Narrator:
[00:00 - 00:13: Sound of blowing conch shell and bells]
Devotee:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam. Pranam.
Devotee:
Currently, there is a single panic gripping the entire world: the Coronavirus. You have already spoken about this natural disaster on our "Gupta Sadhak Shyamapa" YouTube channel. You have shared your thoughts on how it can be prevented and have offered prayers to Vishweshwar (Lord of the Universe). Today, we see you are performing a special Yagya (ritual fire ceremony). Could you tell us more about it?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It's not just any Yagya. Look, we perform Yagyas during sports tournaments or during elections to ensure victory. But this is such a terrifying global event that a Yagya is absolutely necessary. I believe every temple should perform such rituals to call upon the Lord and pray that this disease leaves the earth. Many people are suffering, and many are dying. This is not what we want.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Through our spiritual practices and by studying the scriptures, we have decided to perform this specific Yagya today. We are using sun-dried rice (atof chal), turmeric powder, and neem leaves. Turmeric has great medicinal properties, and neem is a well-known antiseptic. In the old days, people would plant neem trees near cremation grounds because the air around them is considered healthy.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Burning these items together has many benefits. We believe it increases the oxygen levels in the air. Some people-those who haven't studied the scriptures or don't understand the science of these rituals-might claim this increases carbon monoxide. That is a completely wrong idea. We are doing this based on deep traditional knowledge. There is nothing bad about burning neem leaves and turmeric; the smoke itself is beneficial. Ayurvedic practitioners often suggest consuming neem and turmeric for health.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
We are appealing to the Lord to free humanity from this pain. Everything has become stagnant. Why wouldn't we pray to God? Some might mock this, but they are often the ones without a deeper understanding of our traditions. This kind of Yagya is necessary, and if the situation worsens, more will need to be done. We are trying to prevent it from becoming even more widespread.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Furthermore, the government is making every possible effort. It's clear that this virus is deadly and could kill millions. Everyone should contribute in whatever way they know how to prevent it.
Devotee:
It is also important to follow the government's restrictions.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Absolutely. They must be followed. It is also everyone's right to pray to the Lord so that human civilization is saved from this pandemic and natural disaster.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I also want to mention that Prime Minister Modi was once a Sanyasi (monk). He surely understands the deeper significance behind his call to ring bells and clap at 5:00 PM. There is a traditional and health-related logic behind it that he might not have explained in detail, but we understand it.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The government isn't keeping you at home because they want to; it is for your own good and the good of everyone. That is why we are performing this Yagya-to call upon the Lord to rid the world of this disease.
Devotee:
We can see the fire has been lit in the sacred pit. We will now join Gurudev in the ceremony.
Narrator:
[08:42 - End: Chanting of sacred Sanskrit and Bengali mantras during the Yagya ceremony]