Narrator:
This is the Dwaraka river. The river's name is especially associated with Tarapith Mahasashan. We are currently at Mundamalitala, right on the banks of the Dwaraka river. We are going to hear a few words about the significance of this river from Gurudev.
Narrator:
There is very little water right now. Gurudev is sitting here; you can see his place of meditation. Gurudev has come to Tarapith.
Narrator:
Gurudev, I offer my respect to you. We are sitting on the bank of the Dwaraka river. Can you tell us about the unique characteristics of this river?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes. Look, from a scientific point of view, we usually say that all rivers flow from North to South. However, this is the only river, called the Dwaraka, where Maa (the Mother Goddess) bathes at 4:00 AM. Even if there is very little water now, there is plenty of water at 4:00 AM. I don't know where the water goes after that, but Maa bathes here. This is the ghat (riverbank step) where Maa bathes. Those who have been here for a long time can tell you which way Maa comes from.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Everybody knows which way she comes. This is a large cremation ground, about 1 to 1.5 kilometers long. Earlier, it was even bigger. The entirety of Mundamalitala was part of the cremation ground. Though it is a residential area now, there is still a path through which Maa comes. She likes to walk along the river. She comes here to bathe at around 3:30 or 4:00 AM when there is plenty of water.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
After she bathes, the water seemingly evaporates. Now, you see there is very little water flowing. The specialty of this river is that it flows from South to North, whereas almost all other rivers in India flow from North to South. That is why it is called 'Uttarabahini' (North-flowing). It is very helpful for 'Kumbhaka' (a yoga breathing practice involving breath retention). If one practices 'Kumbhaka' here, it is very effective because the river flows upwards.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Our 'Kumbhaka' also flows from the Mooladhara (the base chakra) upwards. We don't go downwards from the 'Sahasrara' (the crown chakra). Similarly, this river flows from South to North, which is scientifically inexplicable. That is why it is called 'Uttarabahini'.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It is also called 'Sati Ghat'. It is named 'Mundamalinighat' because Maa leaves her 'Mundamala' (garland of skulls) here before she bathes. Even today, in this age of science, Maa leaves her 'Mundamala' here, bathes, and then puts it back on. That is why it is called 'Mundamalinighat'. This is the unique significance of this river. It is 'Uttarabahini', and it is beneficial for 'Kumbhaka'. If one practices 'Kumbhaka' here, they will see results very quickly.
Spiritual Insight
The Dwaraka River at Mundamalitala stands as a living testament to the mystical dimensions of sacred geography. Gurudev reveals how this unique river—flowing contrary to natural laws from South to North—serves as a mirror for the spiritual aspirant's own energetic journey from the base chakra (Mooladhara) to the crown (Sahasrara). The phenomenon of the Divine Mother bathing here at 4 AM, leaving her garland of skulls before entering the waters, reminds us that even in this scientific age, the subtle realms continue their ancient rhythms, accessible only to those with eyes to see.