Interviewer:
Gurudev, greetings.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Greetings.
Interviewer:
In the previous episode, we were discussing the third of the Dasha Mahavidyas, Shodashi. Last time, you were telling us about the mantra of the Mother at Kamakhya.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Well, actually, what happens is that in the Mother's sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha), there isn't a statue as such. There is a water spring that flows continuously where the Mother's yoni (divine womb) resides. It is covered with a golden plate, deep under the water. Everyone touches that water; some drink it. Inside the sanctum, there is no light other than from the earthen lamps; it's quite dark. Many people break coconuts, drink the water and pour it on their heads before leaving. There's nothing else visible to the naked eye, but the Mother's yoni is there, beneath the water. It can never be removed. During the Ambubachi festival, there is a massive crowd at Kamakhya.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The word "Ambubachi" is derived from Ambu (water) and Bachan (to avoid). During this time, it rains, and seeds germinate. If farming occurs now, the sprouts would be destroyed. Therefore, plowing is traditionally forbidden. In earlier times, there were strict rules; widows used to follow them rigorously. While people don't follow them as much now, the scientific basis remains: avoiding the disturbance of the "water" to preserve germinating life. During these four days, the farming community strictly avoids plowing. For common folk, digging the soil is prohibited because Earth is our Mother. And Mother Earth is perpetually young; she is Shodashi—forever sixteen. Her age doesn't increase beyond that.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
There is a profound connection between the Mother and the Earth's surface. Everything grows from it. We tell everyone to follow these traditions. When people visit, the priests (Pandas) recite a mantra: "Kamakhye varade devi neela parvata vasini, Tam devi jagatam mata yoni mudre namostute. Kamakhye kama-sampanne kameshvari haripriye, Kaman me dehi me nityam kameshvari namostute." Essentially, it asks for Kama (desire) daily. Kama is a powerful force; the whole world revolves around it. If desire is imbalanced, everything falls apart. That's why the Mother keeps Kama under her control; she is called Kam-kukshi-bhayamkari (the one who holds desire in her womb).
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
There are many seed mantras (Beej Mantras) which, if chanted correctly, can lead to great results. These mantras are preserved within the Saptasati (Chandi). I stayed there for three to four months to realize the Mother. The priests advised me not to go out at night. There is a Mahan-smashan (Great Cremation Ground) and a Moshan (where animal sacrifices occur). They told me not to take anything from there. I stayed in a room near the temple. At night, it felt eerie. During the day, it was crowded, but at 6:00 PM, the temple closed after the evening Aarti. I used to sit on the benches near the entrance and meditate. On the day of Ashtami, the offering was black gram (Mashkalai) and rice—no meat or fish. I received the main prasad through a gentleman I stayed with, who guided me; he was nearly 82 years old and has since passed away. One day he told me my time there was up, but I had one task left: Kumari Puja (worship of a young girl). He said I must do it on the Panchamundi seat inside.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
He arranged for a beautiful 8-to-10-year-old girl. It cost about 600 or 700 rupees then for her toys and clothes, which was a lot of money. The gentleman who brought me there insisted I do it, as I might not get another chance. He provided the money. I remember it was a Shukla Ashtami and there was a national strike (Bharat Bandh), so the temple was empty. It was Mother's play. After staying three months, I was told to leave for Benaras (Kashi Vishwanath). I visited Kalikhetra, Tarakhetra, Kamakhya, and finally Kashi, where I stayed for three to four months at Manikarnika Ghat.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
One day, an old lady with a stick came to me on the banks of the Ganges. She asked for some money, which I gave. Then she said, "Why are you suffering here? Go home; I will come to your house." I didn't understand then, but when I returned from Benaras, it was Annapurna Puja, and my brothers were performing it at home. I was amazed. For 30 years now, Mother has been worshipped in our home.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Regarding Kamakhya, the Panchamundi seat is vital. Meditating there brings quick results. Even Sage Vashistha went to Kamakhya. He had meditated for a long time elsewhere without success, so he cursed the Goddess Tara that she wouldn't grant fruit to anyone. The Mother later told him he was chanting the wrong mantra. She told him to go to the Kamakhya pond, purify his mantra, and then return. He did so and finally had her vision at Tarapith.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, you mentioned seed mantras. Could you share one or two?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It is not right to share them, child. These mantras are very powerful and strictly confidential. I will never share these seed mantras with anyone unless I find a true and worthy seeker. Without the seed mantra, realization is difficult; one must chant it millions of times. There is the Kunjika Stotram; if someone can recite it with devotion, they can earn the Mother's grace. Nowadays, some people go to Kamakhya and indulge in alcohol and inappropriate behavior with women, thinking it's part of the ritual. I have never touched alcohol. I also never take any woman with me to these Pithas (holy seats). I prefer to go alone to Kamakhya, Tarapith, or Kalighat.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, we heard about Shodashi from you. I request our friends to subscribe to the "Gupta Sadhak Shyama Khepa" YouTube channel. Share and like these videos so we can continue to hear Gurudev's valuable insights. Greetings, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Greetings.