Interviewer:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Gurudev:
Pranam, pranam. Come in.
Interviewer:
Durga Puja has started—Saptami, Ashtami, and the celebrations will continue. Yesterday, we heard about the significance of Shashthi from you. Today, if you could tell us a little about Saptami, it would be wonderful.
Gurudev:
Certainly. On the morning of Saptami, the priest's first task is to go to the Beltala (the wood-apple tree). What happens there? The Naba Patrika (nine plants representing the Goddess) is prepared. The banana tree (representing the Goddess) is carried on the shoulder. The priest takes the conch and bells, the Dhaak (traditional drums) and gongs play, and the Naba Patrika Durga is taken to the Ganges or a pond for a sacred bath. Many mantras are recited during this process. After a thorough ritual bath, the banana tree is carried back to the Puja pandal.
Gurudev:
At that moment, the Mother enters the pandal. Previously, she was residing at the Billwa tree since the night of Bodhon. Now, as the Naba Patrika Durga, she enters the main arena. Here, another ritual bath is performed using various ingredients—sandalwood, turmeric, and different types of oils. After the bath, she is draped in a new saree.
Gurudev:
She is then placed and tied beside Lord Ganesha. Many people mistakenly call this "Kala Bou" (Ganesha's wife), but that is not the case. According to the scriptures, she is the Mother herself—Kala-Kastha-Rupena. She is the manifestation of the Goddess in nature. The main pot (Ghat) is placed next to the Naba Patrika pot.
Gurudev:
On Saptami, the most important rituals are Pran Pratishtha (infusing life into the idol) and Chokhyudaan (the symbolic opening of the Goddess's eyes). Once these are completed, the priest performs the Puja of the Dash Dikpal (Guardians of the Ten Directions).
Interviewer:
Who are they, Gurudev?
Gurudev:
There is Indra for the East, Varuna for the West, Kubera for the North, and Yama for the South. These four, plus the corners—Ishan, Agni, Vayu, and Nairit—along with Upward and Downward directions. Each has a specific deity that must be worshipped. After this, the general Puja of Shiva, Durga, Kartik, and Ganesh continues.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, we often hear about the Bodhon on Shashthi, but it seems the elaborate Puja truly begins on Saptami?
Gurudev:
Exactly. The arrival of the Mother depends on the day. This year, Saptami falls on a Saturday, meaning she arrives on a Ghotak (horse). She also leaves on a Ghotak. This signifies turmoil or social unrest.
Interviewer:
And what about Ashtami?
Gurudev:
On Ashtami, the main focus for the public is the Anjali (offering of prayers). While the main Pujas for Saraswati, Lakshmi, Kartik, Ganesh, and Shiva are performed, the highlights are the Pujas for the Ashta Bhairavas (Eight Bhairavas) and Ashta Bhairavis. Names like Ruru Bhairava, Chandaya, and others are invoked. This is followed by the Puja of the 64 Joginis (Yoginis). Ramakrishna Paramahansa used to say that one must worship the 64 Yoginis to attain spiritual success (Siddhi). They were the companions of the Mother on the battlefield. Finally, the Four Batukas—representing Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwar, and Ganesh—are worshipped as they guard the sacred threshold of the Mother.
Interviewer:
When does the Sandhi Puja begin?
Gurudev:
Sandhi Puja occurs at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami. It begins 24 minutes before Ashtami ends and continues for 24 minutes after Navami begins—a total of 48 minutes. This is the moment of Chamunda (the fiercest form of the Mother). It is a very powerful and somewhat fearsome ritual. It involves sacrifice (Bali) and elaborate offerings. It is said this is the exact moment the Mother truly descends. If a devoted Brahmin chants the mantras correctly during these 48 minutes, it can make one's hair stand on end.
Interviewer:
Is there any other special ritual that night?
Gurudev:
Yes, the Ardharatri Puja (Midnight Puja). Most people don't see this. After the evening Arati, the Mother is symbolically put to sleep. Then, at the stroke of midnight, she is "woken up" for this specific, elaborate Puja. In modern times, many of these sacred traditions are being diluted or turned into public spectacles, but traditionally, Sandhi Puja and Ardharatri Puja are meant to be performed with great solemnity and are not necessarily meant for casual viewing.
Interviewer:
You mentioned some restrictions regarding microphones and music?
Gurudev:
Yes. It is forbidden to use microphones during certain parts of the Puja, especially during the Chandi Path, because those mantras are sacred and not meant for the general public to hear in that manner. Also, the Shehnai (flute-like instrument) is forbidden during Durga Puja. The Shehnai has a melancholic, soulful tune, but the Mother is currently on the battlefield. She is at war with Mahishasura. Melancholy is out of place; we need the sound of war and energy.
Interviewer:
Is that why the Dhaak is played?
Gurudev:
Precisely. The Dhaak is played to encourage and energize the Mother. It is a martial sound. Imagine the scene: the Mother fighting the demon, surrounded by the 64 Yoginis, while Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva watch from above. The deities gave her their weapons—Vishwakarma gave the armor, Brahma the Kamandalu, Vishnu the Chakra, and Shiva his Trishul. She is the manifestation of their combined energy (Tej).
Interviewer:
And the placement of the children—Kartik and Ganesh?
Gurudev:
There is deep symbolism there. Kartik represents the protection of the household, while Ganesh, with his elephant head, is the lord of beginnings. Lakshmi and Saraswati represent wealth and knowledge. It is a complete worship of creation, preservation, and the destruction of evil.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, we have learned so much about Saptami, Ashtami, and the Sandhi Puja today. We will listen to the significance of Navami another day.
Gurudev:
Very well. May everyone spend the Puja in joy. Stay healthy and well.
Interviewer:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Gurudev:
Pranam.