Anandamath

Chapter VI

After the initiation Satyananda took Mohendra to a lonely place. Both sat down. Satyananda said, “My child, since you have taken this great vow, we have concluded that God is in our favour. Through you a great work of the Mother will be accomplished. Carefully listen to my instructions. I do not ask you to partake in guerilla warfare in forests. Return to Padachinha. In your own home you will have to stay and observe the vows of a Sannyasin.

Hearing this Mohendra was both surprised and depressed. He did not reply. The Brahmachari continued — “We have now no dwelling place where if a strong band of soldiers comes, we can with sufficient food shut ourselves up for even ten days without danger. We have no fort. You have a large house, your village is under your own control. I wish to build a fortress there. If we surround Padachinha with a moat and at intervals build outposts for soldiers and on the embankment place cannons, a very good fort can be built. Go and live in your home. By and by two thousand Santans will go there. The fort and the embattlements must be built by them. You will also construct there a good iron vault. That will be the treasury of the Santans. Chests filled with gold will be sent one by one by me. With that money you will do this work. And I shall bring from all places skilled craftsmen. When these artisans come, you will establish a factory at Padachinha, There you will manufacture cannons, shells, gunpowder and guns. That is why I am asking you to go to your home.”

Mohendra agreed.