Devotee:
Greetings, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Blessings, my son.
Devotee:
Gurudev, we have journeyed through Shashti, Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami, and now we stand at the threshold of Dashami. You have spoken about each of these days in separate videos. This isn't just for this year; you have been sharing these insights every year. What would you like to say specifically about Dashami this time?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
What can I say about Dashami? There is so much that remains to be said. Actually, something I haven't mentioned before is the Rahu Danda and the Ketu Danda. The Mother (Goddess Durga) is surrounded by these. Four spikes are planted, which represent the Rahu Danda, and the Mother is encircled with a thread, which represents the Ketu Danda.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The Mother is very fearful of these two celestial bodies, Rahu and Ketu. Therefore, before bathing the Mother or performing her Puja, one must perform Tarpana (offerings) to Rahu and Ketu. Only after that is the Mother's Puja performed. As I said, the four spikes are Rahu, and the encircling thread is Ketu. I forgot to mention this the other day.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Additionally, every day the Mother is provided with warm water and a Billwa Kashtha (a twig from the Bael tree) to brush her teeth. Just as we use a toothbrush, she is given a Datan. Every day, upon waking, she brushes her teeth and then bathes. There is a specific mantra for this: "Ushmadok sahito danta kashthayen namaha." The priest offers it with this chant.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I have already explained the details of the other Pujas. Tomorrow (Dashami), the Mother is bathed, and then she is fed Dadhikarma (a ritual offering of yogurt, sweets, and puffed rice). In some traditions, particularly among people from East Bengal (Opar Bangla), they offer her Kochu Saak (colocasia greens) and fish-rice before bidding her farewell.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In our tradition, after the Dadhikarma, we perform the Sutokata (cutting of the thread) and then the immersion. A large vessel of water is prepared with turmeric and other ceremonial ingredients. The Mother is "bathed" in this water in such a way that her full reflection is visible. After seeing her reflection, the thread is cut, and she is asked to return to the water to be with Mahadeva (Lord Shiva). We pray for her to play in the water with Mahadeva all year and then return to us from the water again next year. The priests chant this mantra, and the household members whisper in the Mother's ear, "Mother, come again next year." This has been the tradition for ages.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
After the Puja concludes, the Ghat (sacred pot) is moved. Once it is moved, another powerful ritual takes place: the Aparajita Puja. It is a fierce and profound Puja. The mantra goes: "Nilotpala dala shyaman, bhuja gaa bharon ujjwalam... Shankha chakra dharam devi, baradang bhaya nashinim..." An Aparajita plant is brought and placed on the spot where the Ghat stood, and it is worshipped with incense and offerings. With this, the Puja rituals officially end.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The Dakshina (offerings to the priest) and the Homa (fire ritual) are usually completed the day before. In Zemindar (landlord) households or royal palaces, the tradition is strict: the moment the thread is cut, the Mother must be immersed immediately. She cannot be kept for even a moment longer. In contrast, in community pandals, the idols might stay for several more days until Lakshmi Puja, but that is not the traditional ritualistic way.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Another unique tradition in Zemindar houses is the release of the Nilkantha bird (Indian Roller). A bird is caught and kept in a cage throughout the year. On Dashami, the priest releases it. It is believed that this bird flies to Kailash to inform Lord Mahadeva about the Puja—how it went and the state of the world. This doesn't happen in community Pujas, only in traditional households.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Finally, after the immersion, we return and write the name of Durga on banana leaves using red ink—sometimes 108 times, sometimes a thousand times. Some use Bael leaves, others use notebooks. Phrases like "Durge Durge Rakshini Swaha" are written. These leaves are later offered to the Ganges. This is an ancient custom—returning from the immersion and writing the Mother's name. After that, there is Bijoya—hugging and seeking blessings from elders in the family and neighborhood. These are our social customs.
Devotee:
Gurudev, you have observed and performed Durga Puja for many decades. You've mentioned in previous videos how much things have changed. How do you feel about Durga Puja this year?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The Puja is being "dictated" now. Many things that are happening are strictly forbidden. Using microphones to broadcast the Puja and the sound of the Shehnai is not right. The Mother is in a "war zone" (fighting Mahishasura); she doesn't appreciate the melancholic or loud sounds of microphones.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Mantras should never be chanted loudly over a microphone. People think they are doing something great, but they are actually harming themselves. This is why I have distanced myself from these public Pujas. Nowadays, there is a lack of qualified priests. Some recite from books without any real understanding of the mantras or the rituals. I see it and I am shocked.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Furthermore, many priests who perform funeral rites (Pretkarya) also perform Durga Puja. This is strictly prohibited. One who performs funeral rites cannot perform the Puja of Mother Durga or Kali. But it's happening everywhere. Everything is deteriorating.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
However, I made a special effort this year. Despite the meteorological department's warnings of heavy rain, I prayed and performed a ritual to ensure it wouldn't rain. I told the Mother, "Mother, let there be no rain. Let the people see your face." For two or three years, because of COVID, people couldn't celebrate properly. This year, they finally could. Mother was merciful; she kept the rain away so everyone could have her Darshan. Tomorrow is the immersion, so I hope today remains clear as well.
Devotee:
Hearing your perspective on Dashami was the main goal of this video. By watching these videos, people can understand the true rituals and the essence of the Puja.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, I saw some good comments. One person mentioned that their grandfather used to say that Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, and Ganesh are not actually Durga's biological children (in the ritualistic sense of the idols). I had mentioned this before, and it was nice to see someone validate that traditional knowledge. There are many deep, internal secrets to the Chandi Path as well, which shouldn't be discussed openly.
Devotee:
Thank you, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
My love and blessings to everyone, in every corner of the world. May everyone stay well. That is always my prayer to the Mother. Greetings.
Devotee:
Greetings, Gurudev.