Speaker 1:
Salutations, Gurudev!
Gurudev:
Salutations, son! Tell me.
Speaker 1:
Today, we have with us someone who was a companion of our Pagla Baba's walking pilgrimage (Padayatra). You can ask him, Gurudev, how it all went.
Gurudev:
Tapan, tell us about the journey to the temple of Ma Kamakhya. How was the experience on the road?
Tapan:
Taking the blessings of Gurudev and offering my salutations to all the devotees, I want to say that what I'm about to share may sound like a story, but it's real. When Gurudev first asked me if I was ready, I said yes. I went to Ranaghat, but I didn't know I needed my voter ID card. I came back, got the card, and on the sixth day, I joined Pagla Baba at the ISKCON temple in Ranaghat. We then started our walking pilgrimage to Ma Kamakhya temple. On our way, the love and hospitality we received from people was beyond words. I offer my salutations to all those devotees. As we continued our journey, Pagla Baba completed the 1400 km Padayatra by the grace of Ma and Gurudev.
Tapan:
My personal experience is that I've tried my best to follow the orders of my father (Pagla Baba). Gurudev and Ma only know how far I've succeeded. The most remarkable thing was that we covered 150 km in three days. We reached the Ma Kamakhya temple at 7:20 PM. The next day, Sunday, was a very auspicious day. With the help of the temple secretary, Mr. Manoj Sharma, and Mr. Bhupesh Sharma, we got special passes and visited the temple. According to the instructions of Gurudev and Pagla Baba, we circled a holy pond three times and then visited the Ganesha temple before entering the main temple of Ma Kamakhya. We had a wonderful Darshan of Ma.
Tapan:
When I was about to return, Manoj Sharma, the temple secretary, gave me this traditional Assamese attire. He said this represents the honor of Lower, Middle, and Upper Assam. I told him that I would offer this to my Gurudev. This was a great experience for me. I've returned and reached Gurudev's place this morning. This is all I have to say.
Speaker 1:
I have another question for you. You spoke about the love and respect you received on the road. Did you have any unpleasant experiences?
Tapan:
You might have seen in the videos that I even got scolded by Gurudev. Devotees took some photos of Pagla Baba, which we shouldn't have allowed. Gurudev had instructed us not to take any photos within a 50-meter distance. Despite our efforts, some devotees took photos from behind.
Gurudev:
I had told you not to take any photos, no matter who you saw on the road.
Tapan:
We were about 50 meters away when Pagla Baba was coming out of a tea garden. We tried to stop the devotees, but they took photos from behind.
Speaker 1:
Did this happen often or just once?
Tapan:
It happened about four or five times. The last time, he was about 100 meters ahead of us. Ma only knows why he took that path.
Gurudev:
I had told you not to take any photos or even talk to me if you saw me on the road.
Tapan:
Yes, Gurudev, I tried my best to follow your instructions, but some devotees didn't listen. I apologize to all the devotees for this. I request you not to do this again, as it causes trouble for Gurudev.
Gurudev:
I had repeatedly told you to clear the way and not take any photos.
Tapan:
Yes, Gurudev, we apologize for that.
Speaker 1:
You said you had a Darshan of Ma. She might have guided you on your way. But did you face any disrespect from anyone?
Tapan:
There was one such incident in Bongaigaon. There was a misunderstanding between the organizers, Anup Karmakar and Sona Das. Anup Da took it differently, but later he realized his mistake. He didn't know that we are all associated with the RSS. He thought that your presence might be an insult to us.
Gurudev:
The RSS members at various places followed my instructions, and I thank them for that. They helped Pagla Baba reach Kamakhya safely. I have been a member of the RSS for many years. Keshav-ji Maharaj is a very dear friend of mine. He often comes here and has meals with me. I thank the RSS, the Vishva Hindu Parishad, the Bajrang Dal, and the Shiksha Cell for their support. Purnananda-ji Maharaj and his disciples also helped us a lot. We received great hospitality at the Bharat Sevashram Sangha in Dahapara and also in Raiiganj. This wouldn't have been possible without their help. I am also thankful to Mukuteshwar Pal, the RSS president of North Dinajpur, for his support.
Speaker 1:
Tapan Da, you were a companion of Pagla Baba on his pilgrimage. Now that you are back, what are your duties towards the temple and Gurudev?
Tapan:
Currently, the situation at the temple is that Shyamal Kaka is going to Assam to assist Pagla Baba. So, there is a vacancy here. As per Gurudev's instructions, I have come here to serve Ma and stay at her feet. I will try my best to maintain the peace and sanctity of this Shantikunj.
Speaker 1:
So, viewers, you heard Tapan Da's experiences and Gurudev's thoughts. I hope you liked it. Salutations, Gurudev!
Gurudev:
Salutations, son!
Spiritual Insight
This article documents the extraordinary 1400km walking pilgrimage (Padayatra) undertaken by Pagla Baba from Ranaghat to the sacred Kamakhya temple in Assam. The journey, accomplished with remarkable speed (150km in just three days at one point), was supported by numerous organizations including the RSS, Vishva Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, and Bharat Sevashram Sangha. The account reveals both the profound devotion of the pilgrims and the practical challenges they faced, including Gurudev's strict instructions about photography and the need to maintain sanctity during such a public spiritual journey. The pilgrimage exemplifies the living tradition of walking to sacred sites that remains vibrant in the Khyapa Parampara.