Interviewer:
Greetings, Gurudev.
Gurudev:
Greetings.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, with Kali Puja approaching, you have often mentioned that the way we celebrate Kali Puja here is quite different.
Gurudev:
Yes, our Kali Puja is different. We don't allow anyone to witness it. We only allow visitors on one specific night—the night of Mahalaya. We perform rituals then and allow people to visit, but I do not allow women. I don't allow women because, as far as my knowledge goes, the energy of the Puja cannot tolerate their touch during these specific rituals. That is why I have always maintained this rule of not allowing any women during Kali Puja.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, every year during Kali Puja, Shanti Kunj is closed to the public for a few days. For those who come to you for help or spiritual guidance, it remains closed during this period. Is that the case this year as well?
Gurudev:
Yes. This year, I have decided to keep Shanti Kunj closed from October 21st to October 30th. People should not visit during this time. My request to everyone who plans to visit is to avoid these dates. I will not be meeting anyone, and those who come will unfortunately have to be turned away. I want to be very clear: if you come, you will have to return.
Interviewer:
You have also mentioned many times that the Puja performed at the cremation grounds (Shhmashana) is unique. There is often debate about whether the general public should witness it.
Gurudev:
I don't allow it at all. No one should gather or crowd there. Women, in particular, should not visit; it is strictly prohibited. The Puja is performed in complete seclusion. Rituals performed according to Tantric traditions are best left unseen by the uninitiated. Anyone who watches them may face negative consequences rather than any benefit. If someone believes they will gain something by watching these Tantric rituals, they are mistaken. It will only lead to harm. That is why we advise people to stay away. Especially where Tantric rituals are involved, women should not participate or even touch anything, as the consequences can be severe.
Interviewer:
You have also frequently advised against performing Kali Puja or keeping her idols at home.
Gurudev:
I have said this repeatedly. While many may disagree, according to my knowledge, Kali Puja is not meant for the household; it can disrupt the peace of a home. Initially, it might seem like things are going well—you might gain material wealth like a car or a house—but eventually, it can drain everything. I have seen thousands of such cases. Many of the Kali idols and pictures you see here at Shanti Kunj were left by families who were frightened by the negative impacts they experienced.
Interviewer:
To our viewers who travel from great distances to visit Shanti Kunj, this video is for you. We want to ensure that your time and money spent on travel are not wasted and that you don't face the disappointment of being turned away. You will not be able to meet Gurudev or visit the shrine during these specific dates.
Gurudev:
Exactly. That is why we are prohibiting visits from October 21st to the 30th. I will not see anyone during this time. Those who choose to come do so at their own risk and will be asked to leave. I don't want anyone to blame me later, which is why I am making this announcement now. Some will listen, and some may not; I cannot control those who choose to ignore this warning.
Interviewer:
So, the purpose of this message is to ask everyone to plan their visit to Shanti Kunj after these dates.
Gurudev:
Yes, visit after the 30th. It's not that I don't see people—I usually see 100 to 150 people every day. But during this specific period, we must follow these traditional rules. Between the nature of the cremation ground and the specific requirements of Kali Puja, I cannot allow visitors.
Interviewer:
And just to clarify, when Gurudev says he doesn't allow women, he is also advising men to avoid visiting during this time. No one should come to Shanti Kunj during these dates.
Gurudev:
Yes, that is correct. I am saying this for everyone's well-being. I have seen many families devastated by not following these spiritual boundaries. All these idols and pictures you see around me were brought here by people who couldn't keep them in their homes anymore. They told me, "Gurudev, we are leaving these with you." I have kept them and displayed them because I cannot simply throw them away. Everything you see here has been given by others.
Interviewer:
You will still see videos of Gurudev during this time, but please respect his request and do not travel to Shanti Kunj between October 21st and 30th.
Gurudev:
Those who don't listen will simply have to go back, and their travel expenses will be wasted.
Interviewer:
Thank you, Gurudev.
Gurudev:
Blessings to you.