Narrator:
Gurudev's disciple elected as priest at Belur Math || by Shyama Khyapa YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg0BGf6yRKc
Narrator:
Transcript
Guru:
He is my disciple. He has come to perform Puja for me. He performed some Puja at my house today. He has been my initiate for a long time. I really like him. His way of performing rituals is very good. I heard that he will be performing the Puja at Belur Math this time. I am very happy because the whole world watches the Belur Math Puja.
Guru:
There is a history behind it. There was no tradition of performing elaborate rituals at Belur Math originally. Then, Swami Vivekananda went to the Vivekananda Rock in Kanyakumari. He had a vision of the Mother there. After returning to Kanyakumari, he told his followers, "Whether you do anything else or not, perform Kumari Puja and Durga Puja."
Guru:
Since then, Kumari Puja and Durga Puja have been held. It used to be just one program. Now I hear there are many different rituals, but Vivekananda had specified only one: Durga Puja. He insisted on performing Durga Puja and Kumari Puja.
Guru:
Alright, tell everyone your name.
Disciple:
My name is Vishvadev Chakraborty.
Guru:
Speak up. Tell us what you do professionally.
Disciple:
Professionally, I am an astrologer for Senco Gold & Diamonds. I sit in 33 branches across West Bengal, covering both North and South Bengal. Before this, I was with P.C. Chandra, and now I am with Senco Gold. I try to serve people as much as I can.
Guru:
Service is the most important thing.
Disciple:
The most important thing is that whatever progress I have made is because of the initiation I received from you. Everything I have achieved came after I found you.
Guru:
That is fine. My wish is for everyone to perform their rituals well and help people. It's not always about the money. There are many ways to help. Of course, you need money to survive—I won't deny that—but don't exploit people. People earn money with great difficulty, so don't take undue advantage. I know you don't have that tendency anyway.
Disciple:
Actually, in West Bengal, I am likely the astrologer who sees the most clients at the lowest fee. I even provide many remedies for free. I don't think anyone in West Bengal takes a lower visit fee than I do. At Senco Gold & Diamonds, my current visit fee is 700 rupees, but I satisfy clients at just 335 rupees. I spend an hour to an hour and a half on a prescription to try and solve their problems.
Guru:
Your prescriptions are quite good. I've seen a few of them. They are very detailed. And considering the current state of affairs, where do people have the money? People are struggling financially.
Disciple:
After the pandemic, the situation has become very bad. Realizing that, I try to provide free services through various means.
Guru:
Well, where you work at Senco, it won't be free; they will take their fee.
Disciple:
Aside from Senco, when I practice independently, I try to provide remedies in other ways. For example, there are many problems that can be solved through rituals without needing a gemstone. To buy a good gemstone, the price can easily go up to 30, 40, or 50 thousand rupees. That is not possible for ordinary people. In those cases, I try to solve the problem through rituals and prayers.
Disciple:
Now, with your blessings and the Mother's blessings, I am moving forward. People say it is working.
Guru:
So, where are you performing Durga Puja this time?
Disciple:
I will be performing it at Belur Math. That is the main highlight this year.
Guru:
I am very happy to hear that you are performing Durga Puja at Belur Math. It is a matter of pride for me as well because you are doing what Swami Vivekananda wanted. The whole world will see this Puja. They interviewed you, didn't they?
Disciple:
Yes, I had to go through an interview. They don't just take anyone; I had to prove myself. There were online interviews as well as in-person ones. I answered all their questions, and then they selected me.
Guru:
How many priests did they call?
Disciple:
From what I know, they called seven people. They tested everyone and decided they liked me to perform the Puja.
Guru:
This is a matter of pride. I am acquainted with many Monks at Belur Math. If you just tell them you are a disciple of Shyamakhyapa, that will be enough.
Disciple:
I did mention it, and they were very impressed by your name. They all have great respect and warmth for you.
Guru:
That's good. Do it well. Perform the Puja with all your heart. Don't look elsewhere; focus entirely on the Mother. That is what we have always done—we worship the Mother as our own mother. I feel proud of that.
Disciple:
Yes, Maharaj.
Guru:
The customs and practices at the Ramakrishna Mission in Belur Math are excellent. I am talking about the spiritual quality of the Puja. I have been fortunate enough to see Kumari Puja and Durga Puja there. It is truly wonderful. It isn't like the public street pujas; it is a complete, traditional Puja. Everything is perfectly arranged.
Guru:
Alright, I'll be going now. Namaskar.
Disciple:
Namaskar.