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Gulabchandji Dhadha
of stairs and not three miles. I will ascend the hill on foot and you shall also go on foot.” Thus saying, he did not wait further and leaving ma behind, he caught hold of my brother's finger and went with him on foot over the hill full of joy.
NON-STOP ASCENT
My brother told me that throughout the way the boy walked just like an enchanted person going swiftly after the enchanter and not minding high and low ground. As a rule children of tender age are carried uphill on the shoulders of coolies hired for the occasion. The coolies approached my brother and began to molest him for his seemingly undue cruelty and mercilessness towards the boy for not allowing him to be carried on shoulders. Some of the carriers even offered their services gratis. When the molestation became unbearable he told the coolies that he would pay them double their demand provided some one of them succeeded in inducing the boy to be carried on shoulders, A few of the carriers dared to approach the boy but they were frustrated in their attempt by the boy scornfully avoiding their contact. He rather rebuked them for their un-welcome interference in his progress uphill. This molestation was experienced on the first day only as they all realised that the boy was doing pilgrimage on foot. Thereafter one and all would look at the boy with respect and admiration, clear the way for him and pour praises and blessings upon him for his courage and extra-ordinary strength and perseverance.
At the middle of the hill there is a deep ascent and almost all pilgrims take rest for a while at Hinglaj-ka-hada. My brother and
mbers of my family wanted to take rest before continuing their journey onward. But the boy was so much impatient to get over the top that he did not allow them to take respite even for a moment and took them straight to the top. They reached Hathipole a quarter of an hour before I reached there. My brother told me that the boy was so much absorbed in his desire of seeing and worshipping Adeswar Bhagwan that he was not walking but running all the while.
Shatabdi Granth)
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