Page 533 - Silence Speaks
P. 533
Silence Speaks
sides by high mountains. The Bhagirathi flows by, rolling over its rocky bed, producing a loud murmuring sound. The population amounting roughly to about three thousand comprises chiefly of sadhus with their followers and attendants. They belong to different orders and organisations, having their own Ashrams of different shades and colours. There were many dharmshalas which accommodate visitors. The place also serves as a night-halt for pilgrims on their way to Gangotri, about fifty seven miles distant. The Gomukh, the original source of the Ganges, is a further fourteen miles from Gangotri. Behind the Gomukh rock there is a huge glacier which feeds the river. The scenery of the place, especially that of Harsal about seven miles from the place, is very attractive.
This being known to be a sacred place was presumably thought to be the abode of great saints and significant sadhus. But to my utter disappointment I found there not one among the whole host of sadhus and vairagis who might be said to be a real seeker of God in the true sense, though they were all clad in saffron robes, the patent
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