Narrator:
Friends, we have arrived at the Adya Ma temple, located a short distance from our temple, Shantikunj. A special homa (fire ritual) has been organized here. Gurudev mentioned that one of his disciples would perform the ritual. As many of you know, the person performing the homa is Pagla Baba. Gurudev is also seated nearby. Please stay with us; Gurudev will share a few words while sitting here in this temple. Stay tuned.
Narrator:
Friends, observe the architecture of this temple. Located in Sonarpur, it is relatively new, having been established about five or six years ago. The consecration (Prana Pratishtha) of the Mother Goddess and the installation of the inner sanctum were all carried out under Gurudev's direct guidance. Gurudev has instructed that the Mother be shown directly today. You can see her exquisite form. She is worshipped here daily. We can also see several other installed idols. It feels wonderful and serene being here.
Narrator:
Beyond the main temple, there is a Shiva-Parvati temple. In the adjacent temple, Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar are installed and worshipped together.
Narrator:
As you can see, the homa is underway, performed by Pagla Baba under Gurudev's direction. Now, let us hear from Gurudev himself about the history of this temple. Gurudev, we have heard that you were instrumental in the installation of the Goddess's idol and the altar of the inner sanctum. Could you share some thoughts on this?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
There isn't much to say. They approached me about establishing a Kali temple, saying that as a local sadhu (ascetic), I should lead the installation. I came here, and we performed a night-long homa, rituals, worship, and meditation. The Goddess was installed the following day, following very strict traditional rules. Since then, they haven't let me go! I have to return periodically for these fire rituals. The main organizers here, like Kartik Biswas and Bishwaroop Ghatak, insist that I be present for any homa to take place. I used to perform the rituals myself for about a year, but given my age and health, they don't pressure me now. Pagla Baba is here now, and he performs the homa very well. And as you can see, the temple is beautiful.
Narrator:
The architecture is indeed stunning, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, it is truly excellent.
Narrator:
Gurudev, regarding today's homa, why did the temple committee specifically request your presence?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It is because they believe only a dedicated devotee (sadhu) of Goddess Kali should install her; ordinary people cannot. Everyone here in Sonarpur unanimously agreed that I should be the one to establish the idol. It is Mother's blessing that I could establish this temple for her. It isn't about ego or pride; it was Her will that I do it. It is Her matter, not mine.
Narrator:
But Gurudev, as we understand it, there are many Brahmins and devotees in this region. The fact that they chose you specifically is significant to us.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Kartik Biswas, who is a municipal councillor, has great affection for me. He insisted that someone like me should lead the installation. He has been a councillor for about forty years, and I couldn't refuse him. There is an interesting story behind our acquaintance. One day, he went to the cremation ground with his associates, and they were drinking alcohol.
Narrator:
You mean the Shantikunj cremation ground?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, Shantikunj. I went up to them and said drinking wasn't allowed there. He asked why they couldn't drink while attending a cremation. I told him we maintain the sanctity of the place and no one is allowed to drink there. I didn't know who he was then. My associates later told me he was a long-time councillor and asked if I'd be able to stay there after speaking to him like that. I said I didn't care about his position; I just did what I felt was right. Two days later, he came to me, hugged me, and told me about his resolve to build a temple, asking me to take charge of the installation. When I mentioned our argument, he told me to forget it and insisted that I was the right person for the task. So, by Mother's grace, she is now established here.
Narrator:
It seems he knew who you were even if you didn't know him.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I can't say for sure.
Narrator:
It's likely he had heard of you.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
He knows I can't perform the physical rituals myself anymore due to my age, so he doesn't pressure me. His only request is that I be present. Just now, I was sitting beside my disciple while he performed the homa. It is his heartfelt request that I simply be there while my disciples do the work. I couldn't perform the homa during the recent Kali Puja because I had rituals at my own place, so he postponed it. I am leaving for Tarapith tomorrow morning. He asked why I was going again so soon, but I told him it is Mother's call. Before I leave, I wanted to ensure the homa was completed, so it is happening now.
Narrator:
We'll show the homa to our viewers now, Gurudev. Many people here clearly love and respect you, which is why they invite you despite the distance from Shantikunj.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Every household here shows me immense respect. I have received great honor from this community. They always invite me to every festival at the temple. I must come; it is very heartening. See this slab? I sat here and chanted for an entire night before the Goddess was installed. This temple's establishment was very systematic. I've seen many, but none where no expense or effort was spared like this. It truly is a sight to behold. I don't think there is another temple like this in the entire South 24 Parganas district. It houses Shiva, Narayana, Kali, and the Dashamahavidya (the ten aspects of the Great Mother). They are worshipped daily. I used to perform the puja myself, but now they just want me to be present.
Narrator:
Friends, Gurudev's disciple Pagla Baba is performing the homa continuously. We invite you to partake in the spiritual essence of this ritual through your screens. We will end today's video here. Greetings to you all.