Narrator:
Atmospheric music and rhythmic sounds play as preparations take place.
Disciple:
This time, the crown on Mother's head is visible. I really like this.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Come, sit here.
Disciple:
Father, for this year's Mahalaya, Mother has started dressing in a new form. The decoration is complete today. How would you describe this new form of Mother?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Look, Mother has become just like a child. She looks very beautiful. She dresses like this every time.
Disciple:
This is the third time I am seeing this. After the first time, I said during the second year that Mother had become like a child. This time, it feels like she has become even more of a child. Will she continue to become more like a child every year?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes. I have told Mother to reside here as my daughter. What more can I say?
Disciple:
Every time Mother "grows up" a bit, you bring her back to this child-like state, don't you?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Exactly.
Disciple:
Gurudev, this amazing child-like transformation of Mother every year during Mahalaya—how do you personally view it? To us, it is like a festival, but for you?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I see her as my daughter. Mother resides here as my daughter. She is very active and present (jagrata). Whatever people ask for, Mother grants it. That is why I have told Mother repeatedly: "You will stay right here." She loves staying in the crematorium (shhmashana), so she stays here.
Disciple:
Gurudev, I haven't been here for two days. Coming back today, it feels like the whole crematorium has been decorated anew. There are so many lights.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, the lights were ordered from Nimta. We ordered them to decorate the place beautifully, and the work has already begun.
Disciple:
The glow of these lights is so bright; it feels like it's washing away the darkness of the last two years of the pandemic. It's helping to clear away whatever darkness was left.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Right, right.
Disciple:
Gurudev, would you like to say something about the Mahalaya ritual that takes place here?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It has been happening for 32 years now. This is the 32nd year. We invite some people; they come because they love this place. They stay for a long time because we perform the Hom-Jagya (fire rituals). The worship of Mother goes on all night.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
But the Mother you see here isn't the only one. Mother Kali also comes. Her worship happens outside. On one side, Tara is worshipped, and on the other, Kali is worshipped. I am a devotee of Kali, but Mother Tara doesn't let Kali enter the room. This is her own room! So, I tell Mother Kali to accept her worship outside. This has been the tradition.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Then, we immerse the idol in the water. After the night-long worship, she is immersed at dawn. Mother doesn't stay past sunrise. She arrives around 9:00 or 10:00 PM, and we immerse her before the sun comes up. The worship ends by 3:30 or 4:00 AM, and we proceed with the immersion immediately. We don't keep her after that.
Disciple:
For those who might be visiting or watching this for the first time during Mahalaya, Mother is kept right behind where Gurudev sits.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, the fire rituals happen on that side, and Mother is here. That one day, we work with great intensity. Many people come, and even some tantriks come from different places and request to participate. I agree to it. This has been going on for 30-32 years.
Disciple:
What is the difference you see between the first year and this 32nd year?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Back then, it used to happen in the dark. There were no lights. We worshipped by the light of candles all night long. The place wasn't like this at all. It was uneven, filled with plastic and debris. People were even scared to come here. Now, there are lights everywhere; it's a grand affair. There are marble stones now. There were no stones in Mother's room before. Mother wanted stones on the floor, so they were placed.
Disciple:
So, whatever Mother wants happens.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, she said "Put stones down," and so stones were put.
Disciple:
It's a rare sight to see Gurudev embracing Mother like this.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I kiss her; I show her affection. Mother loves that very much. Some people say all sorts of things about me doing this, but let them say what they want. Mother loves it. If you show her affection, she gives it back. Look at how she's smiling!
Disciple:
For those of us who have been around you for the last two years, we see that sometimes you get angry with Mother or have "fights" with her. But seeing this love captured on video is a rare sight for us. We've heard you say, "I won't go to Mother," but now we see how much you love her as a daughter.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Anger happens. Between a father and a daughter, there is anger, but then it settles. Sometimes she doesn't do what I want, so I get very angry. That's just how it is.
Disciple:
That is the uniqueness of Shantikunj, Gurudev, and Mother. Between them, there is anger, love, sorrow, and affection. We observe from a distance, but Gurudev is here every day with her.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Mother loves being pampered. She loves affection. I kiss her, and as I said, people might judge, but she loves it. Look at her!
Disciple:
This video was made to show Mother's preparation before Mahalaya. This was done on Gurudev's instructions. Now you all tell us—how does Mother look?