Disciple:
Gurudev, Pranam.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, Pranam.
Disciple:
Gurudev, we would like to know a few things from you regarding the month of Shravan. It is said that the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) took place during this month. Could you tell us about its significance?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Well, according to Tantra, the month of Shravan is highly regarded. It is said: "Maghayang Shravanayan ba Rebati ba Bisheshato." This means we give special preference to the months of Magh and Shravan, and among the stars, Revati is considered the best. We follow these three carefully. However, some years ago, something similar happened—the month of Shravan became a Mola Mash (an intercalary or "unclean" month).
Disciple:
What exactly does Mola Mash mean?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It simply means that if two new moons (Amavasya) fall within the same month, the following month is considered Mola Mash. During this month, no auspicious deeds or sacred rituals are performed. Many people are talking about Mola Mash this year. Since Shravan is the month of Lord Shiva, and Mondays are dedicated to Him—Shiva is also known as Som (the moon)—the Mondays of Shravan are very important. However, it is unfortunate that this year it has fallen into Mola Mash. Everything gets pushed back by a month when this happens. If there is a new moon on the 1st and another on the 31st of the same month, the next month becomes Mola Mash.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In the month of Ashadh, there are two new moons, which is why Shravan has become a Mola Mash this year.
Disciple:
So, Gurudev, what should householders do during this month of Shravan?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
They should do what they have always done. Usually, there is a great deal of devotion for Shani Puja and pouring water over Lord Shiva's head. These two are very important and widely practiced. We also give great importance to Shravan, but because it is a Mola Mash this year, nothing auspicious can be done. Shiva is "Mangalmay"—the one who brings auspiciousness. All the nine planets reside on His head. To mitigate the ill effects of these planets, one must seek refuge in Shiva.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Then comes the month of Bhadra. During Bhadra, people generally don't buy or sell property, they don't get married, and ceremonies like the sacred thread or the first rice-eating ceremony for a child aren't performed.
Disciple:
What about the Kanwar Yatra? What should people do about that, even if it is Mola Mash?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
What can they do? Whether you are a householder or an ascetic, nothing auspicious is done during Mola Mash. Mola Mash essentially means a "dead month." This month is considered "dead" for you and me this year. What can you do with something that is dead?
Disciple:
That may be the case for this year, Gurudev, but if people know the significance, they can follow it properly next year.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Well, people have been following it for years. It's just that this year, the two new moons in one month created this complication. In Tantra, we also believe that no auspicious work should be done during Mola Mash. Some say Shiva's work can still be done, but I say nothing should be done. A "dead month" is a "dead month."
Disciple:
I'm asking this because many people today give advice based on commercial interests, and people have less faith in them. They would value your guidance on this.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I am telling you, the month is dead. There's no need to discuss it further. This has happened before—even Durga Puja and Kali Puja have been delayed by a month due to Mola Mash. You can't just say, "I'll do it anyway." If you want to, you can, I won't stop you, but I'm telling you it is a dead month.
Disciple:
But Gurudev, many major festivals fall in this period, like Janmashtami, Nag Panchami, and Raksha Bandhan. Can they not be celebrated?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
People are human; they will celebrate regardless. They will say, "So what if it's Mola Mash?" and they will go ahead with Janmashtami if it falls then. There is a lot of contradiction here, and I don't want to get into it. I just want to tell people that no auspicious work or divine rituals should be performed during Mola Mash. Wait for the next year.
Disciple:
Even if they don't celebrate festivals, what about the various Shiva temples?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The temples won't close; they will stay open. Daily rituals and prayers (Nitya Puja) will continue regardless of Mola Mash. But you, as an individual, should not perform a personal puja using your name and Gotra (lineage), as it will be fruitless. The priests will continue the temple's daily service to the deity, but personal rituals for householders are not advised.
Disciple:
And what about the month of Bhadra following Shravan? Does it indicate anything special?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
No, nothing special. We just avoid weddings, rice ceremonies, and even buying or selling land during Bhadra. We follow what our ancestors have done. I don't care what others are saying; we follow the traditions passed down by our forefathers.
Disciple:
Gurudev, thank you for what you've told us about the month of Shravan and Mola Mash. I hope the devotees who wanted to know will listen to your words. Gurudev, Pranam.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, Pranam.