, he was taken up by a Sannyasi named Swami

Ramchandra - a man of pure and tender heart. He became greatly attached

to Ramdas and undertook to look after him in everyway. O Ram! How can

Thy ignorant slave understand Thy ways! He knows only this much - Thou art

all kindness, all love. First the Swamiji inquired in the bazaar for an

Annakshetra, and having received the information and got two meal-Chits,

took him there; and after finishing meals, led him to a rest-house where he

shared his meagre bedding with Ramdas in spite of his remonstrances. His

kindness to the poor slave of Ram was indeed unbounded.

O Ram - it is Thyself who appearest in the form of these guides to

lead, feed, and take care of Thy slave. Why, for that matter, Ramdas has

now come to look upon all human beings, all creatures, all life, all things as

nothing but the manifestation of the Divine Ram, whom he is meditating

upon day and night. The Swamiji and he remained in Ajmer for three days,

and then left for Pushkar Raj. Travelling on the hill for about five miles,

they reached a large natural reservoir of water, on one side of which were

erected temples and Dharmashalas. The Swamiji and he occupied one of

them. Here Ramdas spent five days in Bhajan of Sri Ram. Swami

Ramchandra had to stay in Pushkar Raj for some days more.

So Ramdas, at Ram’s command, left the place alone for Ajmer, where

he secured the company of a Sadhu. Prevented from travelling by train by

Ram’s will, they walked for about 16 miles and then got into a train. The

Sadhuram who was complaining of indigestion at Ajmer recovered his health

completely by this walk of 16 miles, receiving on the way very little food.

Ram does everything for the best. At a junction named Mehsana, the Sadhus

met another Sannyasi at whose suggestion they accompanied him to a

station called Dharmapuri, where, alighting, they walked straight to the

Ashram of a Sadhu residing near the Mandir of Mahadev. The Sadhu gave a

hearty welcome to the guests and provided them with accommodation,

food, etc.

Ramdas was pressed to remain in that Ashram for some days. But, as

the Sadhuram could not do so, he left the place after a stay of two days and

proceeded on his journey. A week passed in this Ashram when two Sannyasis

from a neighbouring village came there on a visit, and took him to their

Ashram which was in a jungle. He remained in this jungle which he found

best suited for Rambhajan. The Sannyasis were very kind to him. In this

jungle there was a small Mandir of Narahari. The interior of this Mandir was

a perfect square - the sides corresponding exactly to Ramdas’ height.

Except for one or two hours of sleep in the night, he was repeating the

whole night the glorious Mantram of Sri Ram. Here, he proved for himself

beyond all doubt that Ram protects with the greatest care the devotees who

entirely trust Him and solely depend upon Him.

The jungle was infested with wild pigs, serpents, scorpions and other

venomous creatures. Every night a herd of about 20 to 30 wild pigs would

surround the Mandir, the door of which was always open. The wild animals

would come to dig out roots with their snouts from the marshy land

surrounding the Mandir, for these roots were their food. Ramdas was freely

going out in the nights when they were about. But by Ram’s grace they

never harmed him. The villagers who were coming there during the day

would warn him of the ferocious nature of these wild beasts. But complete

trust in Ram means full protection and no fear. Moreover day and night the

Mandir was freely visited by long black serpents, none of which, however,

molested him. Again every morning when he lifted up the gunny or sack

piece spread for him by the kind Sannyasis as Asan or seat - which Ramdas

would use also for a bed at night - he would discover beneath it a number of

reddish yellow scorpions. But none of these stung him.

O Ram! When Thy loving arm is ever ready to protect Thy humble

slave, who could harm him? Thou art - O Ram – everywhere - in all creatures

- the whole universe and all in it is Thy own manifestation. O Ram - all glory

to Thee! Ramdas, by Ram’s command, remained in this jungle for about a

month and a half. The afternoons were mostly spent in the society of

cowherd boys who would come to this forest for grazing cattle. They would

play upon flutes and give him the pleasure of listening to their sweet music.

These boys appeared to him as so many cheerful, active, little Krishnas. By

Ram’s grace the stay there proved altogether a most delightful one.

On one occasion, the kind Sannyasi friend took him on a visit to a

village, several stations away from Dharmapuri - the name of which is

Yadavpur. Here, there was a great congregation of Sadhus. There were in all

about 200 in number. It was a feast of Satsang; the beauty of it all was to

observe the unstinted hospitality of the villagers. Every article of comfort

which they possessed was at the disposal of the Sadhus. One day Ram’s

command came to Ramdas to move on. Accordingly he left the jungle

against the wishes of the Sannyasis, who wanted him to remain for some

months more. Ram passed him on to the care of a merchant at the railway

station, who undertook to escort him as far as the merchant travelled. An

incident that took place here requires to be related now.

CHAPTER XXX

MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL

WHEN the merchant and Ramdas were entering the train, there was a

heavy rush of passengers and so the merchant had to push his way in the

thick of the crowd in order to get into a carriage, which he did, followed by

Ramdas. He had scarcely settled himself down on a seat when the merchant

friend came to him and informed:

“Maharaj, somebody has robbed me of my leather purse containing

fifteen rupees and the railway ticket.”

And he showed his waistcoat pocket, the inside lining of which was

found to have been neatly cut out for the removal of the purse. It must all

have been the work of a few seconds. The merchant continued to say:

“Now, what shall I do? I have neither ticket nor money. May I report

the matter to the railway police?” The train was about to start.

“Since you ask for his advice,” said Ramdas, “he requests you to keep

mum over the affair. No good fretting or making a fuss over the matter. As

regards the ticket, you may travel to your destination without one. On the

way or at the alighting station, if the ticket is demanded of you by the

railway officers, you can explain to them the way how you lost the purse

and the ticket. As a proof of this, you may show them the torn vest pocket.”

This advice of humble Ramdas did not satisfy the merchant. He could

not rest content until he reported the matter to the railway police. Now a

police officer came to the compartment and commenced teasing many

poorly dressed and unassuming Sadhus, compelling them to hand over their

bags and bundles for inspection. Not finding anything with them, the

policeman’s attention was next directed towards a group of simple dressed

villagers whose big turbans were all pulled down and their coats and

clothing rummaged. On the person of one of them was at length discovered

a sum of Rs.20. This man was now asked by the police a number of sharp

and suspicious questions as to how he came in possession of the money. He

explained that he was only a keeper of the amount belonging to all the

friends of that group. By this time, the merchant-friend who was looking

upon the inquiry set on foot by him, had got disgusted with it all and was in

a penitent mood, because he saw that many innocent people were being

harassed for the sake of his loss. The money found upon the villagers and

their tickets also were wrested from them and kept by the police, and were

only returned to the owners after they had passed several stations.

Meanwhile, the incident caused a great deal of annoyance and anxiety. Now

the merchant came to Ramdas, and giving him a Namaskar, said:

“Maharaj, fool that I was not to have listened to your golden advice.

Behold, what a mess I have made of the whole matter. To how many

innocent men I have caused pain. Pardon thy slave.”

“Pray, sue pardon of Ram, O friend,” was Ramdas’ only reply. By this

occurrence Ram taught Ramdas a beautiful moral that he should not commit

at any time the blunder of carrying or owning money which means nothing

but trouble and mischief. Rightly it is said: “Money is the root of all evil.”

CHAPTER XXXI

JUNAGADH

NOW the train carried Ramdas to the Junagadh station. It was

midday. He was without a guide. At the city gate he inquired of a policeman

if there was a Ram Mandir in that place. He replied that there was a Ram

Mandir about two miles from the gate and he pointed out the way leading to

it. Ramdas walked on, making frequent inquiries on the way. At last, he

reached the high gateway of the Ram Mandir. Entering, he was welcomed by

the Mahant of the Ashram, with whom he remained for about a week. Here

he had the benefit of the society of six other Sadhus who were also there as

the guests of the kind-hearted Mahant. All of them were very kind to

Ramdas.

Ram here performed two wonderful miracles - one of these Sadhus

had an attack of fever from a fortnight and in spite of various kinds of

treatment, he was as bad as ever. He was bedridden, emaciated and pale.

Besides, he was disheartened and was fretting over his illness. Seeing his

condition Ramdas could not resist going to his bed, and, sitting near him and

offering himself for his service, began pressing his legs lightly. Coming to

know of this the ailing Sadhu sat up and remonstrated, saying that he was

quite unworthy to receive such attention from him. He only asked for a

blessing from Ramdas that he should be all right by the following day.

Ramdas said that he was only a humble slave of Ram and had no right to

bless anybody.

“Do bless in the name of Ram,” he appealed.

“Well, brother,” said Ramdas, “may Sri Ram - the Protector of all -

bless you with health by tomorrow morning.”

That night Ram was perhaps busy setting the Sadhu right, for next

morning he was entirely free from fever and was moving about in good

cheer and health. This marvellous cure by Ram, for working which he had

made humble Ramdas his tool, made quite a sensation in the Ashram. So he

became the object of considerable attention and love from all in the

Ashram. About three or four days later, another Sadhu fell ill. He too asked

Ramdas to bless him in the same way as he had done the other one. Ramdas

prayed again to Ram as requested. O Ram, what a powerful being Thou art!

The second Sadhu also recovered by the following morning. All glory to

Thee, Ram!

Ramdas was not made to remain in this Ashram long. He met one day

the same Sannyasi who had guided him to Dharmapuri. He had evinced a

great liking for Ramdas. Now he took him up and brought him to another

Ashram, belonging to a well-known Sannyasi of Junagadh, Kashigirji by

name. In this Ashram or Akhada, as it was called, Ramdas was loved by all

Sannyasis - there were about fifteen of them. Ram’s intention in taking him

to Junagadh was to enable him to scale the heights of the famous hill of

Girnar - the seat of Guru Dattatreya and Mother Ambaji. He expressed this

wish to Kashigirji who proposed also to accompany him on his climb. Ram’s

kindness is indeed very great. A day was fixed and one night he mounted the

steps of Girnar with Kashigirji and six other Sannyasis who were also in the

party. The total number of steps to be mounted in order to reach the

summit of the hills was about 9000. 6000 steps were covered, and they

reached, at about three after midnight, the Ashram of a Sannyasi whose

name was Shankargirji.

Here a halt was made for the night. Cold on the hill was severe. Ram

was kind and his Bhajan was so sweet. Next morning, the party climbed

further up and reached first the temple of Mother Ambaji and thence

ascending a flight of steps mounted again the highest peak among those

hills. While nearing this peak, the steps were irregular and slippery, but

Ram led all up safely. Here on the summit are the footprints of Guru

Dattatreya. Hundreds of pilgrims are everyday ascending these hills for the

Darshan of these holy footprints. To sit on the edge of this peak and to have

a sweeping look all around is to present to the gaze a most enthralling sight.

The charming landscapes on all sides - the distant hills painted with green

and yellow - the vast blue expanse of the sky overhead, and the thin silvery

streaks of sparkling water streaming down the smooth and shining sides of

rocks - are all scenes that elevate the looker on to regions at once mystic

and celestial.

On getting down this hill - half-way - the party visited some caves

occupied by Mahatmas, and had the uncommon pleasure of their society.

Then were visited the various reservoirs of water on the slopes of the hills.

At length they returned at noon to the hospitable Ashram of Shankargirji.

After dinner the party started on their downward journey and reached

Junagadh in the evening. Next day all the Sannyasis of the party were

complaining of stiffness and pain in their limbs. Some of them, for two or

three days, could only hobble along. But Ram was so kind to Ramdas that he

did not feel any pain or stiffness in his legs. Now Ram made him acquainted

with two young friends, Maganlal and Kantilal, both of whom conceived a

great love for him. In their company he spent a few very happy days. They

would take him every evening for walks in the public gardens and among

groves of trees.

Once in their company Ramdas ascended a small hill called Lakshman

Tekri. They also introduced him to some Muslim friends of the place who

were all very kind to him. A visit was paid to the Datar Mosque at the foot of

the Datar hills. Maganlal made him acquainted with several friends of

Junagadh who were all uniformly kind to Ramdas. Maganlal arranged for his

journey to Somnath, a noted shrine of great historical importance. Ramdas

duly proceeded to this shrine in the company of a Gujarati friend who met

him at the Railway station by the grace of Ram.

This friend, on reaching Veraval station, as arranged by Maganlal,

took him to the house of a rich merchant of the place - a relation of

Maganlal. But when Ramdas visited him, he was laid up with high fever and

his whole household was in a state of acute anxiety over his illness. He sat

near the sick friend and, touching him on the arm, felt the high

temperature. Before leaving the room, Ramdas was asked by his relatives

present, as well as by the friends who escorted him to the place, to bless

the patient with health. Accordingly Ramdas said that by the grace of

almighty Ram he would be all right next morning.

Ram manifested His power here as well! The patient was entirely free

from all fever next morning. He was having the attack of fever for five days

past without intermission. By Ram’s grace, now the fever having left him,

he was able to walk out to his place of business. Ramdas was staying in the

topmost storey of his shop - a huge building. Here too all were kind to him.

He duly visited the ruins and the temple of Somnath. The underground cave,

in which there is the huge image of Somnath, was entered and he stood

before the idol. Here again he felt thrills of ecstasy in the presence of

Somnath. He bathed in the river a little away from the temple. Returning to

Veraval, Ramdas expressed to the merchant-friend, as prompted by Ram,

his wish to visit Prachi and Muddi Goraknath, and said that he would go on

foot early next morning.

“No, Swamiji,” said the kind merchant, “you should not go on foot. I

shall engage a bullock cart for you, for the road leading to these places is so

rugged and rough that even a horse carriage cannot be driven over there.

Moreover, you have to cover a distance of 16 miles which is a long distance

for a weak man like you to walk through.”

Although Ramdas was against the proposal, he was prevailed upon by

the friend to sit in a cart along with some other friends who were also

bound for Prachi. The kind friend dropped into his pocket a small kerchief to

which were tied Rs.2 for cart-hire to and from Prachi. The cart started

before daybreak. They had not travelled half a mile, when Ramdas saw the

driver beating the bullocks with a heavy stick. He, of course, could not bear

the sight. He felt as if the blows were delivered on his own back. He

appealed to the driver not to inflict injury on the bullock. He replied that

the bullocks would not go if they were not chastised. Ram now commanded

Ramdas to give up the cart at once. After paying Re.1, his hire, he got down

and walked the distance and reached Prachi about midday.

As he was proceeding, he happened to pass close to a poorly dressed

man with a bundle on his back. Seeing Ramdas he quickly moved out of the

way and began walking at the other end of the road. Proceeding a little

further, he met another man coming from the opposite direction, and both

greeted each other with ‘Ram, Ram’. After going a little further Ramdas

questioned him why he was moving so far away from him, to which he

replied that he was a Pariah.

“O, but you are Ramdas’ brother, all the same.” So saying, Ramdas

approached him and took him by the hand. He stared at Ramdas in

confusion.

“I am a Dhed by caste,” he again said.

“Ramdas is your brother,” repeated Ramdas. “A man who has the

name of Ram on his lips is superior to a Brahmin - in the eyes of Ram, all are

equal.”

Until he parted, Ramdas went on talking to him about the glory of

Ram. Now he took a sidetrack and separated from Ramdas who then fell into

the company of a Mohammedan friend driving a horse, loaded with some

merchandise. This friend, whose nature was simple and child-like, gave him

much pleasure by his society until Ramdas reached Prachi. Bathing in the

large tank into which a river was flowing he visited several Mandirs, met

two Sadhus of the place, and then started on his return journey, and

reached in the evening the shrine called Muddi Goraknath. Here he

remained for a night in the society of the Sadhus of the temple, which is

also a cave, entrance to which can only be gained by descending a number

of stone steps.

Starting from there early next morning he reached Veraval in the

forenoon. The first thing he did was to return the balance of Re.1 to the

merchant. He had walked all the way with enthusiasm, repeating, according

to his wont, the sacred Ram-Mantram . The following day he went back by

train to Junagadh. Maganlal and Kantilal heartily welcomed him back. They

pressed him to remain in Junagadh for some days more. He agreed to do so,

by Ram’s will, provided he was allowed to remain in solitude where he could

spend his days in entire devotion to and meditation of Ram. Accordingly

Ram Himself pitched upon a place called Muchkund Rishi’s Ashram. This is

situated right in the midst of a dense jungle over a hill, on the way to

Girnar, about 4 miles from Junagadh. There is a temple here in ruins,

besides a number of Samadhis in a neglected condition. The place has

consequently a weird appearance.

 

Om Tat Sat
                                                        
(Continued) 

(My humble salutations to the lotus feet of H H Swami Ramadas ji  for the collection)

CHAPTER XXVI

HIMALAYAN JOU

RNEY (Contd.)

IN Kedarnath Ramdas performed a most difficult feat - all by Ram’s

grace. He ascended one of the surrounding high rocks covered with snow. Of

course, Ramkinker followed him. While going up they had to do so by

holding the rough grass that grew on the hill. It was a steep ascent. For

nearly half the way Ramkinker accompanied him and then he refused to go

higher up with Ramdas, both on account of cold and the danger of slipping

down. Meanwhile, Ramdas, who had surrendered himself into the hands of

Ram, mounted higher and higher until he reached the summit of the hill,

and touched its narrow conical peak. As he touched the top he gave a cry of

triumph in the name of Sri Ram. He uttered at the top of his voice: “Om Sri

Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram!” O Ram, what a glorious Being Thou art!

Now descent was most perilous, an unguarded step or a slight slip

meant a headlong fall, and certain destruction of the body. However, when

Ram guides where is the fear? What danger cannot be faced boldly? He

slowly crept down, nay, slipped down the hill. While doing so, it began to

rain white solid globules of snow. He had ascended without any warm

clothing. But by Ram’s grace he felt neither cold nor fear. At last, Ram

brought him safely to the base of the rock. It took five hours to accomplish

this ascent; the height of the hill might have been over a mile. Going to the

source of the river, Mandakini, which starts at this place, where the snow

melts and flows down, he took his bath; the water was, of course, very,

very cold, but what cold can affect him when Ram protects!

In Kedarnath there is a temple, some shops and residences. A day’s

stay, and he, on the advice of Ramkinker, travelled onwards. After

descending for some miles, the pilgrims commenced to walk up another

chain of mountains. Higher and higher again they climbed. Again glorious

enchanting landscapes and scenes met their eyes. At the foot of a hill they

came upon a resting place where there was a small tank called Gauri Kund,

wherein hot water through a spring is collected. There was also another

tank in which the water was yellow in colour. From there he and Ramkinker

started on their upward journey, miles and miles of ascents were traversed.

The pathway now was not so bad as that which led to Kedarnath. For days

and days they walked on and at last neared the place called Badrinath or

Badrinarayan. While they were yet about half a mile from the place, they

sat down on the path and looked at the Badrinath mountains. The sight was

bewitching.

To describe the scene the poor pen of Ramdas is quite inadequate

and unfit. As he gazed on, he for a time lost body-consciousness and became

one with the tall mountains in the midst of which he was sitting. Badrinath

is the source of the river Alaknanda. While going up these heights, at 3 or 4

places, the pilgrims had to cross wide tracts of snow. He travelled over

them with naked feet. These tracts of snow are glaciers. Below the surface

of these vast cakes of snow is flowing water in heavy torrents downhill to

meet the river below. It is said that many pilgrims, while walking on their

surface, have been sucked down by the torrent, some thin layer of snow

giving way beneath their feet. The story is current that a wealthy merchant

of Bombay, while being carried on a Doli or cradle-like conveyance by four

strong men, was drowned and lost in the swift current below.

Badrinath was reached - it was a flat valley surrounded on all sides by

high mountains like Kedarnath - and here stands the temple of Badrinarayan

in white marble. At this place also there was a tank containing hot water,

received from a hot spring running down the hills. All the pilgrims bathed in

this tank. The cold was very intense. But Ram was kind and gracious at the

same time. So Ramdas did not feel the rigour of the cold very much. He had

some difficulty in gaining entrance to the temple for the Darshan of

Badrinarayan, as there was a heavy rush of pilgrims at the front door. But

some sickly people were permitted to get in by a narrow side-door at which

two Pandas or Brahmins were set to watch. He sought entrance here. One of

the Pandas said:

“If you are sick, you can come in,”

“No, Ramdas is not sick,” replied Ramdas.

“Well, pretend that you are sick, if you are not,” suggested the

Pandaji.

“Never,” returned Ramdas, “he does not want the Darshan of

Badrinath by telling a lie. It is against the command of Ram.”

Saying thus, he turned away from the place. But the kind Pandaji at

once grasping his hand took him inside and getting him the Darshan of

Badrinath gave him also some Prasad. O Ram! Thou art testing Thy slave in

various ways. Remaining in Badrinath for a day, the Sadhus started on their

return journey. After several days’ walk they came to a place called

Ramnagar whence the railway-line starts running southward. In all, the

distance travelled over the Himalayas was 400 miles, and the time taken

from Hardwar to Ramnagar was 40 days.

Ramnagar, as the name suggests, is a blessed place. Charity is the

ideal of the people there. Near the railway station there was a dispensary,

worked by the Congress volunteers for the benefit of ailing pilgrims.

Hundreds of pilgrims are everyday receiving aid from this dispensary.

Arrangements by well-to-do citizens are made for feeding Sadhus and poor

pilgrims. The people of the place are kind and hospitable. For his part,

Ramdas must say the same with regard to all parts of India wherever he

travelled. Ram was uniformly kind to him in all his travels, because he had

started on his travels at the bidding of Ram alone.

At Ramnagar, he and Ramkinker got into the train proceeding to

Mathura, which they reached in due time. Here Ramkinker who was taken ill

proposed to return to Jhansi. During all the time he was with Ramdas,

Ramkinker was more than a mother to him. He took every care of him. It

was all Ram’s wish that such a friend should leave him. Accordingly

Ramkinker left Mathura for Jhansi. Ramdas was now alone only for a few

minutes, for Ram had another Sadhu ready at the Dharmashala, where they

were halting, to take him up.

CHAPTER XXVII

MATHURA, GOKUL AND BRINDABAN

MATHURA is the birthplace of that great incarnation - Sri Krishna. Sri

Krishna is the veritable personification of Love itself. His imperishable name

lives still green and in all its pristine glory in the minds of all people in

India. The Bhagavad Gita stands unrivalled in the depth of its philosophy

pointing out the one Goal which all human endeavour should aim at, as the

ultimate accomplishment of all life and existence. Mathura still remembers

vividly the child Krishna and his charmed life, which is proved by the variety

of Mandirs in the place in which he is worshipped daily in the form of

gaudily dressed idols. On the day of Ramdas’ arrival at Mathura - Ramkinker

being laid up with fever - Ramdas, before he came in touch with the new

Sadhuram, went to the city in quest of the holy river Jamuna. Ram, who was

ever ready to offer help to him, now brought him in touch with a Brahmin

going towards the river. He came of his own accord towards him and

proposed to lead him to the river.

Having reached the holy Jamuna, Ramdas first washed his clothes and

then descended into the river for a bath. But before doing so, he placed his

small Lota on one of the stone steps into which he also put his spectacles.

Finishing bath he was returning to the spot where he had placed the Lota,

and he was only a moment too late, because a monkey coming up carried

off the spectacles. Now without spectacles he could not clearly see objects

at a distance. The Brahmin guide, seeing this, was annoyed. But Ramdas,

unperturbed, said:

“It was all Ram’s wish,” and thought within himself that perhaps Ram

meant to restore his failing sight.

But the Brahmin would not rest content. He requested two boys

standing nearby to run after the monkey for the pair of spectacles. The

monkey, meanwhile, was jumping from one turret of the temple to the

other closely followed by a number of other monkeys who thought the first

one had got some eatable in its grasp. However, in about a quarter of an

hour, the boys returned bringing with them the pair of spectacles in a sound

condition. It was after all a test of Ram on his humble slave. After visiting

some temples of Sri Krishna by the kindness of this Brahmin guide, he

proceeded next day to Govardhan, in the company of the new Sadhuram.

Govardhan was situated at a distance of 14 miles from Mathura. They

reached this place at midday. Here was the famous hill of Govardhan which

is said to have been lifted up by Sri Krishna and supported on the tip of his

little finger to protect the cows and cowherds - his playmates - from the

heavy torrents of rain sent down by the angry god Indra. But this hill is fast

diminishing and has come down almost to the level of the surrounding land.

The stones cut out from the hill have been for the most part used in the

erection of houses at the place. However to represent the hill, a piece of

rock from it is preserved, enclosed by an iron fence and with a top roof.

Upon this rock pilgrims pour Ghee, milk, curds, etc. and offer Puja. Even

from this rock, bits are knocked off by the pilgrims and carried as

mementos. After securing food at a Dharmashala, Ramdas and the Sadhuram

rested for a while in the afternoon.

In the evening, both the Sadhuram and he were out on the road going

about the town when they heard from a distance the sound of Bhajan.

Thither Ram led him and the Sadhuram. Shortly after this, they found

themselves in a small Ram Mandir, and in front of the images about half a

dozen Saints were sitting and singing to the accompaniment of cymbals,

Tambourine and Mridang, the glorious name of Ram. The words were “Hare

Ram, Hare Ram, Ram Ram, Hare Hare! Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna

Krishna, Hare Hare!”

This Bhajan was sung repeatedly in a variety of tunes producing in the

atmosphere an electric influence full of peace. In this place he remained for

nearly four hours fully absorbed in the charming sound of Ram’s name. Next

day, he and his guide started back for Mathura and after a short stay there,

Ramdas, who missed the Sadhuram, proceeded alone to Gokul lying at a

distance of about 5 miles. Ah! Gokul is the place where Sri Krishna grew up

as a child, played his games and exhibited his extraordinary powers! Here

also the blessed Jamuna flows. It was here in this river, perhaps, that Sri

Krishna rode and danced on the hood of the venomous serpent Kaliya. After

a day’s stay here, he returned to Mathura, whence he proceeded to

Brindaban about six miles off.

Brindaban is a very delightful place. Here the same Jamuna flows in

all her tameness and purity. There are beautiful natural gardens of Neem

and other trees on the banks of the river. To sit under their cool shade,

when the fresh breeze is blowing over the place from the bosom of mother

Jamuna, is to enjoy heaven itself. He was charmed with the place and

stayed on the banks of the river for a fortnight, made the dry sand his bed

and seat for the night, and the shade of the trees a little above, his resting

place for the day. Moonlit nights here were all-bewitching. The very air

seemed to be charged with the presence of that Love incarnate Sri Krishna -

and when soft breezes were blowing they seemed to be carrying into

Ramdas’ ears the maddening music of Sri Krishna’s flute, and the silvery

sound of the tinkling tiny bells of his blessed dancing feet. Now and again, a

deep, soft and resonant voice would travel in the air - “Radheshyam,

Radheshyam.” Ramdas lived there in a state of complete ecstasy and

rapture. Days passed by unconsciously. The whole stay seemed to be one

long-drawn, sweet and pleasant dream.

At Brindaban, he visited many Krishna-Mandirs of which the

Ranganath-Mandir is a huge and picturesque structure. It resembles a

fortress enclosed by high massive walls. The gateway and interior building

and roofs are all made of stone artistically carved. The command came at

last from Ram to quit. Returning to Mathura, he got into a train directed by

the friends of the place.

CHAPTER XXVIII

RAIPUR

THE train carried him to Raipur. Ram’s ways are mysterious. So he did

not know why Ram had brought him to Raipur since it is not a place of

pilgrimage. After taking his midday meal in the company of a Sadhu kindly

provided by Ram, at the suggestion of the Sadhuram, they went to a

beautiful garden of the place. Here after bathing in the water of a canal,

Ramdas spread a small deer-skin he was carrying with him (presented by a

kind friend at Jhansi, of course, supplied by Ram) under the shade of a tree

and laying himself down upon it, had hardly closed his eyes, when someone

lightly shook him by the shoulders. Opening his eyes he discovered a young

Mohammedan beside him.

“Excuse the disturbance, sir,” said the young friend in Hindustani.

Ramdas now sat up and enquired what he wanted.

“I have come to have a chat with you. I want to know if you have

faith in Mohammed,” inquired the young friend.

“Why not? He is one of the greatest prophets of God,” replied

Ramdas.

“Why do you say one of the prophets? Why not the only one?” put in

the Muslim friend.

“Young brother, although Mohammed is a world teacher, there are

others also who are as great teachers - for instance, Buddha, Jesus Christ

and Krishna - and in our days, Mahatma Gandhi. If you would try to

understand the message they deliver to the world, you would find that in

the essentials they all agree and hold out the same goal to mankind.”

The words produced a deep impression upon the mind of the Muslim

friend. The conversation continued for some time with regard to Ramdas’

experiences, etc. The young friend became very fond of him so much so that

he made up his mind to follow Ramdas wherever he went. It was a sudden

impulse. Ramdas told him that he should not do so as he had no orders from

Ram to take him with him. After some persuasion he was induced to give up

the idea. But he wanted something from Ramdas as a memento. Ramdas

told him that he was quite willing to give him anything he had with him -

that he had only to ask for what he wanted. The kind friend then asked for

the deer-skin and it was at once handed over to him. He said, while

receiving it:

“My object in having this skin is to perform my Namaz, i.e., prayers

to Allah sitting upon it; and it will also remind me of you every time.”

At parting he asked Ramdas where he was going next. He replied that

Ram intended to take him to Ajmer.

“Well, that is good,” said the friend, “when you are there, please

don’t fail to pay a visit to the famous Muslim shrine, the Khaja Pir. Any

Mussulman can show you the way to it.”

These were prophetic words. In due course he reached Ajmer. It was

night. While he was resting in the station a policeman interfered and drove

him away. Knocking about along with some other Sadhus, who had also

arrived by the same train, the railway police objected and asked all of them

to go out. He sought a place under a tree in front of the station, within the

compound. But here again the policeman interfered and drove him away.

Knocking about for some time, he saw at last a spot under another tree in a

far-off corner of the railway compound. As he had nothing to spread on the

floor, he lay himself down on the bare ground. When his nose came in close

proximity with the ground he felt the strong smell of urine. O Ram, how

kind you are; you make your humble slave pass through every kind of

experience - all for his good.

This condition taught him further still what a folly it was to make

much of this perishable body, and it also tended greatly to make him find

his true level, which is indeed very, very low. To afford him the benefit of

this experience, O Ram, Thou alone appeared as the policeman and brought

about this circumstance. Here Ramdas, the child of Ram, slept soundly till

morning in the loving embrace of that all-powerful Being - Ram.

CHAPTER XXIX

AJMER

AT daybreak, he directed his steps towards the city. When he was

going through the thickly populated streets of Ajmer, knowing not where he

was being led - he was always engaged in the contemplation of Ram - a tall

and stout Mohammedan stopped Ramdas and made a sign to follow him. He

had no choice in such matters. He always thinks that all calls are from Ram.

So, without any hesitation he obeyed the Mohammedan guide, not knowing,

nor caring to know, where the friend was taking him. They walked through

the streets for nearly a mile and at last stopped at an arched gate. The

friend entered closely followed by him. After passing through a courtyard,

and on descending some flight of steps and then going through a doorway, a

beautiful Masjid came into view. Going in here, he found himself in front of

a huge silver Mandap or Tabooth, domed and carved picturesquely.

“This is Khaja Pir,” exclaimed the Muslim friend, “Kneel down here

and enlist yourself as the Chela of Mohammed.”

At once Ramdas knelt as bidden by him, in all reverence. Then

looking up to the kind friend, he said:

“Brother, there is no need of his enlisting himself here as

Mohammed’s Chela, because he has already been a Chela of Mohammed.”

O Ram O Mohammed! How wonderful are Thy ways! In fulfilment of

the fervent wish of that young Muslim friend of Raipur, Thou hadst brought

Ramdas on a visit to the sacred shrine of the Mohammedans. All glory to

Thee, O Ram - O Mohammed!

Leading him out of this holy place, the Muslim friend left him on the

main road. Soon after this, he was taken up by a Sannyasi named Swami

Ramchandra - a man of pure and tender heart. He became greatly attached

to Ramdas and undertook to look after him in everyway. O Ram! How can

Thy ignorant slave understand Thy ways! He knows only this much - Thou art

all kindness, all love. First the Swamiji inquired in the bazaar for an

Annakshetra, and having received the information and got two meal-Chits,

took him there; and after finishing meals, led him to a rest-house where he

shared his meagre bedding with Ramdas in spite of his remonstrances. His

kindness to the poor slave of Ram was indeed unbounded.

O Ram - it is Thyself who appearest in the form of these guides to

lead, feed, and take care of Thy slave. Why, for that matter, Ramdas has

now come to look upon all human beings, all creatures, all life, all things as

nothing but the manifestation of the Divine Ram, whom he is meditating

upon day and night. The Swamiji and he remained in Ajmer for three days,

and then left for Pushkar Raj. Travelling on the hill for about five miles,

they reached a large natural reservoir of water, on one side of which were

erected temples and Dharmashalas. The Swamiji and he occupied one of

them. Here Ramdas spent five days in Bhajan of Sri Ram. Swami

Ramchandra had to stay in Pushkar Raj for some days more.

So Ramdas, at Ram’s command, left the place alone for Ajmer, where

he secured the company of a Sadhu. Prevented from travelling by train by

Ram’s will, they walked for about 16 miles and then got into a train. The

Sadhuram who was complaining of indigestion at Ajmer recovered his health

completely by this walk of 16 miles, receiving on the way very little food.

Ram does everything for the best. At a junction named Mehsana, the Sadhus

met another Sannyasi at whose suggestion they accompanied him to a

station called Dharmapuri, where, alighting, they walked straight to the

Ashram of a Sadhu residing near the Mandir of Mahadev. The Sadhu gave a

hearty welcome to the guests and provided them with accommodation,

food, etc.

Ramdas was pressed to remain in that Ashram for some days. But, as

the Sadhuram could not do so, he left the place after a stay of two days and

proceeded on his journey. A week passed in this Ashram when two Sannyasis

from a neighbouring village came there on a visit, and took him to their

Ashram which was in a jungle. He remained in this jungle which he found

best suited for Rambhajan. The Sannyasis were very kind to him. In this

jungle there was a small Mandir of Narahari. The interior of this Mandir was

a perfect square - the sides corresponding exactly to Ramdas’ height.

Except for one or two hours of sleep in the night, he was repeating the

whole night the glorious Mantram of Sri Ram. Here, he proved for himself

beyond all doubt that Ram protects with the greatest care the devotees who

entirely trust Him and solely depend upon Him.

The jungle was infested with wild pigs, serpents, scorpions and other

venomous creatures. Every night a herd of about 20 to 30 wild pigs would

surround the Mandir, the door of which was always open. The wild animals

would come to dig out roots with their snouts from the marshy land

surrounding the Mandir, for these roots were their food. Ramdas was freely

going out in the nights when they were about. But by Ram’s grace they

never harmed him. The villagers who were coming there during the day

would warn him of the ferocious nature of these wild beasts. But complete

trust in Ram means full protection and no fear. Moreover day and night the

Mandir was freely visited by long black serpents, none of which, however,

molested him. Again every morning when he lifted up the gunny or sack

piece spread for him by the kind Sannyasis as Asan or seat - which Ramdas

would use also for a bed at night - he would discover beneath it a number of

reddish yellow scorpions. But none of these stung him.

O Ram! When Thy loving arm is ever ready to protect Thy humble

slave, who could harm him? Thou art - O Ram – everywhere - in all creatures

- the whole universe and all in it is Thy own manifestation. O Ram - all glory

to Thee! Ramdas, by Ram’s command, remained in this jungle for about a

month and a half. The afternoons were mostly spent in the society of

cowherd boys who would come to this forest for grazing cattle. They would

play upon flutes and give him the pleasure of listening to their sweet music.

These boys appeared to him as so many cheerful, active, little Krishnas. By

Ram’s grace the stay there proved altogether a most delightful one.

On one occasion, the kind Sannyasi friend took him on a visit to a

village, several stations away from Dharmapuri - the name of which is

Yadavpur. Here, there was a great congregation of Sadhus. There were in all

about 200 in number. It was a feast of Satsang; the beauty of it all was to

observe the unstinted hospitality of the villagers. Every article of comfort

which they possessed was at the disposal of the Sadhus. One day Ram’s

command came to Ramdas to move on. Accordingly he left the jungle

against the wishes of the Sannyasis, who wanted him to remain for some

months more. Ram passed him on to the care of a merchant at the railway

station, who undertook to escort him as far as the merchant travelled. An

incident that took place here requires to be related now.

CHAPTER XXX

MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL

WHEN the merchant and Ramdas were entering the train, there was a

heavy rush of passengers and so the merchant had to push his way in the

thick of the crowd in order to get into a carriage, which he did, followed by

Ramdas. He had scarcely settled himself down on a seat when the merchant

friend came to him and informed:

“Maharaj, somebody has robbed me of my leather purse containing

fifteen rupees and the railway ticket.”

And he showed his waistcoat pocket, the inside lining of which was

found to have been neatly cut out for the removal of the purse. It must all

have been the work of a few seconds. The merchant continued to say:

“Now, what shall I do? I have neither ticket nor money. May I report

the matter to the railway police?” The train was about to start.

“Since you ask for his advice,” said Ramdas, “he requests you to keep

mum over the affair. No good fretting or making a fuss over the matter. As

regards the ticket, you may travel to your destination without one. On the

way or at the alighting station, if the ticket is demanded of you by the

railway officers, you can explain to them the way how you lost the purse

and the ticket. As a proof of this, you may show them the torn vest pocket.”

This advice of humble Ramdas did not satisfy the merchant. He could

not rest content until he reported the matter to the railway police. Now a

police officer came to the compartment and commenced teasing many

poorly dressed and unassuming Sadhus, compelling them to hand over their

bags and bundles for inspection. Not finding anything with them, the

policeman’s attention was next directed towards a group of simple dressed

villagers whose big turbans were all pulled down and their coats and

clothing rummaged. On the person of one of them was at length discovered

a sum of Rs.20. This man was now asked by the police a number of sharp

and suspicious questions as to how he came in possession of the money. He

explained that he was only a keeper of the amount belonging to all the

friends of that group. By this time, the merchant-friend who was looking

upon the inquiry set on foot by him, had got disgusted with it all and was in

a penitent mood, because he saw that many innocent people were being

harassed for the sake of his loss. The money found upon the villagers and

their tickets also were wrested from them and kept by the police, and were

only returned to the owners after they had passed several stations.

Meanwhile, the incident caused a great deal of annoyance and anxiety. Now

the merchant came to Ramdas, and giving him a Namaskar, said:

“Maharaj, fool that I was not to have listened to your golden advice.

Behold, what a mess I have made of the whole matter. To how many

innocent men I have caused pain. Pardon thy slave.”

“Pray, sue pardon of Ram, O friend,” was Ramdas’ only reply. By this

occurrence Ram taught Ramdas a beautiful moral that he should not commit

at any time the blunder of carrying or owning money which means nothing

but trouble and mischief. Rightly it is said: “Money is the root of all evil.”

CHAPTER XXXI

JUNAGADH

NOW the train carried Ramdas to the Junagadh station. It was

midday. He was without a guide. At the city gate he inquired of a policeman

if there was a Ram Mandir in that place. He replied that there was a Ram

Mandir about two miles from the gate and he pointed out the way leading to

it. Ramdas walked on, making frequent inquiries on the way. At last, he

reached the high gateway of the Ram Mandir. Entering, he was welcomed by

the Mahant of the Ashram, with whom he remained for about a week. Here

he had the benefit of the society of six other Sadhus who were also there as

the guests of the kind-hearted Mahant. All of them were very kind to

Ramdas.

Ram here performed two wonderful miracles - one of these Sadhus

had an attack of fever from a fortnight and in spite of various kinds of

treatment, he was as bad as ever. He was bedridden, emaciated and pale.

Besides, he was disheartened and was fretting over his illness. Seeing his

condition Ramdas could not resist going to his bed, and, sitting near him and

offering himself for his service, began pressing his legs lightly. Coming to

know of this the ailing Sadhu sat up and remonstrated, saying that he was

quite unworthy to receive such attention from him. He only asked for a

blessing from Ramdas that he should be all right by the following day.

Ramdas said that he was only a humble slave of Ram and had no right to

bless anybody.

“Do bless in the name of Ram,” he appealed.

“Well, brother,” said Ramdas, “may Sri Ram - the Protector of all -

bless you with health by tomorrow morning.”

That night Ram was perhaps busy setting the Sadhu right, for next

morning he was entirely free from fever and was moving about in good

cheer and health. This marvellous cure by Ram, for working which he had

made humble Ramdas his tool, made quite a sensation in the Ashram. So he

became the object of considerable attention and love from all in the

Ashram. About three or four days later, another Sadhu fell ill. He too asked

Ramdas to bless him in the same way as he had done the other one. Ramdas

prayed again to Ram as requested. O Ram, what a powerful being Thou art!

The second Sadhu also recovered by the following morning. All glory to

Thee, Ram!

Ramdas was not made to remain in this Ashram long. He met one day

the same Sannyasi who had guided him to Dharmapuri. He had evinced a

great liking for Ramdas. Now he took him up and brought him to another

Ashram, belonging to a well-known Sannyasi of Junagadh, Kashigirji by

name. In this Ashram or Akhada, as it was called, Ramdas was loved by all

Sannyasis - there were about fifteen of them. Ram’s intention in taking him

to Junagadh was to enable him to scale the heights of the famous hill of

Girnar - the seat of Guru Dattatreya and Mother Ambaji. He expressed this

wish to Kashigirji who proposed also to accompany him on his climb. Ram’s

kindness is indeed very great. A day was fixed and one night he mounted the

steps of Girnar with Kashigirji and six other Sannyasis who were also in the

party. The total number of steps to be mounted in order to reach the

summit of the hills was about 9000. 6000 steps were covered, and they

reached, at about three after midnight, the Ashram of a Sannyasi whose

name was Shankargirji.

Here a halt was made for the night. Cold on the hill was severe. Ram

was kind and his Bhajan was so sweet. Next morning, the party climbed

further up and reached first the temple of Mother Ambaji and thence

ascending a flight of steps mounted again the highest peak among those

hills. While nearing this peak, the steps were irregular and slippery, but

Ram led all up safely. Here on the summit are the footprints of Guru

Dattatreya. Hundreds of pilgrims are everyday ascending these hills for the

Darshan of these holy footprints. To sit on the edge of this peak and to have

a sweeping look all around is to present to the gaze a most enthralling sight.

The charming landscapes on all sides - the distant hills painted with green

and yellow - the vast blue expanse of the sky overhead, and the thin silvery

streaks of sparkling water streaming down the smooth and shining sides of

rocks - are all scenes that elevate the looker on to regions at once mystic

and celestial.

On getting down this hill - half-way - the party visited some caves

occupied by Mahatmas, and had the uncommon pleasure of their society.

Then were visited the various reservoirs of water on the slopes of the hills.

At length they returned at noon to the hospitable Ashram of Shankargirji.

After dinner the party started on their downward journey and reached

Junagadh in the evening. Next day all the Sannyasis of the party were

complaining of stiffness and pain in their limbs. Some of them, for two or

three days, could only hobble along. But Ram was so kind to Ramdas that he

did not feel any pain or stiffness in his legs. Now Ram made him acquainted

with two young friends, Maganlal and Kantilal, both of whom conceived a

great love for him. In their company he spent a few very happy days. They

would take him every evening for walks in the public gardens and among

groves of trees.

Once in their company Ramdas ascended a small hill called Lakshman

Tekri. They also introduced him to some Muslim friends of the place who

were all very kind to him. A visit was paid to the Datar Mosque at the foot of

the Datar hills. Maganlal made him acquainted with several friends of

Junagadh who were all uniformly kind to Ramdas. Maganlal arranged for his

journey to Somnath, a noted shrine of great historical importance. Ramdas

duly proceeded to this shrine in the company of a Gujarati friend who met

him at the Railway station by the grace of Ram.

This friend, on reaching Veraval station, as arranged by Maganlal,

took him to the house of a rich merchant of the place - a relation of

Maganlal. But when Ramdas visited him, he was laid up with high fever and

his whole household was in a state of acute anxiety over his illness. He sat

near the sick friend and, touching him on the arm, felt the high

temperature. Before leaving the room, Ramdas was asked by his relatives

present, as well as by the friends who escorted him to the place, to bless

the patient with health. Accordingly Ramdas said that by the grace of

almighty Ram he would be all right next morning.

Ram manifested His power here as well! The patient was entirely free

from all fever next morning. He was having the attack of fever for five days

past without intermission. By Ram’s grace, now the fever having left him,

he was able to walk out to his place of business. Ramdas was staying in the

topmost storey of his shop - a huge building. Here too all were kind to him.

He duly visited the ruins and the temple of Somnath. The underground cave,

in which there is the huge image of Somnath, was entered and he stood

before the idol. Here again he felt thrills of ecstasy in the presence of

Somnath. He bathed in the river a little away from the temple. Returning to

Veraval, Ramdas expressed to the merchant-friend, as prompted by Ram,

his wish to visit Prachi and Muddi Goraknath, and said that he would go on

foot early next morning.

“No, Swamiji,” said the kind merchant, “you should not go on foot. I

shall engage a bullock cart for you, for the road leading to these places is so

rugged and rough that even a horse carriage cannot be driven over there.

Moreover, you have to cover a distance of 16 miles which is a long distance

for a weak man like you to walk through.”

Although Ramdas was against the proposal, he was prevailed upon by

the friend to sit in a cart along with some other friends who were also

bound for Prachi. The kind friend dropped into his pocket a small kerchief to

which were tied Rs.2 for cart-hire to and from Prachi. The cart started

before daybreak. They had not travelled half a mile, when Ramdas saw the

driver beating the bullocks with a heavy stick. He, of course, could not bear

the sight. He felt as if the blows were delivered on his own back. He

appealed to the driver not to inflict injury on the bullock. He replied that

the bullocks would not go if they were not chastised. Ram now commanded

Ramdas to give up the cart at once. After paying Re.1, his hire, he got down

and walked the distance and reached Prachi about midday.

As he was proceeding, he happened to pass close to a poorly dressed

man with a bundle on his back. Seeing Ramdas he quickly moved out of the

way and began walking at the other end of the road. Proceeding a little

further, he met another man coming from the opposite direction, and both

greeted each other with ‘Ram, Ram’. After going a little further Ramdas

questioned him why he was moving so far away from him, to which he

replied that he was a Pariah.

“O, but you are Ramdas’ brother, all the same.” So saying, Ramdas

approached him and took him by the hand. He stared at Ramdas in

confusion.

“I am a Dhed by caste,” he again said.

“Ramdas is your brother,” repeated Ramdas. “A man who has the

name of Ram on his lips is superior to a Brahmin - in the eyes of Ram, all are

equal.”

Until he parted, Ramdas went on talking to him about the glory of

Ram. Now he took a sidetrack and separated from Ramdas who then fell into

the company of a Mohammedan friend driving a horse, loaded with some

merchandise. This friend, whose nature was simple and child-like, gave him

much pleasure by his society until Ramdas reached Prachi. Bathing in the

large tank into which a river was flowing he visited several Mandirs, met

two Sadhus of the place, and then started on his return journey, and

reached in the evening the shrine called Muddi Goraknath. Here he

remained for a night in the society of the Sadhus of the temple, which is

also a cave, entrance to which can only be gained by descending a number

of stone steps.

Starting from there early next morning he reached Veraval in the

forenoon. The first thing he did was to return the balance of Re.1 to the

merchant. He had walked all the way with enthusiasm, repeating, according

to his wont, the sacred Ram-Mantram . The following day he went back by

train to Junagadh. Maganlal and Kantilal heartily welcomed him back. They

pressed him to remain in Junagadh for some days more. He agreed to do so,

by Ram’s will, provided he was allowed to remain in solitude where he could

spend his days in entire devotion to and meditation of Ram. Accordingly

Ram Himself pitched upon a place called Muchkund Rishi’s Ashram. This is

situated right in the midst of a dense jungle over a hill, on the way to

Girnar, about 4 miles from Junagadh. There is a temple here in ruins,

besides a number of Samadhis in a neglected condition. The place has

consequently a weird appearance.