SWARGASHRAM-HARD^AR 291
happened regarding the money matter, went about prepar-
ing tea and storing up provisions procured from the collec-
tions*
(ii) The Kumbhamela
The main day of the Kumbhamela approached. It was
to be on the morrow, Ramdas asked the sadhu if he had
any idea of attending the festival at Hardwar. The sadhu
seemed to have a great desire to be present at Hardwar the
next day for the great occasion. He requested Ram das to
go with him. Ramdas also wished to see the fun. That they
had good fun at the fair will be clear from what follows.
They started in the afternoon. Another old sadhu who
was a permanent resident of Swargashram also joined
them. They made a halt for the night at Sat Narayan
Chutty, seven miles from Swargashram. Next day, after
bhiksha, they walked to Hardwar where they arrived at
about five in the evening. Both the banks of the Ganges in
Hardwar presented a seething mass of humanity. For miles
all round every nook and corner was occupied by pilgrims
and sadhus. It was a tremendous gathering. It was said
that over thirteen lakhs of people had assembled there for
the gathering.
The sadhus, however, wedged themselves between two
groups of pilgrims on the opposite bank of the river. The
muhurta or auspicious hour for bathing in the Brahma
kund was four hours after midnight. The belief goes that
those who bathe in the kund at this psychological hour will
attain immortality. Ramdas did not appreciate or had he
any belief in that cheap method of earning immortality!
God had granted him that supreme blessing already by
making him pass through the necessary struggle and
sadhana. He was there to witness the magnificent mela of
lakhs of people. The very sight of the vast crowds sent him
into ecstasies*
Till twelve the mass of humanity was lying still on the
37*