Sri Anandamayi Ma –
Pranams at the lotus feet
of Ma !
Bholanathji went on a pilgrimage
to Gangotri and many neighboring places; he stayed in Uttarakashi, and
underwent severe austerities for two years at the guidance of Ma. She often makes a visit to Bholanathji, Ma could realize the progress he was made in
attaining a higher state of spirituality, ascetics of Uttarakashi adore
Bholanathji, his two years of rigorous religious practice was accomplished with
the establishment of Kali image at Uttarkashi in the presence of Ma and her
followers. While he was in Shanbhag
garden, Bholanathji used to spend ten to twelve hours in the recitation of
sacred names, Ma’s father who was a profound player of musical instrument was
led the recital program. It was in 1938,
sacred city Haridhwar was preparing to host Kumbhamela, Ma and Bholanathji were
resided in the bungalow of Dr.Pant. In
the early morning Bholanathji with a group of devotees would prepare for ‘Namasankeerthan’
they apply sandalwood paste on their forehead and adore garland around the neck,
they conduct recital of holy names in the presence of Ma in the bungalow
courtyard for some time, after that they proceed for ‘Nagarkeertan’ recitation
of holy names of Lord in the streets, that would continue for three to four
hours a day, even the passers-by would join the group in a bliss. The famous Kumbhamela was held on 14th
April 1938, Bholanathji was accompanied
by disciples to Bhramakund, where Naga saints assembled were used to take holy
bath, suddenly these Naga saints were
pulled towards Bholanathji like a magnet, they affectionately gave bath to the supreme being
they have witnessed through several years of practice of asceticism. Ma returned to Dehradun after Kumbhamela, but
Bholanathji continued to stay in the association of pious people for another
ten days. On April 24th
Bholanathji returned to Dehradun with a severe infection of smallpox, he was
completely down with fever and stomach-ache.
