Interlocutor:
Gurudev, could you please say a few words about Mother [Goddess Durga]?
Gurudev:
Yes, tell me, what would you like me to say? Look, speaking about Mother is like being overly talkative, and I don't like that. What can I say about Mother Durga, the mother of the universe? To even try to describe her would be audacious. Those who are clever might speak; I am a simple man, so I won't say much. Since you brought me here, I saw Mother, and it felt wonderful. I am truly happy. Being able to sit before Mother is a matter of great fortune—a supreme blessing. What else can I say?
Interlocutor:
Gurudev, I've had this wish for a long time. I mentioned it to you earlier—that if you could come, even for just five minutes, I would be so happy.
Gurudev:
There was no reason for me not to come. But as you know, I have respiratory issues. Because of my breathing trouble, I hesitate to go anywhere. I worry about getting stuck or something happening, so I usually think it's better not to go out. But since you said it's nearby, I came. The crematorium [Shmashan] is right here, only five minutes away through the back path. That's why I agreed. Sitting before Mother Durga is a matter of incredible luck. Without her grace, one cannot sit near her.
Interlocutor:
Gurudev, I saw the episode you posted on your channel [Hiranyagarbha] regarding Maha-Ashtami. You spoke about the Sandhi Puja...
Gurudev:
Yes, tomorrow's Sandhi Puja starts at 3:25 PM and lasts for 48 minutes. It takes 24 minutes from the end of Ashtami and 24 minutes from the beginning of Navami. This period is like a "No Man's Land." During this time, Durga, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Kartik, and Ganesh do not receive offerings. Only Mother Chamunda is worshipped. Everything offered goes to Mother Chamunda; she is the Adi Shakti [Primal Power].
Gurudev:
[Gurudev chants a Sanskrit mantra for Maa Chamunda] "Vaktra-krik-kshamadeha-cha kamakukshi bhayankari, lohit-asura-raktashcha chamunda munda-malini..."
Gurudev:
There are other mantras as well. She is worshipped with 108 lotuses. It feels wonderful. It is even better when Sandhi Puja happens at night. It's a bit difficult during the day because of the sun. Since Mother herself is dark-complexioned, the night feels more appropriate for her.
Interlocutor:
Gurudev, in previous years, I've seen Sandhi Puja happen at 12:30 AM, 1:30 AM, or even 2:00 AM.
Gurudev:
Oh yes, we have performed it at those hours many times. That is perfectly fine. I may not perform every puja, but I always perform the Sandhi Puja. I worship Mother Chamunda; I love doing it. I perform it myself at the Rajpur Mahashmashan [Great Crematorium].
Interlocutor:
You sit on the Asana [sacred seat] yourself?
Gurudev:
Yes, I sit on the Asana myself. I don't depend on anyone else for that. Not everyone is fit to sit there. I do it in my own way, without answering to anyone.
Interlocutor:
Your episodes on the Hiranyagarbha channel... by watching them, we've been able to understand at least a tiny fraction of your knowledge.
Gurudev:
There are many things that shouldn't be said publicly. According to our scriptures, one should not disclose everything. I say what can be said on the surface, but the deeper secrets must remain hidden.
Interlocutor:
People like you, who possess such knowledge... it shouldn't be distributed casually.
Gurudev:
This knowledge is a gift from Mother. It belongs to her.
Interlocutor:
Gurudev, you have blessed us with the dust of your feet...
Gurudev:
No, don't say that. Mother is present here. Do not speak of my feet while she is here. It would offend her. Am I greater than Mother? No. Never say that in her presence.
Interlocutor:
One last question, Gurudev. How can we bring Mother closer to us?
Gurudev:
Mother is already here. She comes in the way she chooses to come. You don't have the power to "bring" her if she doesn't wish to come. She manifests herself. People may not realize it, but she does everything herself. Who are we to do anything? If Mother doesn't come, there is nothing you can do.