Interviewer:
Greetings, Gurudev!
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Greetings to you.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, today is Raas Purnima. What is its significance, and why is this fire ritual being performed today?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Well, there are twelve Purnimas in a year, but two are dedicated to Lord Krishna. One is Shravani Purnima, when Krishna and Radha are placed on a swing (Jhulan) and played with. Sandalwood is applied, and various festivities take place. After that, they are carried into the temple amidst dancing and music.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Then, there's the Raas Purnima, which we are celebrating today. Raas Purnima used to be celebrated primarily in the households of zamindars (landlords). We have seen it in almost every landlord's house. There were puppet shows, theatre performances, music, and much more. But those traditions are slowly fading away because the zamindari system is gone, and no one takes the initiative anymore. Only a few zamindar houses still celebrate it with fireworks and other festivities.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Actually, Lord Shiva (Mahadev) is the spiritual teacher of Lord Krishna. A famous story from the Puranas tells of how Narad told Mahadev about Krishna's Raas Leela in Vrindavan. Mahadev, who was in deep meditation, became restless and decided to witness it. He went to Vrindavan in disguise, but Krishna recognized him and washed his feet before seating him.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
As the Raas Leela began, Mahadev saw 1,600 Krishnas with 1,600 Gopis. He was astounded. He looked around and saw Krishna sitting right beside him. He even held onto Krishna's cloth so he wouldn't leave! Mahadev was mesmerized by this spectacle.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
When the Raas Leela ended, Mahadev asked Krishna, "You were sitting right next to me, but I also saw you with all the Gopis. How is this possible?" Krishna replied, "This is my Maya—the Vishnu Maya—which has enveloped the entire world. Even you have been caught in its web. It's impossible for anyone to escape it."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
So, these two Purnimas are distinct and dedicated to Krishna. One is for the Jhulan Yatra, and the other is for the Raas Leela.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, I see that a fire ritual (hom) is also being performed today at our temple. Many people are participating.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, that's right. Fire rituals are a regular occurrence here, especially during Purnima and Amavasya. But this one is special, performed by Dr. Sujit Kar and Dr. Nilanjan Bhattacharya. They come here once a week to perform these rituals.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
We perform these rituals for world peace and the welfare of humanity. Many people contribute in their own way. For instance, a lady sent a large tin of ghee—about 16 kilograms—for this ritual. We don't have a large source of income here; we provide free treatment to those in need. People who come here contribute what they can—some bring rice, some bring sugar, tea, or even biscuits. We offer tea and biscuits to Goddess Kali every morning and evening, as she is said to be very fond of it.
Interviewer:
Thank you, Gurudev, for sharing the significance of Raas Purnima and the essence of today's ritual.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
You're welcome.
Interviewer:
Thank you for watching, friends. We hope you found Gurudev's insights valuable.