In Maharashtra, Wai is a sacred place. It lies on the banks of the Krishna river. During the month of Kanyagat, many people come to bathe in the Krishna. There is a belief that during this time, the northern river Ganga comes to meet the Krishna. Because of this, crowds upon crowds of people come on pilgrimage. People from Palgad also travel there. In those days, there were no cars or trains like today. People traveled in bullock carts during those years.

There was such a pilgrimage then.

Some people from Palgad were planning to go. Shyam’s paternal uncle and aunt, and some villagers, were preparing for the journey. Ten or twelve bullock carts were arranged for the trip. Along the way, they would stop, rest, cook and eat, and then continue their journey. Shyam loved such journeys. Because on such trips, the mind becomes one with nature. At night, the stars shine brightly in the sky. The sound of the bells around the necks of the bullocks is sweet to the ears.

Since childhood, Shyam had loved to worship. When he saw these people preparing, he too wanted to go with them. From the moment he heard about the trip to Wai, he began to pester his mother. He insisted on going, behaving stubbornly, as children do. He pleaded his case, praised the merits of the pilgrimage, and tried to make his mother understand, “Our situation—

We never have enough money to give you, my child. If you truly wish to go, then go. Have I ever stopped you from going anywhere because of money? Krishna himself would not have been Krishna if he had not obeyed his parents. Do you know what happened to Pundalik? Even when God himself came, he kept him waiting at his feet!"

"But Dhruva left his parents and went into the forest to do penance, didn’t he? And anyway, is it always necessary to do exactly what comes to mind? And who ran away in the end? When uncle told him, he returned home quietly," Shyam replied to his mother, defending himself. To this, his mother said, "Taking money from them is their greatness. But for us, it is a matter of shame. Why should we burden them? People worship God with others’ wealth. One should work hard oneself, earn oneself, and then offer it to God. If you really want to go, then go on foot."

"But I have to go far, don’t I? Is it possible to travel such a long distance on foot?" Shyam expressed his doubt.

"Now you are telling me about Dhruva? Was he not afraid? Did he not think about how he would survive in the forest? Whoever sets out towards God, God helps him in every way. Do you have the same faith as Dhruva?" his mother asked.

Hearing this, Shyam began to cry. "Shyam, why are you crying? Are you afraid, my child? We are simple people. You are still young. We are poor. We