Disciple:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Gurudev:
Pranam.
Disciple:
Gurudev, you spoke about your health in an episode two days ago. However, you mentioned that a surgery might be necessary afterward. Since then, has there been any improvement in your physical condition? How are you feeling now?
Gurudev:
I am doing alright, but there is a sense of physical discomfort because I have a catheter in place. It is quite a nuisance because any tug or accidental hit could be harmful. I have to be very cautious. I spend most of the day lying down; I get up for a bit in the afternoon, sit for a while, and then lie back down.
Disciple:
Has the doctor given any indications regarding your recovery?
Gurudev:
The doctor mentioned that the Chhath Puja rituals begin tonight and conclude tomorrow morning. He said that after Chhath Puja, people will come to remove the catheter.
Disciple:
Gurudev, after this, we have a series of festivals—as they say, "thirteen festivals in twelve months" for Bengalis. Jagadhatri Puja is coming up. Every year, you provide an episode or say something regarding Jagadhatri Puja. Will you share something about it this time?
Gurudev:
Jagadhatri is a Tantric goddess. She is mentioned in the Chandi Path. Her meditation (dhyana) and chanting (japa) are all detailed in the Chandi Path. The name "Jagadhatri" signifies the one who sustains and holds the world. She is depicted seated on a lion, adorned with many precious jewels. You will also notice the head of an elephant beneath her. This represents her victory over the demon Mahishasura, whom she trampled in that form during their battle.
Gurudev:
She is none other than Goddess Durga herself. I will recite a mantra that illustrates her form:
Gurudev:
"Singhasthā shashi-shekharā marakata-prakshyā chaturbhirbhujaiḥ, shaṅkhachakradhanuḥsharāṃshcha dadhatīṃ netratrayīshobhitāṃ..."
Gurudev:
She is "Durga Durgati-Harini," the remover of all distress.
Gurudev:
Regarding the puja, if you go to Chandannagar, the celebrations begin from the very first day (Pratipada). However, in many other places, the rituals for Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami are performed on a single day. The priest conducts all three pujas consecutively.
Disciple:
So, it's a bit different from how we celebrate Durga Puja over several days?
Gurudev:
Yes, here it is often compressed into one day. Also, today is Chhath Puja. There is a saying regarding the timing of auspicious rituals: "Ashtamyam Mangala-dine Chaturdashyam cha thapiba..." Tuesday, Ashtami, and Chaturdashi are three very powerful and auspicious times for us to write or prepare talismans (Kavach).
Gurudev:
Writing a Kavach is not easy; it must be written and then soaked in a specially prepared water while performing japa and meditation on the specific deity. If someone sits before the Mother and writes these at midnight, it is called a "Siddha Kavach" (a perfected or empowered talisman). The Mother is incredibly powerful.
Disciple:
Gurudev, I have a small question. In places like Tarapith, we see various forms of the Mahavidyas. But in some pandals, we see "Nava Durga" (Nine Durgas) or "51 Durgas." Since each deity has a different form and significance, is it right to worship them all together in one place?
Gurudev:
We use only one Ghat (sacred pot). Whether it is Nine Durgas or Fifty-one, the Ghat remains one, representing the singular essence of Mother Durga. All forms are worshipped through that. During the battle with Mahishasura or Shumbha-Nishumbha, the Mother was not alone; she was aided by Saraswati, Lakshmi, and others.
Gurudev:
In Tantra, these deities have different forms. "Maha-Saraswati," who slew Shumbha and the other demons, is depicted with eight hands and three eyes. This is quite different from the two-handed Saraswati we worship at home. Similarly, the Tantric Lakshmi has three eyes, whereas the domestic form has two.
Disciple:
Thank you, Gurudev. We will conclude today's episode on Jagadhatri Puja here. We pray that you recover more and more each day and that you can soon return to your healthy, cheerful self. Pranam, Gurudev.
Gurudev:
Blessings.
Spiritual Insight
This intimate conversation captures Gurudev in a moment of physical vulnerability—recovering from a procedure with a catheter in place—yet still generously sharing the sacred Jagadhatri Puja mantra from the Chandi Path. His recitation of "Singhasthā shashi-shekharā..." reveals the Tantric form of the Goddess: seated on a lion, with the crescent moon adorning her head, four arms bearing conch, discus, bow and arrows, and three eyes radiating divine power. The title "Durga Durgati-Harini"—remover of all distress—takes on special significance as Gurudev himself seeks healing. His explanation of the Siddha Kavach preparation—written at midnight and soaked in specially prepared water while meditating on the deity—offers rare insight into authentic Tantric practice. The unity of all forms of Durga, whether Nine Durgas or Fifty-one, through a single Ghat, reflects the essential non-dual nature of the Divine Mother.