DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.635#0168
SCENES AT PANCHGANGA 155
Sddhu, who at first sight seems to be inflicting upon
himself a terrible penance. He is reclining on a low
wooden bed, which, by way of a mattress, is studded
all over with long iron spikes. On closer observation,
however, it will be found that he has been careful to
provide himself with a cushion for his back; the spikes
are blunt, and so close together that probably they have
never caused him very great inconvenience. He may
impress the simple-minded pilgrim with an appearance
of frightful austerity, but to the ordinary observer he
presents rather an idyll of peace and self-satisfaction,
as he reclines at ease in the sunshine, puffing, occa-
sionally at the chillum by his side and reading a pocket
edition of the Bhagavad Gita.
As a contrast to this innocent imposture, there is a
young Vaishnavite nun worshipping in a primitive
shrine close by, who seems to be an example of that
simple piety which is often found among Indian women.
The by-standers say that she has followed a religious
life since childhood, and her modest demeanour and
absence of affectation speak for her sincerity. She is
wholly absorbed in reading the sacred books, and takes
not the least notice either of the by-standers or of the
camera which is levelled at her (p. 157).
Beyond Panchganga there is not much of interest
until we get to Gai Ghat. A colossal statue of the
sacred cow, carved with much monumental dignity,
here holds the place of honour on the ghat steps.
Grouped in front of it you may often see statuesque
women like nymphs or nereids, who, as they are bath-
ing or robing themselves, take attitudes of perfect
classic grace with an unconscious ease no artist's model
could ever imitate. One could go on day after day
Sddhu, who at first sight seems to be inflicting upon
himself a terrible penance. He is reclining on a low
wooden bed, which, by way of a mattress, is studded
all over with long iron spikes. On closer observation,
however, it will be found that he has been careful to
provide himself with a cushion for his back; the spikes
are blunt, and so close together that probably they have
never caused him very great inconvenience. He may
impress the simple-minded pilgrim with an appearance
of frightful austerity, but to the ordinary observer he
presents rather an idyll of peace and self-satisfaction,
as he reclines at ease in the sunshine, puffing, occa-
sionally at the chillum by his side and reading a pocket
edition of the Bhagavad Gita.
As a contrast to this innocent imposture, there is a
young Vaishnavite nun worshipping in a primitive
shrine close by, who seems to be an example of that
simple piety which is often found among Indian women.
The by-standers say that she has followed a religious
life since childhood, and her modest demeanour and
absence of affectation speak for her sincerity. She is
wholly absorbed in reading the sacred books, and takes
not the least notice either of the by-standers or of the
camera which is levelled at her (p. 157).
Beyond Panchganga there is not much of interest
until we get to Gai Ghat. A colossal statue of the
sacred cow, carved with much monumental dignity,
here holds the place of honour on the ghat steps.
Grouped in front of it you may often see statuesque
women like nymphs or nereids, who, as they are bath-
ing or robing themselves, take attitudes of perfect
classic grace with an unconscious ease no artist's model
could ever imitate. One could go on day after day