Page 148 - Kailaspati: Paramhans Hansdevji Avadhoot

we came near the Triveni Sangam where we saw the grey water of the Ganges. it was a joyful experience to ride through the place. after half an hour we reached Baba’s camp at 10:30 am. The saffron flag which was seen earlier above the octagonal residen- tial structure fluttered in the breeze. That place was a camp for religious gatherings. in this room Baba met all those who came there—sadhus, Mahantas or visitors. at this place swarupanand swamiji read the Purana from 9 am to 10 am and sri Bhagvad Gita from 4 pm to 5 pm. Baba was present at that place when we reached there.
When Baba got the news that lunch was ready he asked whether Mother Ganga had been offered her due. Receiving a satisfying answer he got up. innumerable sadhus in saffron had by that time started coming towards Baba’s camp in rows. some sadhus bathed in the Ganges while some washed their hands and face and walked towards the kitchen after filling their Kamandalu (water pot) with water. We followed Baba and found that the kitchen had been strategically built. The kitchen’s courtyard was walled by reed grass. On its two sides in the north-east corner two high stages were constructed. Two people were seated on the platform. some people were passing ‘Malpua’ to them and a dish made from cauliflower. We also liked the way those same people seated on the platform welcomed the Bhaktas and sadhus. With bunches of ‘Malpuas’ in their hands they warmly welcomed them saying, “Dinanath come”, “Come God”, Deendayal come”, “Come my soul”, “Come my Lord” etc.
On another side, innumerable sadhus in queues after collecting their Malpuas in their raised hands and the food in their alms bowl either left the place or sat beside the bank of the Ganga to have them. some on the other hand ate while standing. standing near the two built stages with fatehjung the huge staff, Baba inspected the whole situation. When the sadhus and mahatmas left the place taking their acquired food, the vacant place was soon filled with others. seeing a nearly naked huge bodied sadhu in loins, Baba said, “he is an avadhoot.” Baba said that among the innumerable sadhus there were some who belonged to the higher order. Baba
126 Kailashpati