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and horses to the accompaniment of traditional music. Swamiji spoke here on ‘Real Worship’, the script of which can be seen inscribed in Tamil and English at the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum. S. Nagalingam Pillai translated his speech into Tamil. To mark the occasion, the Raja fed and clothed thousands of poor people. Towards Shankara Vilasam From Pamban, Swamiji reached Ramanathapuram via Tiruppullam in a state-boat on 29 January 1897 at about 6 p.m. To quote again from the Biography of Swamiji:
Swamiji began his reply with a speech starting with the words ‘The longest night seems to be passing away. . .’ which have since become immortal. The Raja introduced Swamiji to the elite of Ramnad. Swamiji stayed at Shankara Vilasam for three days, i.e., up to 31 January. At Ramnad, Swamiji gave a lecture in a Christian Missionary School. He also attended a durbar held in his honour at Ramalinga Vilasam Palace. In the meeting, Swamiji received addresses in Tamil and Sanskrit to which he replied appropriately. During the course of the function, Swamiji conferred
The firing of cannon announced to the waiting thousands the arrival of the Swami. At the time of landing and during the procession, rockets shot into the air. There was rejoicing everywhere. The Swami was driven in the statecarriage, accompanied by a bodyguard commanded by the Raja’s brother, while the Raja himself, on foot, directed the procession. Torches flared on either side of the road. Both Indian and European music added life to the already lively proceedings. ‘See the Conquering Hero Comes’ was played on landing. . . Statues of Swamiji and the Raja Bhaskara Sethupathi inside the Attended with all pomp, Swamiji reached Hall, Kunthukal the Shankara Villa.
J.J. Goodwin mentions that the cheering and shouting of ‘Hara Hara Mahadev’ was terrific. He felt proud of Swamiji and realized what Swamiji was to India. Swamiji entered the Shankara Vilasam where many had gathered to hear his reply to their welcome. Swamiji was received with shouts of triumph and joy. The Raja opened the meeting with a speech in high praise of Swamiji. Raja Dinakara Sethupathi, his brother, read out an address of welcome. T h e
on the Raja, the title Rajarishi, meaning that he was both a King and Sage at the same time. This speaks for the glory of the Raja of Ramnad. Enroute to Madras Swamiji left the Ramnad palace on 31 January 1897 and travelled through Paramakkudi, Manamadurai, Madurai, Trichy, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, and Mayavaram to Madras. In most of these places
V e d a n t a K e s a r i ~ 301 ~
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