Narrator:
21st June 2020. A solar eclipse. At our Shri Shri Gurudev Shyama Khepa's ashram, as per the instructions of "Ma" (the Mother Goddess) and for the welfare of humanity and world peace, a special yajna (fire ritual) is being performed.
Narrator:
The Maha Mrityunjaya Yajna is underway. Renowned meteorologist Dr. Sujit Kar is participating and has initiated this ritual. You can see him performing the homa for the Mother, for Lord Shiva, and for the welfare of world peace. Now, we will hear from our Gurudev, Shri Shri Shyama Khepa.
Interviewer:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Gurudev:
Pranam, pranam.
Interviewer:
Please tell us about the special Maha Mrityunjaya Homa being performed today.
Gurudev:
During this time, no other deity's homa is performed except for Maha Mrityunjaya. Look at what happens during this eclipse—many restless spirits and various types of germs and microbes awaken. This eclipse period is quite long. It is visible from Kolkata after 10 AM, but the eclipse is happening across all of India. The peak will be around 2:17 PM or 2:03 PM... well, it will be after 2:00 PM.
Gurudev:
Currently, the only path open is the Maha Mrityunjaya Yajna. There is no need for rituals for other deities right now. Pray to Mahadev, who is in the sky—the universal Lord, the immortal and radiant Being. Worship Him because this is a celestial event, and He controls the cosmos.
Gurudev:
This Maha Mrityunjaya Yajna is very effective during an eclipse. If one chants the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra during this time, it brings great benefits. During an eclipse, restless spirits awaken, and many germs are created. That is why we advise people not to eat and to avoid certain things during an eclipse.
Gurudev:
I believe this celestial event, which is still ongoing, will pass without major trouble. Eclipses happen often. However, there is a sense of fear right now because of COVID-19 and the arrival of even larger germs that might cause many deaths. These things have been predicted. Furthermore, there is a fear regarding the tectonic plates; a major earthquake could occur. In fact, tremors are happening almost every day now. This has created an atmosphere of fear.
Gurudev:
We are afraid, but when a celestial event occurs, that fear intensifies. However, the Earth will not perish so easily. It still has a long life ahead. There is no need to worry. We will witness many more celestial events. I have a feeling that during this time, a "Mahapurush" (a Great Soul) might emerge—someone we do not yet know. This is the time for such an emergence. I believe a Great Soul is coming who will lead India.
Gurudev:
India is the land of saints and sages. We follow the Vedic path, and in the Vedas, fire (Agni) is supreme. We are lighting the fire and chanting Vedic mantras: "Agni Jyotim, Vande Jatavedasam..." We chant these Vedic mantras as we observe the seven colors of the Sun. For example: "Vaishvanaro Jataveda Ihavaha Lohitaksha Sarvakarmani Sadhaya Svaha..."
Gurudev:
We chant for the Sun's eight colors which drive us, which circulate and purify our blood. Just as the Sun has seven colors, our blood also has seven colors. If we cannot absorb even one color from the Sun, we say there is a deficiency in the blood. Doctors then prescribe medicine to fix it, but everything essentially depends on the Sun. The Sun is the soul (Atma).
Gurudev:
During this time, the Maha Mrityunjaya chant is extremely effective. For spiritual practitioners (Sadhaks), this is a great opportunity for Punashcharana (the ritual of renewing or repeating a mantra).
Interviewer:
Could you explain what Punashcharana is?
Gurudev:
Punashcharana means letting go of everything you have done before and starting anew. Do not cling to the old. "Punah-Uccharana" (re-utterance) is called Punashcharana. Whatever you have practiced for 10 or 20 years—offer it to the fire, or to the Ganges, or to your Guru. Then, start your Japa or spiritual practice fresh. This homa is an ideal time for Punashcharana.
Gurudev:
If practitioners do this, it is very beneficial. Today, Dr. Sujit Kar is performing Punashcharana under my guidance. It is good; there is no problem. He is doing it for the welfare of all.
Narrator:
You can see Dr. Sujit Kar, a devoted disciple, performing the homa. He is likely performing Punashcharana as per Gurudev's instructions. Gurudev, your blessings and love are needed by everyone. Please protect us.
Gurudev:
That is why this is being done—so that people remain well. I have done and will continue to do whatever is necessary for their well-being. I feel that the Earth, the atmosphere, and the sky—all three are currently affected. They have become "toxic." This ritual is being performed to purify them. Through this celestial ritual, purification will occur.
Interviewer:
It seems this will help people's future health and mindset.
Gurudev:
I hope so. I am not God, but my heart says that much of the negativity will be cleared by this eclipse and this ritual.
Interviewer:
Could you please recite the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra for us?
Gurudev:
"Om Jou Sah, Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah, Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam, Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat. Om Namoh Maha Mrityunjaya Bhairava Shivaya Namah. Om Girijapataye Namah."
Gurudev:
This "Baba Ashtakkari" is a "Beej" (seed mantra). It has eight syllables: Gi-ri-ja-pa-ta-ye-na-mah. People usually don't chant this, and it isn't often told to others.
Interviewer:
What do you mean by "Girijapataye Namah"?
Gurudev:
Count them: Gi-ri-ja-pa-ta-ye-na-mah. That makes eight. When we make a Maha Mrityunjaya talisman (Tabiz), this mantra is included. It is written on every petal of the lotus in the Maha Mrityunjaya Yantra. Usually, people don't say it, but it is my knowledge. I am saying it, though it is not commonly mentioned elsewhere. This is the seed mantra.
Interviewer:
Pranam, Gurudev. The yajna is continuing in this sacred temple. Please bless everyone. Pranam.
Gurudev:
Blessings to all. Pranam.