Introduction:
As a result, Tantra became completely separate from the Vedas. Because Tantra is not a very complex matter—it is simple and straightforward—people adopted it and moved away from the Vedas. Today, the Vedas are almost forgotten; no one asks about them. Everyone is busy with Kali, Tara, and the Dashamahavidya (the Ten Great Wisdom Goddesses). This is the primary focus now, as nothing new has emerged after the Vedas. The Vedic pronunciations are very difficult, which is why people shifted toward the easier methods of Tantra, which do not require much.
Disciple:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam, my son. Pranam.
Disciple:
I hope you are all well and chanting the name of the Lord (Harinaam). Today, I want to discuss a slightly different topic with Gurudev. Gurudev, everything I know about the Vedas, I have learned from you. I want to know how the practice of the Vedas began and whether Mother Kali is mentioned there. Also, I want to know if the Vedas provided remedies for the Nine Planets (Navagraha).
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Well, the Vedas are not a recent phenomenon; they are thousands of years old. Back then, Kali and Tara did not have a place in those rituals. Everyone was focused on Surya (the Sun). The Sun is the soul—Surya Atma. It is the Sun that keeps you alive. All rituals were centered on the Sun.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In the Vedic period, people focused on the deities of the ten directions—Indra in the East, Varuna in the West, and so on. Over time, the prevalence of the Vedas declined because fewer people were capable of chanting them. The hymns (Riks) are very difficult. The Vedas are ritualistic, but people stopped performing them.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In ancient times, the "Omkar" (Om) sound was used to perform great tasks. Even our poets have said that the continuous vibration of Om could heal diseases. Later, focus returned to the Sun. Even modern science—and places like Gyangunj—are exploring how the Sun functions and where its power comes from. The Vedas proved long ago that the Sun is the source of everything.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Eventually, people began to move away from the Vedas because they were primarily male-centric. There was little place for women in Vedic rituals. Even today, you will notice that at major pilgrimage sites like Kamakhya, the Bhog (sacred food offering) is cooked by men, not women. Whether it is Kamakhya or other great temples, men handle the cooking; women are often not given that right.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Historically, figures like Khona had their tongues cut off because her prophecies were too accurate. Gargi, Maitreyi, and Apala tried to establish themselves, but they couldn't withstand the male-dominated structure of the time. Because Vedic Sanskrit was difficult to pronounce, people began to avoid it.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Then came the era of the Dashamahavidya and the introduction of Tantra. Tantra offers "shortcuts" and effective results. There are ten goddesses: Kali, Tara, Shodashi, Bhuvaneshwari, Bhairavi, Chhinnamasta, Dhumavati, Bagalamukhi, Matangi, and Kamala. These goddesses represent the Nine Planets (Navagraha).
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The Correspondence Between Goddesses and Planets: Kali governs Shani (Saturn). Tara governs Brihaspati (Jupiter) and she is the essence of the world. Shodashi governs Budha (Mercury). Bhuvaneshwari represents Chandra (the Moon). Chhinnamasta governs Rahu. Dhumavati governs Ketu. Bagalamukhi governs Mangal (Mars). Matangi governs Surya (the Sun). Kamala governs Shukra (Venus).
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Usually, if someone has a planetary affliction, we appeal to the respective Goddess. For example, if Mars is unfavorable, we perform rituals for Bagalamukhi. If a family's situation is dire, we turn to Tara.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Most importantly, if Kali is pleased, all other deities and the Mahavidyas are pleased. Kali is supreme. Even the Navagraha are under her feet. She is the one who has conquered Time (Kaal). As the song goes, "Gauri became Mahakali in the lap of Mahakal." She stepped on Time itself.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
My Guru and Bamdev Baba used to say that if you have to perform a major Homa (fire ritual), you should combine both the Vedas and Tantra. If you can unite the two, success is guaranteed.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I remember a tragic story from the Sri Guru Ashram. There was a terrible epidemic, and many people were dying. My Gurudev said the only way to stop it was a Homa combining Vedic and Tantric rites. They did it, and the epidemic stopped. However, the person who performed it lost his own wife and children in the process. He eventually went to the Himalayas in grief. It was a pathetic situation—he saved the community, but lost everything personally. This is a living testament of the power and cost of these rituals.
Disciple:
So, if someone's planets are poorly positioned, we should approach the presiding Goddess?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes. We don't just pull at the planet; we appeal to the deity. For instance, Kali and Tara are Mahavidyas—reaching them is difficult, but they can achieve massive tasks. People who attain Siddhi (perfection) in Kali or Tara worship can do anything.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I once helped a school teacher who had a fever that wouldn't break for four months. Doctors couldn't do anything. I chanted Vedic mantras, and she recovered. She is still alive today.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In Kali Yuga, Tantra is very effective. We have to acknowledge the era we live in. We are waiting for the final avatar, Kalki. Whether he is born yet, I don't know, but the world is currently under the influence of Kali. However, Lord Narayana's task is always the same: to protect the righteous and destroy the wicked.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Many people have found peace and success through Tantra. I am a Tantric; everyone knows this. I have seen people with incurable diseases or couples who couldn't have children for 100 years find solutions here. I often use a mix of Veda and Tantra.
Disciple:
Gurudev is not very healthy right now. Many of you were worried because we haven't posted an episode in a while. We brought him before you today, but we ask that you don't overwhelm him. When Gurudev hears about someone's suffering or illness, he tends to "take it upon himself" to heal them, which makes him physically weaker.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I told you back in 2024 that I wouldn't be able to do much in 2025. God has kept me bedridden for a year. I am just now starting to sit up and speak. The doctors at PG Hospital said that if I can survive this winter and protect myself until February, I might gain another year of life. My disciples and my son are taking great care of me, keeping me "wrapped in cotton," so to speak.
Disciple:
We are hopeful that by March, Gurudev will be able to visit the temple again.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Everyone tells me, "If you are well, we are well." That is all the blessing I need.
Disciple:
Let us end with Harinaam. In this age, there is nothing greater.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. These 16 words and 32 names are the ultimate truth. If you chant this, many dangers will pass. Haribol! Haribol! Stay healthy, stay well, and chant the name of the Lord.
Disciple:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam.