Devotee:
Greetings, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Greetings, my son.
Devotee:
Gurudev, the Durga Puja festivities have already begun. We generally consider the start of the festival from the day of Mahalaya. You have already spoken about the rituals of Maha Shasthi (the sixth day) in a previous video. I would now like to ask you for your wisdom regarding Maha Saptami (the seventh day).
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
On the morning of Maha Saptami, the priest arrives and takes the Kola Bou (the "Banana Bride" or Nabapatrika). He takes a branch from the Bel tree and wraps it with the banana plant. Then, accompanied by the sound of traditional instruments, the Nabapatrika is taken for a ritual bath, known as Mahasnan. After the bath, she is brought to the pandal. Simultaneously, the Goddess is invoked from the Bel tree and invited into the pandal.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In the presence of the Mother, another Mahasnan (grand bath) takes place. The Kola Bou is then dressed in a new saree and placed next to Lord Ganesha. Many people mistakenly call her "Ganesha's wife," but in reality, she represents the nine forms of the Goddess, known as Nabapatrika-vasini Durga.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Following this, the Puja continues. While the Saptami Puja itself is relatively short compared to others, a Mahasnan is performed every day. Various offerings and prayers are made to the Sun, Ganesha, Lakshmi, Narayana, and other deities like Shiva, Kartikeya, and the ten directions (Dashadikpal).
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
From this day, the recitation of the Chandi Path (sacred scriptures) begins. Since it is difficult to complete the entire text in one day, it is recited in parts over three days. For instance, the chapters on the slaying of Madhu-Kaitabha and Mahishasura are read sequentially. Some people, however, choose to complete the entire recitation by Ashtami.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
A very significant ritual occurs at night. After the evening Arati, the Mother is symbolically put to sleep. However, at midnight, she is woken up for a special ritual called Ardharatri Vihita Puja. This is a traditional worship performed at midnight, common in old royal households and landlord estates (Zamindar bari). After this midnight worship, she is put back to sleep. This is the basic essence of the Saptami rituals.
Devotee:
Gurudev, following the two years of the pandemic, many people are returning to the pandals. However, some may still be unable to visit in person to offer Anjali (ritual offerings). How can they perform these rituals from their homes?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I will recite the Anjali mantras for you. You can sit in front of any deity you have at home—be it Shiva or Durga—and offer your prayers. There will be no problem.
Devotee:
How should they perform the ritual?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Hold some flowers and Bel leaves in your hands and recite these mantras after me.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The mantra begins: "Om apavitrah pavitro va sarvavastham gato'pi va..." This means that whether you are pure or impure, in whatever state you may be, the moment you remember the lotus-eyed Lord (Narayana), you become pure both internally and externally.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Another mantra is: "Om Madhavo Madhavo vachi..." This signifies that we speak the name of Madhava (God) with our lips, we hold Him in our hearts, and we dedicate all our actions to Him. We pray to Narayana for the welfare of all beings.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
When you offer the flowers, say: "Om Ayurdehi Yashodehi..." We ask for long life, fame, and good fortune. But notice the most important part: "Sarva Mangala Mangalye..." This means we are praying for the welfare of everyone. When I offer Anjali, I am not just praying for my son, my wife, or myself; I am praying for the well-being of the entire world.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
People often misunderstand this. They think Anjali is a personal request. But the scriptures teach us to pray for the universal good. Whether you believe in God or not, the Mother's grace is like the sun. When the sun rises, it shines on everyone equally—be it in Kolkata or a distant village. Similarly, the Goddess blesses everyone, whether they call upon Her or not.
Devotee:
It is wonderful how you've explained that this one festival brings the entire world together.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
That is the purpose of Durga Puja—to unite everyone. I have shared these explanations many times on TV and in my videos. I have over 800 videos now, and it can be hard for people to find specific ones, so I am happy to explain this again for the new generation.
Devotee:
This video will be a great help to those who cannot go to the pandals. They can now worship from home with a clear heart.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Mother is everywhere. She resides in your heart. Remember Her, offer your Anjali, and she will surely accept it.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I have one concern, though. There is a forecast of continuous rain starting Monday. I pray to God that the rain holds off so that the children, who haven't been able to celebrate properly for two years, can finally go out and see the Mother. I hope everyone has a blessed and joyful Puja.
Devotee:
Thank you, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Bless you, my son.