Devotee:
Greetings, Gurudev. A new star, a crown of sorts, has been added to Bengal's heritage through religion. It was perhaps there long ago, disappeared in the middle, and is now being revived. We would love for you to enlighten us on this.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In our childhood, there was a song that played on the radio. I still remember it; it was such a beautiful song. I can't recall all the lyrics, but it comes to mind often: "Who sang the song on the path to the Tribeni pilgrimage?" It used to play almost every day. Now, the era of the radio is gone, but that song was wonderful.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Tribeni is a sacred site—the confluence of the three rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. I have visited many times for ritual immersions and various ceremonies. I hear many people are heading there tomorrow for the Shahi Snan (royal bath) at 11:00 AM.
Devotee:
Yes, tomorrow is Sunday.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, at 11:00 AM tomorrow. From what I've heard, the arrangements are quite grand. They are expecting nearly two to two-and-a-half thousand monks (Sadhus), including a large number of Naga Sannyasis. It has created quite a spiritual atmosphere.
Devotee:
And just like the Kumbh Mela, they have set up 108 Yagya Kundas (ritual fire pits).
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, exactly. Various Akharas (monastic camps) are being established. Traditionally, the Kumbh Mela is held in four places: Nashik, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Prayag (Allahabad). But this year, a fifth location is being added. Although it existed in the past, it was reportedly stopped during the Muslim period, specifically during the time of Alauddin Khilji and Bakhtiyar Khilji. Historical accounts suggest it was suppressed then. Now, through the efforts of the people of Bengal, it is being revived. It feels as though a "fifth Dham" is being established. It brings me great joy, though I cannot attend personally due to my health.
Devotee:
This is a significant effort to bring religion back to the forefront, especially after everything was stalled during the COVID-19 period.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Indeed. It is said that the Saptarishi (Seven Sages)—Maitreyi, Atri, Pulastya, Pulaha, Vyas, Vashistha, and Vishwamitra—performed penance here. History suggests that the Kumbh Mela was a tradition here as far back as 750 years ago. While we usually think of the four main locations, this addition is wonderful.
Devotee:
Last year, it was held at the confluence of the Hooghly River, and this year it is being organized in Kalyani (Tribeni).
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It's a pity I can't go, but I've sent my disciples. I've asked them to give me a full report when they return. My heart is already there.
Devotee:
Such a large-scale religious initiative hasn't been heard of in Bengal for a long time.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
And it's not far from Kolkata—only about an hour and a half by train or car. I know a "Kalyani Ma" there whose house is available to stay at. But more than that, the fact that the Saptarishi performed penance there is what makes it truly significant. Even Benimadhab, who is considered the spiritual brother of Baba Lokenath, is said to have performed penance there.
Devotee:
There seems to be a link with Ganga Sagar as well.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Ganga Sagar is also a major pilgrimage site, attracting millions of people. We once tried to link Ganga Sagar with the Kumbh Mela tradition, but it didn't quite materialize then. Now, Tribeni has been chosen, and it is the right place for it. Even the story of Behula-Lakhindar is associated with this region of the Hooghly.
Devotee:
Everything is coming to light gradually. Tribeni is famous for the Behula-Lakhindar legend as well.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
As I said, that song "Who sang the song at the Tribeni pilgrimage?" always fills my heart. It is a blessing that the Kumbh Mela is returning to Tribeni. I pray for all the monks and saints who have gathered there. May their presence and their prayers sanctify the land.
Devotee:
For those who want proof of this tradition from 750 years ago, the mention of the Kumbh Mela in Bengal can be found in Mangal-Kavya, Vaishnava literature, and Shakta literature.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, it's mentioned everywhere. It cannot be dismissed.
Devotee:
When both Vaishnava and Shakta traditions—which often had conflicting views—both mention it, there is no room for doubt.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Exactly. I urge everyone who can go to visit the Kumbh Mela. Not everyone gets such an opportunity in their lifetime. Witness the grandeur and the spiritual revival of our heritage. The baths are scheduled for 11:00 AM on the 12th and 13th.
Devotee:
Let us all try to uphold this tradition.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
(Singing softly) "Who sang the song on the path to the Tribeni pilgrimage?" Indeed. Pronam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Blessings to you all.
Spiritual Insight
The revival of the Tribeni Kumbh Mela represents more than a religious festival—it marks the restoration of a severed thread in Bengal's spiritual lineage. After centuries of suppression during the medieval period, the return of this 750-year-old tradition to the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati signifies a collective awakening. Guru Shyama Khyapa's nostalgic recollection of the radio song about Tribeni reveals how deeply sacred geography becomes embedded in cultural memory. The gathering of 2,500 monks, including Naga Sannyasis, along with 108 Yagya Kundas, transforms this site into what the Guru calls a "fifth Dham"—a new pillar of Hindu sacred geography. The convergence of Vaishnava and Shakta traditions at this place, both acknowledging its sanctity, demonstrates that true pilgrimage transcends sectarian boundaries.