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In the Arctic regions also I did not deviate from my daily habits. From
my young days I used to get up at 4 o’ clock in the morning and after
breathing exercise, Pranayama, take a bath in cold water, whether in the
Himalayas, the Nilgiris or on the plains. And then I performed my Pujas and
Suryanamskaras. These habits drew much attention wherever I went. In London
in one of the Children’s Monthly Magazines they published an article about
it. Now in the Setamer going towards North Cape, the Captain, a very conscientious
and pious man protested against my bathing in cold water at that early
hour, saying in all his experience he had never known such a thing and that
he was responsible for my health and safety. He does not know that in
N.India many bathe in the Ganges in winter when the temperature is often
between 27F and 40F. I had to convince him on the point.
My food was another matter of wonder for them, viz., milk, butter, raw
or boiled potatoes, green leaves, tomatoes, beans, plantains, oranges and
apples. The Captain and others offered me fresh cod-fish saying it was very
good for the liver. But the mere sight of it was nauseating to one never
accustomed to it. As I have often expressed to my western friends, mere
morning bath in cold water and pure nature’s food do not by themselves
bring spirituality. They are only habits. But many of them in the West
attributed to them some spiritual power. I generally avoided conveyances
and preferred walking. So I seldom boarded buses or trams. In many fishing
villages we called at, I got down and ran to get a glimpse of the Surya,
weather permitting. My simple dress, with turban and shawl and a Kuja in
hand wherever I went drew much attention and reverence. In this connection
I may inform those who wish to travel as pilgrims that travel in Europe can
be very economically managed. I carried only a small suitcase and nothing
else as luggage. Not indulging in any luxuries I did not find life very
expensive.
As I reached the land of our ancient forefathers and accomplished the
Meruprastara, my satisfaction may better be imagined than described. At
Tromso, (68 degrees) at 11-45 p.m. when I went to the observatory to
observe the sun at first it was cloudy and I was beginning to be
disappointed. But the gracious Surya did not keep me long in suspense.
Coming above the horizon I saw his full disc radiant with gold. (See the
picture) My mission was accomplished. I was told that 7 years ago and
Indian gentleman of the priest class visited the place to worship the 24
hour sun and the people assisted him in Sun-worshipping ceremonies. I could
not get any detailed information about him. From Tromso many scientists
have started for the North Pole. We proceeded slowly to the North Cape. The
sun was at times rendered invisible by snow flakes.
At the cape is a small barren rocky hill of 300 feet height (see the
picture) where plenty of sea-fowls can be seen. The Norwegians derive much
income from their feathers. From the cape we descended S.East to Kirkanes (?) where there is a coal mine. Kirkanes can
also be reached by motor from Finland, but there is no motor road at
present from Norway. We retraced our steps now, and touched again the many
villages and towns en-route. Hammerfest (?)
was the last town of human habitation, I was told. During the three (?) days that I took to go from Tromso and
back, the weather was fortunately clear and I was able to worship the 24
hour sun chanting his eight syllable mantra,
"Grihih Surya Aditya Om
(Absorber, nourisher, the son of
Aditi, Om.)
Vayassuparna Up asedu rindram
Priyamadha Rishaye Nathamanah!
Anadhvantam Urnihi Purdhi
Chakshah
Mumugdhi Asman Hrdhayava
Baddhan."
(The Rishis, mellowed by age, approached the Lord with an altruistic
request, "Remove the darkness from our eye, fill it up (with light)
and free us from bondage as we are like those who are entangled with
wealth.")
The above mantras are prescribed as expiation by Karnavipaka and
other Dharma Sastra writers as remedy for eye diseases. My vow was
fulfilled by the grace of God.
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