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22
S. T. Nimkar
· 204-205 And there I saw the naked Pāśupata whose neck was.
trembling and bent under the burden of thick white matted hair, whose limbs (i.e. all parts of the body) were devoid of lustre on account of his ripe (old) age, who had applied bright crystal-white ashes (to his body), who was wearing
a rosary of beads and who was seated on a Bhadrāsana. 206. Then, after I had saluted (him) he offered me a seat and
as I sat comfortably on it, he asked me about my well
being (i.e. enquired after my health). 207. “From where have you come? where do you intend to go ?”
(he asked); and I said, “Your worship ! (I have come) on
a pilgrimage to holy places”. 208. Then, with him I had a (long and happy) conversation
about many Šāstras and their meanings; and like an old
acquaintance he developed a great affection (for me). 209. And then, your majesty! as the sun stood in the middle of
the sky, that great Maharși said to me with great humility210. “O great man ! we ascetics (live) here, eating (only) fruits
and roots; here nothing will be found suitable for you to eat.
211. Even then, wait for a moment; so that wandering around,
I will bring from this region (or, - bear with me...) some
thing to eat that is avilable to us”. 212. Saying this, he went under the trees nearby; and then I saw
a great miracle, never seen before. 213. By some invisible sylvan deity his begging bowl was filled
with different kinds of fruits; nothing (indeed) is difficult
to obtain by penance. 214. And then, o king, after doing what was to be done, (i.e.
after finishing his religious routine) he made me eat those
delicious fruits of the trees with great regard. 215. Then, when the sun at once reached that part of the sky,
where only one-eighth remained (to be traversed), I was again told by that great Maharși, with great concern,
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