"These rivers are not just mere rivers, you know. They are there to purify humanity, to purify us so that we can advance on the spiritual path freely without any obstacles in our way, to remove all the dirt that we create every day in this mundane life." - Sri Swami Vishwananda
The Journey:
Day Eight of the journey was spent mostly relaxing and having fun in the water.
The morning was free and many spent a couple of hours just shopping in Nashik. In the narrow streets of Nashik our "scouts" found murtis, makan (butter) pots for Krishna Janmashtami, puja and other devotional items, and much more.
In the late afternoon/early evening, the group went with Swamiji to the Godavari River. The men went in the water with Him, and the women watched nearby. There was even a moment when the men created a small human pyramid with Swamiji climbing to the top, much to everyone's delight!
About the Godavari River:
About the Godavari River:
- It is the second-longest river in India after the river Ganges. That's why the Godavari is sometimes referred to as the 'Ganga of the South.'
- There are several pilgrimage places on the banks of the Godavari. The major spot of pilgrimage is Trimbakeshwar (one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and the ancient temple of Lord Shiva).
Later in the evening, the group hosted the mayor of Nashik for some bhajans and dinner. He was deeply touched by meeting Swamiji. He then presented Swamiji with two beautiful Radha/Krishna murtis.
Testimony:
"We went to the place where originally the bathing used to take place. The bathing areas were eventually separated into different areas because of fights between the Vaishnavas and the Shaivaits. We had some beautiful hours there with Guruji. He also went in the water for a dip and it was really sweet." - Pankajananda, Germany
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