We started from Bhukteshwar ashram At 7:15 AM. We woke up at 3 o’clock since one of the Sadu, Arun Pandayji, was doing loud prayers. Many of us were hoping that his prayers would end quickly. No such luck. He and three other Sadhus have been walking with us for last three days. As usual we got ready and did our morning Narmadashtakam prayer. Everyone carries a small plastic bottle full of Narmada water collected at the start of the Parikrama. Each morning and evening we do a prayer for the Narmada water. We have chosen to do a simple Narmadashtakam chanting and lighting incense. We have seen many variations in the prayers performed by different Parikramavasis. Each day we Eat at different times and variety of things. There is no set breakfast. Today we had tea and Parle-G biscuits with tea. After walking for half an hour or so at Khaltaakaa we had second breakfast-poha. Then we met with Sunilji near an highway to meet with another driver who is going to take Sowmya to Indore airport. It took us few minutes to figure out the road corner where they were parked. With a few calls and directions with land marks we figured out that we were at the wrong corner where the highway was going the opposite direction. Eventually we found both the cars parked at the corner going in the right direction. As the drive to the airport was long our goodbyes were brief. Sowmya’s taxi drove off and we started our walk again. We walked on the Narmada Maiya bank for a while then we could not see the walk path. Three of the Sadhus went through the fields towards the road. Two of us along with one of the Sadhus found our own way through some poor peoples’ homes to get to the same road. We Found a general store where we had Limca drinks. Baiju has been offering the cold drinks to our companions. They heisted at first thinking the winter has started and they should not drink anything cold. But for Baiju and Ma the winter seems very far away. We are still sweating bucket each day. After we finished the drink we’re on the way again. We stopped at lunch spot, Chichali, around 1:00pm. Lunch was ready. We ate and relaxed for an hour or so. We had tea and we started walking again. We were walking along some Banana farms. Suddenly we came upon a pile of banana plants on the side of the path. We were with Jayprakashji. Pandayji, Raj ji and Dharamjj were walking ahead. We wonder why so many banana plants full of Bananas were discarded. I plucked one yellowish Banana and peeled it. It was ripe and tasted sweet. Both Baiju and I ate couple of Bananas each. We would have never even thought of doing this in US. We have been drinking Narmada river water that has been filled in clay water pots along the road. We made it to our night stay at Bhoinda in Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir. The moment we got there yea was served with small packet of biscuits. This temple is located in the middle of the village. The bathroom situation in this place was most unusual. First we were told the toilets are across the street from the temple behind the iron gates. You can go to the river down the street for bath(remember distances are very subjective). Then they said if you want there is hand pump on the street next to the temple where you can take a bath. I am wondering what on earth I am going to do!!!! Then one volunteer said ladies can go to the big White House with a large gate for bathroom and toilet. I quickly got my clothes and went to clean up. There was even hot water for bath. Baiju took a bath at the hand pump. We met one young big age 13 doing the Parikrama alone on bicycle. He is from Nashik, Maharashtra. He is planning to complete the Parikrama in two months. He is in 8th grade and has taken special
Permission from the school to do this yatra. He speaks to his parents twice a day. Amazingly calm Person. Doesn’t talk too much. He is carrying all the prayer items with and does the prayers twice a day as everyone one. Everyone calls him Babaji or Maharaj as is the custom. I spoke to him in Marathi. He gave me a book about the Parikrama that someone had given him. After dinner I went to use the bathroom before going to sleep and the gentleman, Mr. Devendra Rajput, in the house said that both Baiju and I could come back in the morning for a bath. When I gat back to the temple thinking we are set for the morning, there was another gentleman, Mr. Hiralalji, waiting to offer his house for me to use in the morning. He actually took me to his house to show me the house. At 9:00 pm we Walked down the street to his house. His wife and three daughters were waiting to greet me. We spoke for few minute. Small cup of tea was offered. I left with a promise to come back in the morning. Today we walked 22kms.