438 IN THE VISION OF GOD
shadow had fallen. The preparations went on apace. After
dinner Ramdas was taken to sec the old man. Although
alive he had not clear consciousness of this side of life.
After a few minutes Ramdas returned to Madhavrao's.
When he was leaving Anjangatim, about four o'clock, by
which time the last person in the houso luui partaken of the
feast, news came again that the old man died, and this
time once for all.
At Angar Ramdas was received by the devotees
of the place with as much love and devotion as on
previous occasions. Kirtan, bhajan and founts were the
order of the day. After a short stay here, Ramdas and the
party proceeded to Uppalai where again ho was welcomed
into the modest and sacred hut of fl-ovind Ramakrislma
Joslri. Oh! what words can adequately oxproBS the over-
flowing love, simple faith and exalted devotion of this
glorious couple, G-ovind Ramakrishna Joshi and his wife'
Radhabai. Here again a full programme of bhajan, kirtan
and dinner was gone through.
From Uppalai, at the invitation of the Juhagirdar,
Raghunath Maharaj Yeshwant, ho proceeded to a village
called AshtL It so happened that when Ramdas came to
the Jahagirdar's house his wife was in her menses,
and as is the custom with the bralunaiis, during such
periods, a lady should observe segregation and should
not be touched, as such touch is considered to be
pollution. The Jahagirdar was in a fijc as to tho manage-
ment of the kitchen. With the help of a neighbouring lady
he got meals ready for the guests. All the time the
Jahagirdar's wife was feeling -greatly disappointed that
she could not take part in the festivities. Most of all she
took to heart that she was losing the opportunity of even
touching the feet of Ramdas.
He had, as prearranged, to stay with the Jahagirdar only
f er a day. The anxious mother appealed to Ramdas through
her husband that he should prolong his stay at their place