Student:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam, pranam. Tell me.
Student:
Gurudev, I would like to learn about a new subject today—the Medha Rishi Ashram. Where is it located? I have heard that it has historical and spiritual significance.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Have you heard of Garh Jungle? In the area of Asansol, there is a place called Garh Jungle. Deep inside that forest lies Medha Rishi's Ashram. That is the place.
Student:
I have heard that the Chandi (Devi Mahatmya) originated from there?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, the Chandi originated from Medha Rishi's Ashram. There is a story behind it. There was a merchant (a Vaishya) and a king (Nripati). The king had been ousted from his throne by his ministers, his sons, and his wife. He felt deeply humiliated and decided to leave everything behind and go into the forest, thinking there was no point in living such a life.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
While he was in the jungle, he met the merchant, who was in a similar situation. His wife and sons had taken all his money and property and driven him out of the house. In his grief, he also decided to seek peace in the forest.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
They were both wandering aimlessly in the deep jungle, where there were many wild animals like tigers and lions. They were terrified. As they were discussing their fears and their plight, they happened to meet each other. Upon meeting, they found strength in each other's company.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In that Garh Jungle, there is a specific spot where King Suratha and the merchant Samadhi met for the first time; a memorial stands there today. As they wandered together, they eventually arrived at Medha Rishi's Ashram. They saw many disciples and people performing various spiritual tasks. Seeing this, they felt encouraged.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The king asked, "Whose ashram is this?" He was told, "This is Medha Rishi's Ashram." They asked if they could stay there. The disciples welcomed them, seeing they had come from afar and were exhausted. They were told to bathe, eat, and rest, and that they could meet the Rishi in the evening.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In the evening, Medha Rishi arrived. He asked them who they were. The king shared his life story, and the merchant did the same. Both admitted that despite being betrayed and driven out by their families, they couldn't stop worrying about them. They were still attached.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Medha Rishi smiled and said, "Even after all that has happened, you are still falling into the trap of Moh (attachment/delusion). You must leave this worry behind. Every morning, you should worship Goddess Durga."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
At that ashram, there are temples for Goddess Durga, Kali, Saraswati, Lakshmi, and even Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva. The Rishi told them, "Perform penance and worship the Mother for three years. After three years, you will see that people from your home will come to take you back with great pomp and the beating of drums."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
They found it hard to believe, but they followed the Muni's instructions. They began their worship and meditation. Over time, they became so absorbed in their devotion that they completely forgot about their families and the world.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
One year passed, then two, and finally three. Medha Rishi kept a close watch on them, observing their progress. One morning, the sound of drums and horns was heard. A group of people arrived at the ashram to meet the king. They said, "Maharaj, we have come to take you back."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The king replied, "That is not possible now. I will do whatever the Rishi says." Medha Rishi had already predicted this. Similarly, people came for the merchant as well. Both families had come to take them home. This was the result of the Mother's grace.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
They told the Rishi, "We don't want to go back to our kingdoms or businesses. We want to spend our lives here in devotion." The Rishi replied, "No, you must go. You can continue your devotion to the Mother at home." Eventually, they agreed and returned with their families. This is considered the origin of Durga Puja—specifically the Basanti Puja.
Student:
What is the connection to the Chandi Path and the Chandi mantras?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Medha Rishi was the one who established the Chandi Path there. I have visited Garh Jungle and seen the Homa-kunda (sacrificial fire pit) lit by Medha Rishi; they say it has been burning continuously since then. There are monks there who perform worship and maintain the fire. They believe the Mother wanders through the forest and blesses those who perform sincere penance.
Student:
But isn't Rishi Markandeya credited with the origin of the Chandi?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
People say many things. My belief is that it originated from Medha Rishi's Ashram. Markandeya is certainly part of the Puranas, but there are many Puranas. If you go to the Narmada River, you will find a Markandeya Ashram and a cave where he is said to have written the Chandi Path. It is possible Medha Rishi was a later incarnation or that he propagated the teachings that Markandeya had written.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Medha Rishi taught the Chandi Path to the king and the merchant. If he taught it to them, then it must have existed before or during his time.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Now, the Durga Puja we mostly celebrate today in autumn is called Akal Bodhan (the untimely awakening). Do you know why?
Student:
Please explain, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
There is Dakshinayan and Uttarayan. According to spiritual science, during Uttarayan, the gods are awake. During Dakshinayan, they sleep. Great souls like Bhishma waited for Uttarayan to leave their bodies.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Because the gods are asleep during Dakshinayan (autumn), Lord Ramachandra had to perform a special ritual to wake the Mother to seek her help in defeating Ravana. That is why it is called Akal Bodhan. The original, timely puja is the Basanti Puja performed in the spring.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Regarding Ravana, he was also a great devotee. He was the son of Vishrava Muni and Kaikesi. He was a scholar, a warrior, and a musician. However, Goddess Parvati eventually left his side because of his hubris. When Ramachandra couldn't defeat Ravana because of the protection he had, Brahma advised Ram to worship Goddess Durga.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Ravana's half-brother was Kubera, the god of wealth. Kubera performed intense penance at Mount Kailash. Lord Shiva appeared and told him to establish Yaksha Puri (the city of Yakshas) in the north, where no human could reach. That place is what we know as Gyan Gunj today. Shiva also told Kubera to give a portion of his wealth to Goddess Annapurna to sustain the world. This is why when we worship Lakshmi, we also acknowledge Kubera.
Student:
Gurudev, I have learned so much today. We often live in ignorance, and I never knew such a significant place like Medha Rishi Ashram was so close to us.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, Garh Jungle near Asansol is a very sacred place. It is still a dense forest, but there are roads now. Anyone who goes there and performs sincere worship can feel the presence of the Mother.
Student:
Thank you, Gurudev. We will end here for today. Be well.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Be blessed.