DISCIPLE:
Pronam, Baba (Respectful greetings, Father).
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
Pronam.
DISCIPLE:
Guru Dev, on the upcoming 7th of Ashar, Ambubachi begins—a period celebrated as a great festival in Kamakhya. Could you please enlighten us on this matter?
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
We follow the Drik-Siddha calculations. According to them, Ambubachi starts on the 7th of Ashar (June 22nd) at 1:34 PM. This is when the Pravritti (commencement) occurs. The Nivritti (conclusion) is on the 10th of Ashar (June 25th) at 9:00 PM. It lasts for roughly four days. Astronomically, this happens when the Sun and Moon align at the juncture of Gemini (Mithun Rashi) in the first quarter of the Ardra Nakshatra.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
You must understand the meaning of the word "Ambu." Ambu means water. To honor or protect the water—that is Ambubachi. It is said that the first rains of the month of Ashar are sacred; we collect that water to bathe the Mother Goddess. It is believed that during this time, Mother Nature undergoes her menstrual cycle. After a long drought, when the rain finally falls, it has immense value. It is this water that triggers the seeds in the earth to sprout. It is the beginning of creation.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
This is why we observe strict rules during these four days. We honor the water. Our scriptures tell us that Mother Earth should not be "wounded" during this time. In the past, everyone followed this. Farmers would put away their plows for these four days. They believe that since Nature is menstruating, digging or plowing would disturb the seeds and prevent them from sprouting. Even the great saint Ramprasad said that the three worlds are but a manifestation of the Mother.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
Because Mother Kamakhya represents the Yoni (the source/womb), and since there is no creation without menstruation, this period is vital. In women, menstruation indicates the potential for motherhood; similarly, for the Earth, the first rains of Ashar signify her readiness to give birth to life. Science explains this through germination, while our scriptures explain it through the legend of Goddess Kamakhya. This is why Kamakhya is crowded with Sadhus (holy men) and seekers during this time—those who wish to conquer their desires through her grace.
DISCIPLE:
Guru Dev, what about the red cloths that are sold as "soaked in the Goddess's blood" in Kamakhya?
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
That is entirely a business. I have been to Kamakhya, and the priest who conducted the Kumari Puja for me confirmed it—these are myths. They claim the water in the temple well turns red, but it is often just natural sediment or stories. However, the spiritual significance remains. During these days, widows and many devout women follow strict rituals. They avoid cooked food, particularly rice, and survive on fruits like mangoes and jackfruit, which are abundant now. They wait until the Nivritti (conclusion) to bathe and eat rice again. This is also seen as a Vrata (vow). Widows, in particular, pray to the Mother so that in their next life, they may die as Sadhabas (married women whose husbands are alive). It is a deeply held belief among women.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
During these four days, temple doors are closed. Out of modesty and respect for her "illness" or cycle, the Goddess does not show her face to anyone. Even at home, we cover the idols. Farmers are the most disciplined; they won't even touch the soil. Surprisingly, even engineers and those in construction often stop drilling or digging during these four days. It is a widespread cultural acknowledgement of the Earth's fertility. To respect Ambu is to respect the source of life. While Kamakhya is the most famous, all 51 Shakti Peeths (sacred shrines) observe this. They lock the temple doors after providing the Goddess with enough food and water for four days. No one is allowed to disturb her. If we view Mother Nature as a living entity, she is resting.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
Regarding the red cloth business—if such a thing truly existed and left the temple, it would be too powerful for the world to handle. It is mostly a way to fool the gullible. Science and common sense should prevail. If a daughter in your house is menstruating, you respect her space and privacy; we do the same for the Mother of the Universe. Even in my own practice, I cover the Mother's image. We serve Lord Narayana separately, but the Mother's sanctum remains quiet. People who go there just for tourism or to perform loud rituals are missing the point. You should not disturb someone who is unwell or resting. Those who perform large Homas (fire rituals) for money during Ambubachi are just doing it for show.
DISCIPLE:
So, it is about maintaining that silence and respect.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
Exactly. Mother Nature is undergoing her cycle. The first rain falls, and we must let the earth be. No plowing, no digging, and no disturbing the Goddess with loud chants.
DISCIPLE:
Thank you, Guru Dev, for explaining the importance of Ambubachi starting on the 7th of Ashar and concluding on the 10th. It is a message to all to respect Nature and not fall for commercial scams.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
Indeed. Let her rest. Let the earth prepare for the new harvest. Pronam.
DISCIPLE:
Pronam, Guru Dev.