Narrator:
Today, a Homa (sacrificial fire ritual) is being performed at our temple, the Rajpur Crematorium Temple. Offerings have just been made to the fire. Here is our Mother [Goddess]. We will now go to Gurudev to learn more about the significance of this Koushik Amavasya.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, pranam. Today is Koushik Amavasya, and the Homa-Yagya has started at the temple. If you could please tell us a little about this day.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Look, Koushik Amavasya is not really for householders (Grihis). Householders do go to participate in the festivities, but this Amavasya is actually not meant for them. It is a very powerful, intense Amavasya—a \"Shakti-tattva\" Amavasya.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I often tell people not to go to Tarapith during Koushik Amavasya. It is a very formidable and fierce time. Nowadays, it has become a major event where people think they will attain \"Siddhi\" (spiritual perfection) just by going there. They think the Mother will grant them everything. But what I have seen with my own eyes is that most people go there just to drink and celebrate. Even those who go to perform rituals are often there for the festivities, not for the Mother. It has reached a point where it feels quite distasteful to me, which is why I don't go there anymore.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
There is a story that Goddess Durga (Parvati) once told Lord Mahadev that she wanted to participate in his ritual (Kriya). However, the rule of that specific ritual was that it had to be performed with a female partner in a state of nakedness. Parvati said she could not do it because she is the \"Mother of the Universe.\" If she were to be unclothed, all motherhood in the world would be dishonored. Mahadev became very angry that the ritual could not proceed. Sensing his anger, the Mother changed her form. She took the form of Kali. Since Kali is already \"Digambara\" (unclothed/clothed by the sky), she could perform the ritual with him. This transformation is why this day is known as Koushik Amavasya.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
There used to be a very rare and precious picture at Tarapith showing Mahadev and Goddess Kali performing this ritual together. I don’t know if it’s still available; it’s no longer kept in homes or even given to people easily. Many years ago, the elders at Tarapith told me not to keep such pictures or even look at them without proper knowledge, advising me to immerse them in water instead. The Mother is currently in a very awakened and fierce state. There is a prophecy that in the coming times, the world will face seven days of darkness. During that time, the true power of these deities will be felt. The world will witness their roar and their intensity.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
These things will happen. There might be great turmoil, perhaps around 2023 or 2024. There could be violence or attacks at major temples like Jagannath Temple in Puri or Kalighat. People should remember, especially householders, that they should not flock to Tarapith during Koushik Amavasya. It is a day for Sadhus to attain Siddhi. For householders, it’s not suitable. But people still go, often for the wrong reasons. They consume alcohol in the name of \"Prasad.\" It has become a trend, and that is why people are attracted to it.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, I’ve heard that today is also a day when Tantriks perform rituals involving ghosts and spirits (Bhoot-Pret).
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, many people do that. They play with spirits. But that is a very low level of practice. Those who obsess over ghosts and spirits will never attain the Mother. The Mother essentially says, \"Fine, stay busy with your spirits, but you won't get me.\" She keeps them occupied with those lower powers so they don't reach her.
Interviewer:
Is this festival celebrated at all 51 Shakti Peethas?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, wherever the parts of Sati fell, this day is observed. But it’s a terrifying day; we are often afraid of how the night will pass. Most people don't realize the gravity. They go to Tarapith and see the massive crowds and the drinking. It’s reached a point where people even rent out a tiny 5x5 foot space for 3,000 to 5,000 rupees just to sit and keep their bags. It’s become a massive business. It’s filthy. The way people treat the sanctity of Mother Tara is heartbreaking. I have never seen such vulgarity and hypocrisy in my life. People are doing it all for money and show.
Interviewer:
We will end here for today. The Homa is still ongoing at our temple. Let me show you the ritual one last time. (Sound of Vedic chanting and mantras in the background) All the devotees are sitting and watching the Homa. Thank you, Gurudev. Pranam.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam.