Narrator:
Greetings. Our Guru Dev, the mystic practitioner Sri Sri Syamakhyapa, provides detailed descriptions of various supernatural events and explains the significance of different religious rituals. With Neel Shashti approaching, a ritual observed by mothers for the longevity of their children, our Guru Dev will now speak about it.
Devotee:
My respects to you, Guru Dev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Blessings to you. Speak.
Devotee:
Our devotees are requesting you to speak about the upcoming Neel Shashti.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Well, Bengalis have "thirteen festivals in twelve months." It's an ongoing cycle. Our country is a land of spirituality. Shashti is observed not just by boys but mainly by women. Shashti is dedicated to Goddess Durga, and wherever Durga is, Lord Mahadev is also present. Generally, women observe this Shashti for the "lighting of the lamp in the lineage." Have you heard the saying, "There's no one left to light a lamp in the lineage"? It means the lineage has ended. To ensure the lineage survives, a lamp is lit at the home of Neel (Mahadev) on Neel Shashti. This lamp is usually a ghee lamp or sometimes a candle, though a ghee lamp is traditional.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
This ritual is observed differently in various parts of West Bengal. It is also known as Charak Puja or Neel Puja. Since Mahadev consumed poison and became "Neelkantha" (the blue-throated one), it is known as Neel. Women observe this for the well-being and growth of their lineage. Before this, we had Ashok Shashti, and this month, it is Neel Shashti. This is a vow for women and a matter for the Sanyasis (monks). During Gajan (a festival dedicated to Shiva), the Charak tree is rotated in the name of the Father (Mahadev). It's quite an intense sight.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In our area, we create a crocodile out of soil and perform "Morun Jhap" (a ritualistic jump). We've seen people jumping onto iron spikes while rotating on the Charak tree; it's enough to make anyone's head spin. But it's done in the name of Mahadev. The Sanyasis observe strict discipline—they eat once a day, cook their own food in a specific pot, and cannot eat outside. This is a one-month penance they undertake in the name of Mahadev, after which they conclude the vow. It's said, "Too many monks spoil the Gajan," but those who take this vow usually do it every year. I've seen them jumping onto iron spikes from a height; it's especially famous at Tarakeswar. They chant for the service of Lord Tarakeswar and Mahadev before they jump.
Devotee:
Guru Dev, what is the procedure for celebrating Neel Shashti?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
There isn't much of a complex procedure. It is observed for a month. Neel Shashti falls on the day of Sankranti (the last day of the Bengali month). We usually say no auspicious work is done on Sankranti, but this is an exception for Lord Mahadev. It's about welcoming the new year (1400 series) and bidding farewell to the old. Neel Shashti signifies the end of the old year and the arrival of a new one. The month changes to Boishakh. People pray to Mahadev so that the coming year remains prosperous.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It's not just for men; every woman goes to Mahadev's temple to light a lamp for the protection of her lineage. On that day, women don't consume rice; they eat fruits instead. Men perform the Gajan. Both men and women can take this Sanyas (vow). Every year, people come to me to take this vow. I give them a sacred thread of Kusha grass to wear around their necks and a staff for their hands. They follow this for a month. Some eat rice cooked in an earthen pot once a day, while others fast all day and eat only at night. It involves great physical hardship. We have seen people even refrain from swallowing their own saliva—that's how strictly it's observed. It's done with great devotion because it involves Mahadev. Women light the lamp, and those who take the vow perform the jumps or rotate on the Charak tree. It's a significant festival.
Devotee:
For those observing the Neel Shashti vow, is it necessary to recite the Vrat Katha (ritual story) after returning from the temple?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, women do that. For any Shashti, there is a specific Vrat Katha that must be heard. After offering prayers, they listen to the story and then break their fast with the prasad (blessed food) they brought. These stories are age-old traditions created for each specific lunar day.
Devotee:
Currently, there are restrictions, and entry to temples is prohibited. Can this be observed at home?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, they must, as there is no other choice. It's better to pray at home than to risk bringing a "poison" (the virus) into the house. I suggest praying to Shiva from home. However, certain places have their own spiritual significance. People go to the specific place where the Charak or Neel Shashti ritual is traditionally held to light the lamp. Not everything can be replicated at home. There are designated spots in villages where everyone goes to light their lamps.
Devotee:
But Guru Dev, at this moment, devotees won't be able to go to those famous spots. What should they do?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
If there is no way, then they must do it at home. Alternatively, if people can go one by one while maintaining distance, that shouldn't be a problem. The issue is that people tend to crowd together. If social distancing is maintained, it can be done. However, the administration is very strict. We recently had Annapurna Puja at my place, and we didn't allow crowds. We allowed people to enter one or two at a time to see the Mother and then leave. We had guards at the door. If that can be managed, it's fine, because the location matters. There is a place here called Charaktala, famous for this puja. Everyone goes there. Even near my house, we have Neel Puja where a priest performs the rituals and women offer prayers.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Given the circumstances, you have to adapt. The government's lockdown is a good decision; otherwise, the virus would have spread uncontrollably. If it's not possible to go out, do it at home. But if it can be managed by letting people in one by one, that works too. Crowding is the real problem. Religion is a sensitive matter, but even I saw that the government didn't allow Rakshakali Puja in many places recently. The police warned priests that they would be detained if rituals were held. So, many rituals have been suspended. Puja usually means a gathering of many people, almost like a pilgrimage site. Given the current situation, I think it's best to observe it at home or at a nearby Shiva temple that might be empty. It's a matter of faith. However, if the government interferes with religious sentiments too much, it could cause issues for the ruling party later. Perhaps the government is being strict because the situation has worsened. They should consider how rituals can be conducted safely, perhaps with police supervision to ensure people enter one by one. If that's not possible, then do it at home. But in religion, these rules are often hard to enforce because people's faith is very strong.
Devotee:
Friends, Guru Dev spoke about Neel Shashti and how you can observe it. Please subscribe to the Gupta Sadhak Syamakhyapa YouTube channel, like the videos, and leave your comments. Watch more of Guru Dev's videos. My respects to you, Guru Dev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Blessings to you.