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"These progresses are generally attended with considerable pomp and dignity. If the journey is made during the rainy season, the Gosains and their followers travel in stately barges, whose carved prows and slender lines distinguish them from the ordinary rough built country-boats. Most of the Satras own oneor more fine elephants, and these ponderous animals take a leading part in the procession that escorts the spiritual leaders of the people. The Gosains themselves are carried in litters, drums
are beaten and cymbals clashed before them; and when they alight they are not permitted to touch the ground with their bare feet."
The Satradhikar’s, during their periodical visits give sarana to new disciples, and Bhajana to those who are already converted. The sarana or initiation is a simple ceremony, which consists in taking. Refuge to four fundamental principles (carivastu) of the faith, namely, Nama, reciting the name of the God, deva, surrender to God, guru, acceptance of a preceptor, and Bhakta, delight in the company of religious brotherhood.
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