Narrator:
The audio opens with intense, rhythmic Sanskrit chanting by several priests. Mantras include "Om Hring," "Kali-ye," "Swaha," and various invocations to Goddess Kali and Lord Shiva.
Babun:
I will go to Gurudev, but before that, I want to say something to the audience. Here, on one side, the Shmashan Kali Puja is being performed for Gurudev's peace, and on the other side, Guru Puja is being held.
Babun:
I would call it a divine coincidence. Just before the puja started, the power went out for five minutes. Then, as soon as the puja began at the cremation ground (shmashan), there were no bodies at first, but suddenly a corpse arrived. Immediately after that, a heavy downpour began with thunder and lightning. I am going to ask Gurudev if this is a sign from the Mother.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Actually, look at today's alignment. First, it is Revati Nakshatra, a very powerful and formidable day. Revati is the birth star of Mother Tara. Secondly, today is Amavasya (New Moon), and it is a Chaturdashi-joined Amavasya (the 14th lunar day merging into the New Moon).
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Because of these three specific alignments, we are performing this Kali Puja today. Usually, Kali Puja is held on Saturdays. Mother arrived a couple of days ago; she hasn't been here long. I thought that since Mother is here, she needs to be cared for properly—with puja, food, water, and clothes. That is why we decided to perform the Kali Puja on Saturday night, a whole-night ritual.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
We are performing it according to the Revati Nakshatra and Amavasya. It is an excellent day, an extremely auspicious day. This Shmashan Kali Puja has kept me deep in thought for the last three days. I haven't been able to sleep for three nights, wondering how I would manage Mother's puja.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Anyway, Mother has arranged everything herself. She even arranged for the priests. Brahmins have come from outside; they are performing the rituals and chants. It feels good. I have grown old now; I am 80 years old, so I can't perform all the rituals myself anymore. There was a Homa (fire ritual) in the morning, and there will be another at the end of the puja. These priests do the puja very well, which is why we call them.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Through this, one can attain Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation). These are the four goals of life (Chaturvarga). We perform this puja to attain success in these four areas. Of these, Moksha is the ultimate goal. We may never personally attain Moksha—that is out of the question—but we still strive.
Babun:
Right, Gurudev. The puja is ongoing. I will go and take a look at Mother one more time, and then I will end this video. Chanting is happening on both sides.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Remember one thing—alongside Mother's puja, Guru Puja is a massive ritual. Whatever is offered to the Mother is also offered to the Guru. Look here—clothes, food, sweets, flowers, and bael leaves—everything being given to Mother is also being given to me. This is the Guru Puja.
Babun:
Is there anything else you'd like to say?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I'll go and visit Mother once more.
Narrator:
The audio continues with a long sequence of intense Sanskrit mantras. The priests chant the names of Ganesha, Durga, Shiva, and Krishna. Babun records the offerings and the idols while the rain and thunder can be heard in the background.
Babun:
This is a wonderful moment for me. I have captured this moment on camera. Stay well, everyone. Pronams to Gurudev.