Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, tell me, where are you from?
Devotee:
I am from the Sobhabazar Rajbari (Palace).
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Sobhabazar Rajbari! That is a very significant place. Who is your spiritual guide?
Devotee:
The Guru of Lake Kalibari.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Oh, Haripada-da? I was very well-acquainted with him. We had a great connection. Last time, he invited me to visit, but I couldn't make it due to being extremely busy. People from Lake Kalibari often come to see me and ask me to visit. I just don't get the time. In the early days, when he was starting out on the footpath, I had a strong connection with him because I used to work in a company nearby. That is how we met. Later on, when they had some trouble with their accounts—I was an accountant back then—they called me to help sort things out. I went to help with the audit, but it was impossible! There was so much money and jewelry, you wouldn't believe it. I couldn't handle it and eventually came back.
Devotee:
In our Rajbari, our ancestors—you know, Nabakrishna Deb Bahadur...
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, Nabakrishna Deb Bahadur. I have a very close and cordial relationship with Dr. Kousari, who used to perform the pujas there. I'm not sure if he still does. He is known as the Rajbari priest. Not only that, but he is highly respected even in the newspapers. People consult him whenever they face any difficulties.
Devotee:
During our Gopinath's Dol (festival), the Kings were called to prove how great Gopinath is. Nabakrishna Bahadur... during the Barodol festival... the crown of Siraj ud-Daulah is placed on our Gopinath's head.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Oh, I see!
Devotee:
Our Raja Ramakrishna Deb Bahadur won it. When he was asked to wear it, he said, "I will not wear it; place it on my Gopinath's head instead."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Is that Gopinath still there?
Devotee:
Yes, he is. At one time, the crown was worn under police guard during the festivals, but that has stopped now. It has become very difficult. But the crown is still there.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
That's wonderful.
Devotee:
I am a Shebait (custodian) of Gopinath. I live under His shelter. I have a flat in Tollygunge now; that's where I stay. I visit the Rajbari during Durga Puja. To be honest, the Rajbari is quite dilapidated now.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I know, I have seen it. It's in poor condition. I am aware of the whole situation. Anyway, it was nice meeting you. Feel free to visit whenever you like. I actually met you before at Mundomanitala.
Devotee:
Yes, at Mundomanitala.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
We met there several times. And now, after a long time, you've come to my home. We met about two years ago, in 2021. At Bapi's shop in Mundomanitala. The Mother (deity) is there, and I perform puja there. I really love Mundomanitala.
Devotee:
I love it too. I've been there while you were performing puja, and at other times as well. I've met you many times.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It feels good to have met you again. Meeting a member of the Rajbari, a part-owner and custodian, is a great thing for us.
Devotee:
I have wanted to come to you for many years. But without the right timing or the Mother's grace, it doesn't happen.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The Sobhabazar Rajbari is very famous in Kolkata. Rightly so.
Devotee:
Being a Shebait of Gopinath is my greatest identity. We have Gopinath, Radha-Krishna.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I saw the Janmashtami celebrations there; it's a massive puja.
Devotee:
During the five days of Durga Puja, Gopinath is moved to the upper veranda, and Ma Durga stays downstairs.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I've seen all of that. Because I am so close with Kousari, I've seen everything. Please mention me to him when you see him.
Devotee:
Yes, I certainly will.