Devotee:
Greetings, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Blessings to you, my son.
Devotee:
Gurudev, we are once again facing a situation that we always try to avoid. Your health issues were known only to those who visit frequently, but through this video, we want to inform everyone else. Many people are coming to see you, unaware of your current physical condition. If you could share a bit about it with everyone...
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, tell them.
Devotee:
You were quite unwell and had to be hospitalized. People thought you would start seeing devotees after the month of Poush, as previously mentioned.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
That is what I had said. That was my mission—to see my people from the month of Magh and skip Poush. But fate had other plans. I had to be admitted to the hospital and stayed there for five days. It turns out there was an infection in my left lung. They gave me many antibiotics and I was on oxygen for five days. Then the doctors said I needed to stay for another four or five days. I told the doctor that hospital costs are very high and asked if there was another way. He said I could go home only if I had an oxygen cylinder arranged at home. So, we arranged for an oxygen cylinder, and I still have to take oxygen occasionally, though not as much as before.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Show them the oxygen cylinder.
Devotee:
Yes, here it is.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Common people don't always understand. Two ladies came recently and were demanding to know why I wasn't seeing them. They have no idea what's going on. Some people don't even care if a person is dying; they just want their own work done.
Devotee:
Gurudev, you receive 200–250 calls daily. Very few people actually ask how you are doing. Most of them just ask, "Are you sitting today? Will you see us?" They don't realize your actual condition.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
They have no information. A man could be dying, and they only care about themselves. It's a bad tendency. They don't bother to ask, "How is he?" I am on oxygen, and those ladies were losing their tempers. I felt like telling them off.
Devotee:
It's upsetting. You do so much for people, yet some show no concern.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It feels bad. I do so much, and they don't even keep track of my well-being. That's why my return to seeing people will be delayed. I don't think I can start before March.
Devotee:
If they saw your prescription, they would understand. He has to take 19 different medicines every day, plus nebulization. He cannot go to the temple in this state. We request everyone to let Gurudev recover first. We will update you through this YouTube channel when he is fit enough to see people again.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
My physical condition isn't good. If I try to see 10 people, 50 to 100 show up, and then they complain about why I won't see everyone. It's as if they think I am their servant because they pay some money—actually, they don't even pay here! I provide services for free that others charge 5,000 or 10,000 for. People should understand. It's a lack of character and empathy.
Devotee:
Moving on from the frustrations, tomorrow is Saraswati Puja. Also, at the end of this video, we have a big surprise regarding a major achievement for this channel from YouTube. But first, Gurudev, tell us about the significance of Saraswati Puja for Bengalis.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Saraswati is considered the daughter of Brahma. According to the Vedas, Lord Brahma sought her, and because of certain mythological events, Brahma is not worshipped in many places, but Saraswati is worshipped everywhere—in homes and fields. She is flanked by Savitri on the left and Saraswati on the right. When the Vedas were written, Ganesha was the scribe, and Mother Veda supported it.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
"Saraswati Mahabhage Vidye Kamala Lochane..." In some places, she is also worshipped as Vishalakshi. She is even depicted sitting on Shiva's chest in certain forms. She is also Bhadrakali.
Devotee:
Bhadrakali?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes. There is a story about Mahiravana. During the war between Rama and Ravana, Ravana's brother Mahiravana kidnapped Rama and Lakshmana and took them to the netherworld (Patal) to sacrifice them to the goddess. Hanuman followed them. The local women there said that the day Hanuman enters Patal, Mahiravana will meet his end. Hanuman hid behind the idol of the Goddess Bhadrakali. When Mahiravana asked Rama and Lakshmana to bow their heads for sacrifice, they said they didn't know how to bow as they were princes. They asked Mahiravana to demonstrate. As soon as Mahiravana bowed his head, Hanuman took the Goddess's sword and beheaded him. That is the form of Bhadrakali in the netherworld.
Devotee:
That is fascinating. We usually see the peaceful form of Saraswati, but the Tantric Maha Saraswati form is quite fierce.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, very fierce.
Devotee:
Now, for the surprise we mentioned. After years of Gurudev sharing his wisdom and videos, YouTube has recognized our progress. Even in his ill health, Gurudev wanted to share this with you all. We have received the Silver Play Button from YouTube for reaching 100,000 subscribers.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
This is from YouTube. They sent a letter as well.
Devotee:
The letter mentions how impressive the videos are and how people eagerly wait for them. It's signed by the CEO of YouTube. It's not just the CEO; if you look at the comment section, you can see the love and anticipation from the viewers.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I want to thank all the subscribers. This achievement belongs to them. Without them, I am nothing. I dedicate this to everyone who has subscribed and helped us reach this milestone of over 112,000 subscribers.
Devotee:
It's a journey that started with your teachings and has led to this milestone. We hope to reach the Gold Play Button next with the blessings of the Mother and the support of the audience.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I am still physically weak. I am on oxygen as per the doctor's orders. It's necessary, especially at night. But I wanted to share this joy with you all. Please, I request you again—do not crowd my home or the temple right now. Let me get healthy so I can serve you all again.
Devotee:
Thank you, Gurudev. Pronam.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Blessings to you all.