5. Arrangements for 10 day function

CHAPTER 5

Arrangements for 10 day function

Shastri was from Peetapuram. He was born in a very rich family and got married to his Veda guru’s daughter, Jayalaxmi. She was not at all happy to marry a man who was much older than her. She was very beautiful and wanted to marry a man from the city. Her father forced her to marry Shastri.

Years went by. Jayalaxmi gave birth to a daughter. Shastri’s forefathers had built a big Ramalaya in the village. The temple was very famous in the village for the Ramanavami which was celebrated in a grand way. It was a 10 day function.

Devyani was now 10 years old. This year also the 10 day function was being arranged in the village.

The temple meeting was going on. 10 main persons were present.

General Secretary said, “This time we should invite the famous harikatha vidvan Shankaraiah.”

Shastri was happy. “Yes. He is very famous. I too wanted to call him here since long. Let us do one thing. This time let us ask him to tell harikatha on all the 10 days. One harikatha per day.”

Secretary was worried. “10 days? He might ask for more money.”

“No problem. You don’t have to worry about it. Just arrange the things. I will look after the money.”

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Shastri was getting ready to go to the city. He looked at the sarpanch.

“By the time I come back, the temple should be well decorated. From tomorrow Sri Ramanavami is starting.”

Serpanch said, “Ok swami.”

Shastri looked at General Secretary. “When will Hrikathadasa arrive?”

“He will be here by evening. We have to arrange for the background music here itself. He has diabetes it seems and is very strict about the food he takes.”

Shastri looked at his wife. “You prepare food for him. He will stay in the room upstairs. I will be very busy. Look after all his needs and see that he is happy.”

Jayalaxmi nodded her head.

10 year old Devyani looked at her father. “Daddy, I will also come with you.”

“Come, my dear. Let us go.”

Shastri climbed the jeep with Devyani. He looked at the general secretary.

“You also come with us. We have to go to the treasury and bring the ornaments of god through endovement.”

The jeep moved.