KASHMIR (ContJ.y 347
for the darshan of Khir Bhavani about ten miles from the
city. This shrine is situated "beneath the vast spreading
branches of the chenar with the river Sindhu flowing on
two sides of it. It is noted for the temple of the goddess
Bhavani. The temple, a small structure, is in the centre
of the grounds erected at the edge of a deep rectangular
pit constructed of brick and cement. This pit is intended '
for receiving presents of rice and milk pudding offered to
the goddess. This is her favourite prasad; hence her name
Khir Bhavani. The accumulation of pudding thrown into
the pit by hundreds of devotees, who daily visit the shrine,
gave out a stench that filled the atmosphere. No effort
was made to keep the pit clean—may be, there was some
religious significance in allowing the pudding to rot in the
pit.
Mother Taravati performed her puja of the goddess
with the help of a pandit priest. By evening they returned
to Janakinath's house at Srinagar.
" How do you like the spot Khir Bhavani?" asked
Janakinath.
" The place is all right but it is a pity that the goddess
should be imprisoned for all time in the midst of the most
nauseating odour emanating from khir kund," replied
Ramdas.
" True, that is also my opinion," he said laughing.
One evening, a short time before the day fixed for
starting on the pilgrimage to Amarnath, Janakinath said to
Eamdas:
" Swamiji, I wish so much I could accompany you on
the pilgrimage to Amarnath, but God's will is different. My
new appointment does not admit of my taking leave just
at present. However, one of my relations with his family
intends going. He will have a tent of his own, I have
requested him to include you and Ramcharandas in his
party and he has agreed. I am also arranging for warm
clothing for you both."