Devotee:
Guru-deva, my salutations to you.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Salutations, son. Yes, please speak.
Devotee:
Guru-deva, we have observed since ancient times that a Jata (matted hair) often forms on the heads of spiritual seekers. However, it can also happen to ordinary people. Regarding this topic of Jata, one of your disciples is sitting here with us. He is from Kerala and would like to ask you some questions and discuss this further.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Well, there isn't much to ask. He is a boy from Kerala; he used to live there and then took initiation (Deeksha) from me. Looking at his face, I felt he had deep devotion and a firm belief in God. That is why I initiated him. After that, he went back to Kerala. But this morning, I saw him arrive here unexpectedly. I asked, "Who is this person in red clothes?" Then I realized it was him. He had a ticket booked for April, but he couldn't wait. He felt restless and cut his trip short, booking an immediate ticket to come here. Now, if he has any questions, he may ask.
Devotee:
My salutations to you. Please introduce yourself and begin your discussion with Guru-deva regarding the Jata.
Tapan:
My name is Tapan Kumar Sarada. I reached Kerala in early December. Between December, January, and February—within just three months—this Jata began to form. I haven't used any medicine or artificial products to create it. I've heard many people say that if you don't use soap or a comb for a long time, Jata will form, but to me, that doesn't seem logical. I believe this is a gift from God. This was my question to Guru-deva: Is the Jata a divine gift, or is it something that can be created?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Listen carefully, it is absolutely a gift from God. Jata does not happen to everyone. Many people try various things, but it won't happen. It only occurs to those who have the grace of Lord Shiva (Mahadev) or Goddess Durga. There are many ordinary people who don't bathe or use oil, but they don't develop Jata.
Tapan:
I used to apply oil to my hair. But when I went to Kerala, the water was different. After the change in water, I noticed my hair started matting significantly. That is when I stopped using a comb. I still use oil occasionally, even this morning, but within these three months, the Jata has fully formed.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It is a divine gift. When we perform Durga Puja, we chant about the "Jata." While it's called Jata for men, for women, it is often called "Joot." Looking at your head, Jata has formed everywhere in a powerful way. You should avoid using oil now, and you must absolutely avoid soap. Soap contains fat.
Tapan:
I occasionally use Reetha (soapnut) to wash it.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, Reetha is the only thing you should use to wash your hair. We avoid soap because it contains animal fat. Ever since my Jata formed, I have never used soap or oil.
Tapan:
I wanted to clarify this because many people claim it's created with medicine or that I did something to it while I was away for three months.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
That is a complete misconception. Jata cannot be "made." Even if someone tries to use glue or chemicals, it's not the same. I was surprised myself. When you took initiation, your hair was perfectly clear.
Devotee:
Can a Jata really form like this in just three months, Guru-deva?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I am astonished as well, but yes, look at how it has formed. This is the grace of Lord Mahadev. He grants it to saints and seekers. Perhaps there was something deep within him that surfaced after his initiation. I have known him for a while, and even a month after initiation, his hair was normal. He used to help with chores and chant. But seeing this now, I am amazed. Only God knows how he truly prays in private. Jata comes to those who call upon God in solitude.
Tapan:
Guru-deva, sometimes the scalp feels like it is being "bitten" or pulled where the Jata is forming.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
When the Jata "bites" or feels tight and painful, use Ganga-jal (water from the Ganges). Just apply some holy water to the area, and the pain and swelling will subside. It is a miraculous thing.
Devotee:
Maharaj, you have been away for three months. Did you come back to Guru-deva specifically because of the Jata?
Tapan:
I had a ticket for April 1st, but I suddenly decided I had to leave immediately. I don't even know why myself; I just felt a pull to be here.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It is a spiritual pull, nothing else. He is very well-behaved, humble, and polite. Now he says he wants to go to Pashupatinath to meditate and practice austerities. He says he can't find a quiet place. I told him that wherever you go, there will be people, but if you want to go to Pashupatinath, I won't stop you. That is the place of Adi-Shiva.
Devotee:
We have learned what we needed to know about the Jata.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
You cannot create Jata by choice. It is the property of Lord Mahadev. Once it forms, you must not cut it. Cutting a Jata can make a person very ill. Accept what God has given you as a divine asset. God gives many things to those who meditate, things that others might not understand or might misuse. Let him keep this; it is a great spiritual wealth.
Devotee:
Thank you, Guru-deva. My salutations to you.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Salutations.