Madura

RAMDAS remained in Rameshwaram for 2 days. The Sadhuram, then proposing a move, led him to the railway station. Catching a train proceeding further south, they reached a place called Dhanushkodi. On alighting here, the Sadhuram – the guide so kindly provided by Ram – walked in the direction of the sea with Ramdas at his heels. Ramdas who was always busy with the meditation of Ram was feeling as though he was moving about in a dream – Ram, his sole Quest, sole Thought, sole Aim. It was about two miles’ walk to the spot on the seashore where legend declares Sri Ramachandra built the celebrated Sethu or bridge during His excursion to Lanka. Halfway on the sands it began to drizzle. The season was cold, clothing was scanty, but Ram’s kindness and grace were very great. Going down to the extreme south of this projecting piece of sandy land, both bathed in the sea.

Next, the Sadhuram and Ramdas went to a small temple close by where they had the Darshan of two Sadhus permanently residing there. A brisk walk back to Dhanushkodi brought them to a Dharmashala where the Sadhuram provided Ramdas and himself with some food. Ramdas was at this time only on fruit diet or food without salt and chillies. After a day’s stay here they started by train for Madura and reached the place in due time. The temple of Madura was visited. The temple of Meenakshi is a beautiful pile wherein the sculptor has exhibited all his skill. The life-size symmetrical images cut in stone seem to be stepping out of the broad pillars that support the upper structure of the temple. The shrine is massive in build and can stand the wear and tear of ages. The sight of it is, in brief, a most imposing one.

Here Ramdas met again Swami Govindananda who was so kind to him at Rameshwaram. He with two other Saints found Ramdas sitting on one side of the entrance to the temple. The tired Sadhuram – Ramdas’ guide – was sleeping and Ramdas was squatting at his feet. In sleep the Sadhuram’s legs happened to touch Ramdas’ body. Swami Govindananda remonstrated at this and was about to shake up the Sadhuram when Ramdas addressed the Swami:

“Maharaj, please don’t disturb the Sadhu. He is sound asleep.”

“Behold!” cried the Swami, “he is kicking at you. I cannot bear the sight. I consider it as nothing short of sacrilege.”

“Swamiji, it is all right,” replied Ramdas. “His feet are holy. He is Ramdas’ Guru. He is Ram – so no harm anyway.”

The Swami said that he could not quite understand Ramdas whom he held in high reverence. Next day, the Sadhuram proposed a move from the place. Before doing so he told Ramdas that his duty, in so far as guiding him to Rameshwaram was concerned, was over and that he should be permitted to part from him in order to proceed to his Gurustan at Rajamannargudi. All along, the Sadhuram had been very kind to him and had looked after him very tenderly at all stages of the journey, taking every care of him. At a certain railway junction, he left Ramdas. However, before doing so, he assured Ramdas that the train was carrying him to Chidambaram, a noted shrine.