Srirangam

THE thrills of a new birth, a new life, with the sweet love of Ram was felt. A peace came upon Ramdas’ struggling soul. The turmoil ceased. Ram’s own hands seemed to have touched the head of his slave – Ram blessed. O tears, flow on, for the mere joy of a deliverance! Sorrow, pain, anxiety and care – all vanished, never to return. All glory to Thee, Ram. The great blessing came from Ram: “I take Thee under my guidance and protection – remain ever my devotee – thy name shall be Ramdas.”

Yes, Ramdas, what a grand privilege it is to become the Das of Ram who is all love – kindness – all mercy – all forgiveness!

Now, he came up to a Dharmashala, close to the river and found some Sadhus sitting on the floor of the passage leading out to the main road. They were busy performing Rambhajan to the accompaniment of cymbals and Ektar. They were singing the glorious name of Ram. Ramdas also squatted beside the two young Sannyasis and placed his Lota – procured at Trichy – in front of him to receive Bhiksha from the pilgrims, who passed that way after their bath. The Bhajan of the two young devotees was really very sweet. Time passed most pleasantly. It was about 12 noon that the Bhajan came to a close. Looking upon the cloth spread in front of them the young Sadhus observed only 3 quarter Anna pieces lying on it, all they had got for the day. (One Anna is 1/16th of a Rupee) With a disappointed look one of them remarked:

“Since morning we have been singing the glory of God and He has given us only this much. Hunger is pinching the stomach. How are we to procure food, O God? Is Thy Bhajan from morning till now worth only 9 pies?” (One pie is 1/12th of an anna)

This question was at once answered by Ramdas: “No, young brothers, no value can be set upon your Bhajan. God is always kind and loving. He never forsakes those who depend upon Him. Ram has sent through His humble slave money for your food today.”

So saying, he dropped into the hands of the Sadhus one rupee out of the amount he was then carrying with him. The poor Sadhus simply stared at him in amazement. Their eyes were filled with tears. They exclaimed:

“O God, Thy ways are wonderful – pardon, pardon Thy unworthy slaves; we doubted Thee and Thy love. In future, grant that we may never blame Thee, but bear all sufferings patiently in Thy name.”

The Sadhus then left the place. Looking into his own Lota Ramdas discovered in it 2 pies. His heart leaped with joy at the sight of these tiny coins – the first proceeds of his Bhiksha! Buying two small plantains with the coins he ate them with all pleasure. At this time, in the same line in which he was sitting there was another Sadhu on the right – whilst the young Sadhus aforementioned were on his left. Now, this Sadhu coming forward enquired as to where Ramdas was proceeding. He could not, of course, find a reply to this question. Ram alone could do so. Receiving no reply, the Sadhu proposed to take Ramdas with him to Rameshwaram whither he was going.

O Ram, Thy kindness is indeed very great. To guide Thy helpless slave Thou hast sent to him this Sadhu – why? He can be taken to be none other than Ram Himself.

From time to time Ramdas met Sadhus – who not only led him on the pilgrimage but also took every care of him. All these Sadhus, shall, by Ram’s will, go by one name, ‘Sadhuram’.