Chapter (অধ্যায়): FIRST VISIT TO DAKSHINESWARPage: 21 of 89
Could it be true? thought Saradamani to herself,
Is he then not what I found him to be? If it be so,
then it is my duty to be by him at this critical moment.
But how could she go to Dakshineswar?
The idea was next to impossible for a person like
hersituated as Jayrambati was at such a great
distance and the communication also so difficult.
But the silent prayers of a sincere and devoted
heart were heard by God and an unexpected
opportunity presented itself to Saradamani for
going to Dakshineswar. On an auspicious occasion,
some women from neighbouring villages
were going to Calcutta for a bath in the Ganga.
Saradamani expressed a desire to be in that pilgrim
party. When the news reached the ears of
her father, he at once understood the real cause
behind her desire. So he readily gave permission
and himself accompanied the party so that his
beloved Sarada might be well taken care of. The
distance of about a hundred kilometers had to
be covered on foot. Only the rich could afford to
go in a palanquin.1 As that luxury was out of the
question for poor Ram Chandra, he along with
his daughter started on foot. Saradamani, unaccustomed
to walking a long distance, found the
journey strenuous. But physical suffering was
1 A type of carriage borne on the shoulders of bearers.