Interviewer:
Pranam, Baba.
Guru:
Pranam, Pranam.
Interviewer:
Yesterday was Maha Shivaratri, and today is also a very special day. It is the birth anniversary of Sri Vamdev Baba. A hom (sacred fire ritual) is currently underway. Could you please share a few words about this occasion?
Guru:
Well, Vamdev Baba is my spiritual master. We perform this hom-yajna in his name on this day every year. The fire ritual continues for Ma Tara and her Bhairava, Vamdev. One person finishes the ritual, and another takes over; it goes on continuously. We have even provided training to girls here. For instance, this girl is performing the hom; she is a seeker. After her, someone else will come. This is how the ritual continues without interruption. Today is a very special day for us.
Interviewer:
Baba, if you could please recite the Dhyana Mantra (meditation mantra) of Vamdev Baba for us.
Guru:
(Recites Sanskrit Mantra)
Guru:
"Om dakshina-shuklabje dwinetram dwibhujam gurum,
Guru:
Rakta-vastra-paridhanam rakta-malya-anulepanam,
Guru:
Varabhayakaram shantam karunamaya-vigraham,
Guru:
Vamenotpala-dharinyam saktalingita-vigraham,
Guru:
Smerananam suprasannam sarvabhishta-phalapradam,
Guru:
Om Aim Hreem Shreem Shri Vamdevaya Maheshwaraya Namah."
Guru:
This is how we meditate upon him.
Interviewer:
Is there a specific significance to performing this hom on this day?
Guru:
Yes, we do this every year. On Baba's birthday, we place great importance on the hom. Beyond the usual prayers and rituals, the hom-yajna is central. As followers of the Vedas and as Hindus, we believe in the power of the Vedas. Fire is considered Jataveda (the knower of all births). We name the sacrificial fire after Vamdev Baba—Vamdevaya Maheshwaraya Namah—and offer oblations.
Interviewer:
You are a disciple of Vamdev Baba and were initiated by him, which we all know. Do you have any specific memories you'd like to share?
Guru:
It's not just a memory; I consider it the merit of fourteen generations that he initiated me. I had to practice penance for twelve long years. I waited at Tarapith for twelve years. I called upon Vamdev more than I called upon Ma Tara because a young boy once told me, "Why are you just worshiping Tara? Hold onto Vamdev. Without Vamdev, you won't find Tara. First Vam, then Tara."
Guru:
In this world, many great souls have been born, but he is the only one who partakes of the food before the Deity does. This is something unseen anywhere else. First Vamdev eats, then Tara. He is a great, realized soul who showed me mercy. Perhaps it was a virtue from a past life or because I was born in Tarapith. He blessed me with initiation.
Interviewer:
We have heard this story from you many times, but for our audience, could you share that special moment again? The night you were performing penance and he appeared to you?
Guru:
To me, it still feels like a dream. One day I was at the Tarapith cremation ground. I used to go there once or twice a week. It was a specific auspicious night—the constellation of Tara and Jupiter. An elderly man from Howrah, about 80 or 85 years old, asked me what I was doing. I said I was just doing some japa (chanting). He told me to secure a spot on a funeral pyre (chita), or I wouldn't find a place later.
Guru:
Gauri Ma, who always helped us, gave me a mat and told me to spread it out so no one else would take the spot. The rituals started in the evening. By midnight, around 12:30 AM, heavy clouds gathered. A massive storm and torrential rain began. I was terrified. The old man got up and said, "I can't stay and get drenched. I'm leaving. You stay here and call upon him. Don't be afraid. If you are to receive anything, you will get it tonight."
Guru:
Before leaving, he did something extraordinary. He lit a small piece of wood on the pyre and said, "No matter how much it storms or rains, this fire will not go out." He left, and soon the entire cremation ground was flooded. Two or three dogs climbed onto the pyre and lay in my lap. My clothes were covered in their saliva, but I remembered his words: "Don't get up." Truly, despite the heavy rain, that small fire did not go out. I still find it miraculous.
Guru:
Around 1:30 AM, amidst the thunder and rain, I fell into a semi-conscious state. A tall, divine figure appeared. He gave me a mantra. I heard it in my subconscious. By the time I regained full consciousness, the water was knee-deep. I realized I had lost all my money and belongings in the flood. I had nothing left to even return home.
Guru:
I went to the house of the temple secretary, Mr. Mukherjee. He saw me in the morning and was shocked. I told him I'd lost everything. He knew me and owned a shop in front of the temple; he lent me some money. I was exhausted and hungry after staying up all night. I had some tea and biscuits. I had even lost my shoes. In that disheveled state, I reached my disciple's house in Shantiniketan. He was stunned to see me without shoes. He looked after me and helped me get home the next day. This remains the greatest wonder of my life. I had read about such things in books, but experiencing it personally was overwhelming. This happened about 25-30 years ago.
Interviewer:
We have nothing more to ask today. On Vamdev Baba's day, the focus remains entirely on him. Do you have anything else to add?
Guru:
Nothing more needs to be said. This day is very memorable for us. We perform the hom in his name. We don't have much power; we just follow his path. Baba himself didn't believe much in outward rituals; he lived in the cremation grounds. So, we perform the fire ritual in his honor.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, we know you are quite unwell, yet you came here today because it is such a special day.
Guru:
No one could keep me away. I told my doctor I would stay here until 10:00 PM tonight. He finally gave me permission. My health is secondary; this day won't come again for another year, and given my condition, I don't know if I'll see the next one. If I do, it will be by his grace.
Interviewer:
We sincerely wish for your recovery and good health. We hope to hear many more stories from you in the future. On behalf of Shantikunj, we offer our respects to the audience. Gurudev, please stay well. Your health is our priority. Namaskar.
Guru:
(Recites Closing Peace Prayer)
Guru:
"Sarve bhavantu sukhinah, sarve santu niramayah,
Guru:
Sarve bhadrani pashyantu, ma kashchit duhkha-bhagbhavet."
Guru:
(May all be happy, may all be free from illness, may all see what is auspicious, may no one suffer.)