# Lakshman Jhula explained — The Story of My Experiments with Truth

> Chapter companion for The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi.

## What happens

Gandhi visits the Gurukul in Hardvar, meets Mahatma Munshiramji and Acharya Ramadevji, and discusses industrial training. He then travels to Lakshman Jhula and Hrishikesh, where he reflects on the sacred thread and shikha, his past cowardice in discarding them, and his evolving views on religious symbols. He also observes the desecration of natural beauty spots and the inappropriate iron bridge at Lakshman Jhula.

## Themes in this chapter

### Religion and Interfaith Dialogue

Gandhi discusses the meaning of religious symbols like the sacred thread and shikha with a Swami, reflecting on their significance and his personal stance.

### Self-Discipline and Simplicity

Gandhi's rejection of the sacred thread as a fetish and his decision to regrow the shikha out of principle rather than cowardice illustrate his commitment to simplicity and self-discipline.

### Social Justice and Anti-Colonialism

Gandhi criticizes the Marwadi who replaced the rope-bridge with an iron one and handed its keys to the Government, highlighting colonial overreach and loss of local autonomy.

## Character check-ins

### Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Reflects on his past decisions regarding the sacred thread and shikha, and discusses religious symbols with a Swami.

### Swami Shraddhanandji

Mahatma Munshiramji, who warmly receives Gandhi at the Gurukul and introduces him to Acharya Ramadevji.

### Maganlal Gandhi

Cousin Chhaganlal Gandhi, whom Gandhi persuaded to remove his shikha in South Africa.

## Key lines

> I will not wear the sacred thread, for I see no necessity for it, when countless Hindus can go without it and yet remain Hindus.

Gandhi declines to wear the sacred thread because many Hindus do not wear it and still identify as Hindu.

_Gandhi explains his reasoning to the Swami, emphasizing that the thread is not essential to Hindu identity._

> The sacred thread should be a symbol of spiritual regeneration, presupposing a deliberate attempt on the part of the wearer at a higher and purer life.

The sacred thread ought to represent a conscious commitment to spiritual growth and moral purity.

_Gandhi articulates his ideal that religious symbols must reflect genuine inner transformation._

> I once used to have it, and I discarded it from a false sense of shame. And so I feel that I should start growing it again.

Gandhi admits he removed his shikha out of cowardice and now believes he should regrow it.

_Gandhi acknowledges his past weakness and resolves to reinstate the shikha as a matter of principle._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-v-viii-lakshman-jhula
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters