Disciple:
Salutations, Gurudev. Recently, you visited Mahapeeth Tarapith. Everyone was quite concerned about your health and how you were spending your time there. We saw that you have returned in good health after seeking the Mother's blessings and touching her feet.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, I am fine. Mother's blessings are always there. I have been visiting for many years now, and Mother hasn't put me in any trouble. She is always behind me. I went with quite a few people this time, and I was a bit worried. There were a few small incidents—some disagreements—but it's not worth dwelling on. It was a good trip.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Usually, you follow us to record episodes wherever we go. Some people asked why I wasn't present during the Homa (sacred fire ritual). Since Pagla Baba was performing the Homa, it wouldn't have been appropriate for me to be right in front of him. Sometimes, certain spiritual energies can be neutralized in the presence of a Guru. So, I gave him the responsibility and instructed him on how to do it. It was performed right in front of Ma Shhmashana-Kali.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I have been training him, and seeing him perform the Homa was a matter of great joy for me. It was a very powerful ritual. My intention before going was to offer prayers to Mother. Since the main temple is usually crowded, I chose Mundomalitola. Ma Dakshina Kali is there, as is Lord Mahadev. It's a wonderful place to worship. I did as much as was needed.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
As for these recordings, there's not much to "show." But since you people come and ask for content, I showed you some spots in Tarapith. We did what we had to do on Saturday. The Homa was performed at night for world peace and human welfare. I've been dedicated to human welfare since morning—people come from Siliguri, Chennai, and all over. I help them as much as possible. But world peace is also essential right now. You can see the dire state of the world. That's why I wanted a Homa for world peace.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I continue to help as many people as I can, even at my age. My own health isn't great—I have a constant cold and cough—but I have doctors who look after me. I'm managing. I've reached an age where I can't force my body too much.
Disciple:
Gurudev, we saw you returned in good health.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
That's because of Ma Tara and Baba (Lord Shiva). They follow me and protect me like a shadow. There's no doubt about it.
Disciple:
Gurudev, one more thing. Just like you are surrounded by disciples here at the ashram, we saw many unknown followers approaching you in Tarapith for blessings. It was heartwarming to see.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, even the owner of the hotel where we stayed, "Ma Usha Lodge," showed me immense respect. I didn't know him before, but when I arrived, he bowed at my feet and insisted that I shouldn't pay for my stay or any services. I told him I was on a pilgrimage and he must accept payment, even if it was a partial amount.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In Tarapith, people recognized me everywhere. Even when I went to eat, people would pull up in cars and ask, "Are you the one from YouTube? Shyama Kapa?" They would pay their respects. It seems many people know me now because of the videos. Whether I'm in Kolkata or elsewhere, people approach me. They often ask me not to stop recording episodes. While some might not like them, many people tell me they find peace or even fall asleep watching them. So, as long as I have my voice and God permits, I will continue.
Disciple:
You went to Ma, prayed for human welfare, and returned safely with your disciples. This is truly Ma's grace.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, though I was a bit nervous this time because of the large number of people. Usually, I go with just one or two people. I believe "too many monks spoil the broth." We had three cars full of people. I was worried because Tarapith is a sensitive place; any mistake there can have consequences. Ma is very strict. I'm actually quite afraid of Ma Tara. I'm not as afraid of Kali, but Tara is different.
Disciple:
We noticed that when we left, you warned us not to do anything wrong and to focus only on Ma.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Exactly. You should always keep Her name in your heart while traveling. Ma Tara can change things in an instant. I've seen people go to Tarapith, drink alcohol, and then meet with accidents. That's why I say, don't play games with Tara. She is a fierce goddess.
Disciple:
Ma Tara is one of the ten Mahavidyas, right?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, and one should never try to "use" Her or Ma Kali for trivial things. They are Mahavidyas. No one truly knows the real form of Tara. Even sages like Vashistha couldn't fully grasp it. Legend says Vashistha was reborn as Bama Khepa to protect the Shila (sacred relic). People are obsessed with the Shila now, but Bama Khepa used to say that looking at it makes one blind and touching it makes one mad.
Disciple:
But the priests (Pandas) there are showing the Shila to everyone.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
That is the problem. When sin increases, such things happen. Some priests show it just for money. It brings no good. The country's situation reflects this. Bama Khepa warned against looking at or touching the Shila. We who know better do not touch it or even look at it. I asked if it was the original Shila Ma sits upon, and they said yes. I told them they should stop showing it. They said they are just following the authorities' orders. They show it at night after Ma "goes to sleep." The consequences of this will be felt by those who do it.
Disciple:
It seems everyone is at fault—those who show it and those who look.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
That's why the country is in this state. Sins are happening everywhere—Tarapith, Kalighat, Kamakhya, Benaras. The country is filled with sin, and people are suffering the consequences. Harder times are coming.
Disciple:
You showed us many places we hadn't seen before, like Bama Khepa's temple and Mundomalitola. We also saw a massive Khara (sacrificial blade) as tall as a man.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
That blade is from the time of the Kapalikas, maybe 300-400 years old. It wasn't for goats; it was for human sacrifice. You can feel the history of blood when you touch it. I touched it and felt the energy. One shouldn't even touch such things, but I wanted to show you all.
Disciple:
Gurudev, your journey was completed beautifully with Ma's blessings.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It happens every time. I tell Ma when I leave that I will return when She calls. I am Her servant. Whether I'm sick or well, if She calls, I must go. Even though Ma Tara is worshipped here as well with daily Homas and rituals, Tarapith is special.
Disciple:
It was wonderful hearing about your trip. Salutations, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Salutations.
Spiritual Insight
Guru Shyama Khyapa offers a rare glimpse into his intimate relationship with Ma Tara at Tarapith. He reveals his profound fear and reverence for the second Mahavidya, contrasting her fierce nature with Kali. His pilgrimage for world peace included powerful Homas, encounters with devotees, and warnings about the sacred Shila (Brahmasila)—the stone seat of the Goddess that Bama Khepa warned should neither be seen nor touched. The teaching underscores the living, immediate power of Tara and the consequences of treating sacred spaces with irreverence.