BAN3ALORE-BOMBA7 125
of ancient India- to the age of the rishis. Am I not really
dining in the company of those distant ancestors?"
Indeed, the experience was unparalleled. The sa«llnis
dispersed after meals and Ramdas, remaining with the
friends far some time, also returned to his retreat.
Some days later, he again started the practice of pra-
nayama. Now Bhavanishankerrao also joined him. *Throngh-
ont the day and night Ramdas ^ent on vigorously with the
practice. Once again he was seized with an insatiable
Longer. He had to run to Bhavanishankerrao's house twice or
thrice a day for food. Once, one afternoon, he found himself
in their kitchen with a voracious appetite where a mother of
the house -was preparing rice cakes. He begged for the cakes.
The mother was very kind. At first he was served with two
cakes which disappeared in a trice and he looked for more.
As she served he ate on until he must have devoured about
fourteen cakes, in addition to four cups of coffee and half
a dozen plantains. Then somewhat satisfied he left the place,
and returning to his retreat sat tip in asan for pranayama.
In ten minutes the fire of hunger was ablaze again. He
jumped out and made for Bhavanishankerrao's house once
more, with as much speed as his legs could carry him. Then
again he gorged himself with a lot of estables. Earadas told
them that the gluttonous demon Bakasura must have taken
his seat in his stomach! After some time the pranayama
stopped and the normal appetite was restored.
Ramdas* sojourn in Bangalore was for over two months.
He was now feeling a call from Jhansi. The friends of
Jhaasi whom he had met during his last visit to that city
had expressed through repeated letters their keen desire to
see Ramdas- He left Bangalore for Kasaragod. Bhavani-
shankerrao and the members of his household gave him, a
send-off at the railway station. Their love was indeed
illimitable.
In due time Eamdas reached Kasaragod. He once again
met the friends of the place and also Rameharan sannyasi