Narrator:
Hello friends. We are currently at a place in India where many sages have attained enlightenment through their spiritual practices. It is in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, the land of red soil. Friends, as you can see on your screen, Khepada—a disciple of the Guru—is performing a continuous fire ritual (hom) at the Guru's command. This ritual is being performed solely for the purpose of world peace and human welfare.
Narrator:
Friends, it is quite late at night. You can see the fire ritual taking place in front of Goddess Shmashan Kali. You can see the idol of the Goddess, the ritual sword (kharga), and the sacrificial altar (harikath).
Narrator:
Everything around us is so quiet. What a beautiful and pleasant environment! This fire ritual is taking place at the Mundamalini Tala on the banks of the Dwaraka River in Tarapith.
Khepada:
[Chanting Sanskrit mantras] Om Hrim Shrim Mahakala Bhairavaya Namah Swaha...
Narrator:
The surroundings are very dark. In this chilly environment, we are feeling the warmth of the fire ritual. Stay with us. Our highly respected Khepada is continuing the ritual, as you can see.
Khepada:
[Chanting] Om Hrim Shrim Mahakala Bhairavaya Namah Swaha...
Narrator:
Salutations, Gurudev. One of your close disciples is performing the fire ritual on the banks of the Dwaraka River. Please say something, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
There is not much to say; we do this regularly. This person has come from far away, from Chhattisgarh. He told me he wanted to visit Tarapith to worship Mother and perform a ritual. So, it is being done.
Khepada:
[Chanting] Om Namah Shivaya... Om Trayambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti-Vardhanam...
Narrator:
There are many human skulls here. This place is quite intimidating. We have chosen this spot because it is secluded and there is no noise. No one will disturb us while we perform the ritual. It is very quiet, beautiful, and quite cold, but that is not a problem.
Khepada:
[Chanting continue]
Narrator:
Friends, you can see "Kalu Babu," the dog who was the companion of the great saint Bamdev Baba. It seems he is present at this ritual today. It feels wonderful to see this. Bamdev Baba used to call him "Kalu Babu," saying he was a human in a previous life. Normally, a black dog is not seen during such rituals, so his presence here makes us believe the ritual will be successful.
Narrator:
Look at Mother Shmashan Kali's temple on the banks of the Dwaraka River. Her form is extraordinary and beautiful. She is worshiped daily with human skulls and bones, which you can see here.
Khepada:
[Chanting] Om Hrim Shrim Durgaayai Namah...
Narrator:
Look at this! Kalu Babu is lying on Khepada's lap while the ritual is ongoing. This is an extraordinary sight that gives us goosebumps. It is very rare to see this. Gurudev, what do you say about Kalu Babu being here today?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
According to the tradition here, if he stays near, it is a good sign. But we don't focus on signs; our focus is on the ritual. He just came and sat on his lap.
Narrator:
Surely, there is a spiritual connection here with Bamdev Baba and Mother Kali. In this place, dogs are regarded like deities. Bamdev Baba always had dogs like Kalu, Bhuli, and Lali with him. So, this is very appropriate.
Narrator:
Look at Kalu Babu in such a peaceful pose! Friends, look at this amazing sight. You are witnessing this through our camera. Khepada is shouting "Jai Tara!" and Khepima has brought tea for Gurudev. Khepima lives here in the cremation ground.
Khepima:
I had no one in my life—no children, no husband. I was like a crazy person. Then, the Great Father (Baba) appeared in a dream and brought me here to serve Mother and Father and to serve people. Mother Shmashan has blessed me.
Narrator:
This is truly extraordinary. Khepada is performing the ritual with Kalu Babu on his lap with such affection. We have seen many rituals at this Mundamalini Tala, but never something like this. Gurudev, why is this ritual being performed?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
We perform rituals daily. Fire is our way of worship. We follow both Vedic and Tantric methods. Some Vedic mantras are recited, and the rest is according to Tantric traditions. We do this every day.
Khepada:
[Chanting] Jai Tara! Jai Tara!
Narrator:
There is no special occasion today; we just felt the need to perform it for world peace and human welfare. Many people come from far away for this. Look at Kalu Babu experiencing the ritual on Khepada's lap. High-level sages believe that the success of such a ritual is certain.
Khepima:
Have some tea, Baba.
Narrator:
The one performing the ritual is Khepada. He is a very advanced and knowledgeable sage. We are showing him from the side because he has set a ritual boundary (gondi) that we cannot cross. He has a special spiritual quality. You might recognize him as he has performed rituals at our Shantidham as well.
Khepada:
[Chanting] Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike...
Narrator:
Gurudev, how do you feel about this ritual?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I do this every day, so it feels normal now. But yes, in this secluded, dark environment, it is very peaceful. It is an extraordinary scene.
Narrator:
I have seen many rituals, but I have never seen flames rise so high and wide like this. It seems there is a special power in Khepada's hands. The flames are spreading everywhere. It's an amazing sight. And Kalu Babu lying on his lap adds to the significance.
Narrator:
Interestingly, before the ritual started, we heard the howling of jackals (shiba) for a long time. In our tradition, this is a significant sign. It feels as if Kalu Babu himself is present here today in spirit.
Narrator:
Well Gurudev, we will take our leave now. As you said, this ritual is for world peace. We hope that after this pandemic, the world will find peace and beautiful days will return. With that hope, I conclude. Salutations, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Salutations, son.
Spiritual Insight
This sacred fire ritual at Mundamalini Tala exemplifies the true spirit of Tantric practice—performed not for personal gain but for world peace and human welfare. The presence of Kalu Babu, the divine dog who was companion to Bamdev Baba, lying peacefully on Khepada's lap during the ritual signifies the harmony between all beings in the presence of sincere spiritual practice. Khepima's testimony of being called by the Great Father to serve at the cremation ground reminds us that the Divine chooses and protects those who dedicate their lives to service. The combination of Vedic and Tantric methods, performed daily with fire as the primary worship, demonstrates the living tradition that Gurudev and his disciples maintain for the welfare of all beings.