SRINAGAR 373
Bhai Vir Singh, Janakinath, Shambnnath and several
Sikh friends would pay him visits during the day and
furnish him with pots for water and charcoal, kangdi,
matches etc. to keep a fire against cold, but Ramdas never
used these materials. Shambunath, whom Eamdas had
met at Panchatarni, desired to have him for a few days at
his house on his leaving the cave.
Ramdas lived in the cave for a week, during which time
he never bathed, drank or used water. Water could be
had only from the lake which was at the foot of the hill,
fairly three furlongs down from the cave* He never des-
cended the hill in those days.
On the night of the seventh day he had a strange
experience. It might be past midnight. The interior of
the cave was as usual utterly dark. Suddenly a brilliant
bluish light lit up the entire cave. He seemed to be
Absorbed in that light, which lasted only for a few seconds,
and then it gradually disappeared throwing the cave again
into depths of darkness.
On the eighth day, eai'iy morning, L e. the day follow-
ing the vision of light, he left the cave and presented
himself at the kuti of saint Bhai Vir Singh, who welcomed
Mm with open arms.