Follower:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam, Baba. Speak.
Follower:
There is a lot of talk about Ma Annapurna providing food for the whole world. I would like to hear from you about Ma Annapurna.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
She who fulfills the need for food is Ma Annapurna. She who provides grain to the world is Ma Annapurna. She is accompanied by Kuber, the lord of wealth; Lord Shiva in his Dashabaktra form; and Nandi.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
To speak of Annapurna, I must refer to the Puranas. When Sati sacrificed her body at Daksha's palace because she could not bear the insults directed at her husband, Lord Shiva, she immolated herself in the sacrificial fire. Daksha had called Shiva a beggar and a person without lineage.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
When Lord Shiva heard of Sati's death, he became extremely angry. He tore a lock of hair from his head and threw it on the ground, and from that, Veerabhadra was born. Veerabhadra possessed immense power, even more than many gods. Shiva ordered him, "Go to Daksha's sacrifice. Sati has given up her life there. Do not spare anyone. Behead Daksha if you find him."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Veerabhadra went to Kankhal, near Haridwar, where Daksha lived. He destroyed everything and beheaded Daksha. Then Shiva arrived, placed Sati's body on his shoulder, and began the Pralaya Tandava (the dance of destruction). He traveled through the air, performing this terrifying dance.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Daksha's wife pleaded with Shiva, "Lord, will I be made a widow?" Shiva told her to take a goat's head and place it on Daksha's body. That is why Daksha is often depicted with a goat's head.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
To stop the destruction, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshana Chakra to cut Sati's body into 51 pieces. These pieces fell in different locations, which became the 51 Shakti Peethas.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
After this, Shiva felt alone and settled in Kashi (Varanasi). He planted his trident and declared himself a resident of Kashi. It is said that in Kashi, no one remains hungry because of Shiva's blessing. He then invoked Adya Shakti Mahamaya. She appeared in the form of Ma Annapurna to provide food to Shiva and the world.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In Kashi, the Annapurna temple is right next to the Kashi Vishwanath temple. While the crowd at the Shiva temple is massive, people always visit Ma Annapurna as well.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
There is also the story of Ravana. He performed intense penance, standing on one leg, chanting to Brahma. When Brahma didn't appear, Ravana began cutting off his own heads one by one. Finally, Brahma appeared and offered a boon. Ravana asked for immortality, but Brahma refused, saying he could grant anything but that.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Ravana then asked that no God, Yaksha, Demon, or celestial being could kill him. However, he forgot to mention humans. Brahma granted the boon.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Kuber, Ravana's half-brother and the lord of wealth, became terrified of Ravana's growing power. He went to Lord Shiva for protection. Shiva told him to move all his wealth to the north, to a place where no one could set foot. This place is known as Gyan Ganj. It is a hidden spiritual realm protected by Yakshas and Yakshinis. Many great sages perform penance there. Even the Chinese tried to find the entrance to Gyan Ganj, but they failed and died because of Shiva's protection over that realm.
Follower:
Gurudev, there is a story about your deity, Bama-Khepa, and Ma Annapurna.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes. Once, Bama-Khepa went to Ma Annapurna, but he didn't receive food properly. Being a "bhajan-priyo" (someone who loves to eat/serve), he got angry. He cursed the situation and left for Tarapith.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Later, Ma Annapurna appeared to him. There was a girl named Annapurna, the daughter of a man named Ram. Bama-Khepa had predicted that a daughter would be born to them and she should be named Annapurna. This girl used to bring him food in the cremation grounds. This was the leela (divine play) of Ma Annapurna.
Interviewer:
We are here with Guru-ma, the wife of the seeker Shri Shyama-Khepa. Guru-ma, his life has been one of long, silent penance. You have stood by him all these years. How did you manage the household responsibilities alone while he was immersed in his spiritual journey?
Guru-ma:
Whenever he gave me any money, I would use it to run the house. I worked hard, did various chores, and managed everything. I never questioned why he was doing what he was doing or where he was going. I just told people I was going to work and coming back.
Interviewer:
So, there were no discussions about his Tantra Sadhana?
Guru-ma:
No, we didn't talk about it.
Interviewer:
But you had faith in him?
Guru-ma:
Yes, I had total faith. I knew he wouldn't do anything wrong.
Interviewer:
Today, Annapurna Puja is being held at your home. This has been happening for 30 years. What can you tell us about this tradition?
Guru-ma:
It happens every year with great devotion and following all the rituals. We have guests, friends, and family who join us.
Interviewer:
This year, due to government restrictions (likely referring to the pandemic), there isn't a large crowd, but the Puja is still happening with the same spirit. Many people come to Gurudev with their problems. He prays to the Mother for them. How do you feel about him dedicating his life to human welfare?
Guru-ma:
I feel good about it. He does what he believes in, and if it helps people, it is good for us too.
Interviewer:
Even though you had to handle the children and the household through financial hardships, you have no complaints?
Guru-ma:
No, I have no complaints.
Interviewer:
This is often the case in the lives of seekers. Behind every successful spiritual man, there is a woman providing support and strength. Without her cooperation, such a spiritual height cannot be reached.