Interviewer:
Namaskar, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Namaskar.
Interviewer:
I'd like to wish all the listeners of Santikunj a very happy Maha Ashtami. Gurudev, could you please tell us something about the significance of this day?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes. I've already spoken about Saptami, so today I will talk about Ashtami. One thing we notice is that the Puja is being announced over microphones, and the rituals are being broadcast. This is actually prohibited according to our scriptures. Three things specifically are forbidden:
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
First, chanting mantras over a microphone is a grave offense and deeply displeases the Mother.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Second, playing the Sanai (flute) is prohibited during Durga Puja. This is because the Mother has taken her Ranomurti (warrior form) to battle Mahishasura. In this state, the sounds of the Dhak and Dhol (traditional drums)—the sounds of war—should be played. The Mother cannot tolerate the mellow or mournful tunes of the Sanai while she is in her warrior spirit.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Third, dancing during Arati. The rule for Arati is to circumambulate the Mother three, five, or seven times. Nowadays, we see priests dancing to the beat of the drums. This is forbidden. One foot must remain on the mat, and the other on the ground; there should be no dancing.
Interviewer:
I see.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
On Ashtami, first, the Mahasnan (Great Bath) of the Mother takes place. This happens every day, but it is special today. Then, the Puja for Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, and Ganesh is performed, followed by the worship of Shiva, Surya, and other deities.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The first major worship is for the Ashta Shakti (Eight Powers) who assisted the Mother in her battle. These are Brahmani, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Narashinghi, Varahi, Indrani, and Chamunda. Their Puja is performed first.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Following that is the Puja of the Dash Dikpal (Guardians of the Ten Directions): Indra (East), Varuna (West), Yama (South), Kubera (North), and the deities of the corners—Ishan, Agni, Nairit, and Vayu. Then there are the guardians of the Zenith (Brahma) and the Nadir (Ananta Nag). The Mother is called Dashapraharandharini (Carrier of ten weapons), but she primarily uses weapons to guard the eight directions from which the demons used to attack.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Next comes the Puja of the eight Bhairavs (Asitanga, Ruru, Chanda, Krodha, Unmatta, Kapala, Bhishana, and Samhara) and the eight Bhairavis (Ugrachanda, Prachanda, Chandogra, Chandanayika, Chanda, Chandavati, Chandarupa, and Atichandika). These are the fierce forms of the Mother. This is why she is described as "most gentle yet most fierce."
Interviewer:
Is the Chandi Path (recitation of the Devi Mahatmyam) also done now?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, the Chandi Path is recited, but again, it should not be done over a microphone. It displeases the Mother. Due to the rush for Anjali (offering of flowers), priests often shorten the Puja or rush the Chandi Path.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
On Ashtami, there is also the ritual of Bali (sacrifice). According to the almanac, it could be a pumpkin, a banana, or a goat. Even in the Basudev Jagannath temple, which is a Vaishnav temple, a sacrifice is made to Mother Bimala on this day, though it is done behind closed doors so that Jagannath does not see it.
Interviewer:
Is there any specific advice for mothers and sisters who are at home?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes. I suggest they write the name of Durga 108 or 1000 times on a piece of paper or on wood-apple leaves (if possible) and float them in the Ganges. It brings great merit.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Finally, there is the Sandhi Puja, which takes place at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami—24 minutes of each day, totaling 48 minutes. This is a very powerful time when Mother Chamunda is worshipped. It is said that the Mother appears on Earth during this brief window.
Interviewer:
Namaskar, Gurudev. We are joined today by the prominent meteorologist, Sujib Kar. We've heard rumors of rain during the Puja. Let's hear what he has to say.
Sujib Kar:
Currently, a low-pressure area has formed over the North and North-East Bay of Bengal. It is likely to turn into a deep depression, but it is unlikely to escalate into a cyclone.
Sujib Kar:
The span of the clouds is quite wide, touching the coastlines of South Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. However, the wind pressure is pushing the system toward the Visakhapatnam coast. Therefore, we don't expect a very heavy impact on South Bengal. There might be scattered rainfall, and perhaps a heavy spell in some places, but we don't expect continuous, long-term rain. The remaining days of the Puja should be relatively safe.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I hope your assessment is correct. I have been praying to the Mother as well. For the last two years, children couldn't see the Mother's face properly due to the pandemic. I hope she doesn't turn us away with rain this year.
Sujib Kar:
If it rains, it might be tomorrow, but after that, the chances are low.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It seems Bengal is being saved once again. Time and again, Bengal manages to escape these storms. Perhaps it is the Mother's grace or the blessings of our ancestors.
Interviewer:
Thank you, Sujib Babu, and thank you, Gurudev. Listeners, you now have an idea of the weather for the coming days. Happy Puja to everyone.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Blessings to all.