Devotee:
Pranam (Greetings), Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam, Pranam. Go on.
Devotee:
Gurudev, we have noticed that despite our many requests, devotees often lose track of time and come to see you at odd hours. This is clearly causing you problems.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
This only happens here in West Bengal; it doesn't happen elsewhere. Go ahead, speak about it.
Devotee:
Could you please say something to the devotees who watch our YouTube channel regarding the timings?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Well, listen... Pradip-da, we sit here from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM or 12:30 PM. We help whoever comes during those hours. But if people keep coming throughout the day, it is not possible for me. I am getting older.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It has become a habit, almost a necessity for me, to come to the Mother (the deity) at 10:00 AM. Whether I have a fever or any other ailment, I will always come at that time. However, a massive crowd has started descending here lately, largely due to YouTube. People are coming from Mumbai, Asansol, and all sorts of distant places. People from Kolkata come as well. I thought the local crowd would have been managed by now, but they keep coming back for various reasons.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I have said this repeatedly: I see people in the morning; do not come in the afternoon. Yet, people show up without notice, claiming they just came to pay their respects. But once they sit down, they start reciting their entire history—problems with their daughter, their grandson, their wife, and so on.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I believe we should stop letting people in outside of the scheduled hours. If they enter, they will inevitably ask for something. No one comes just to "see" me; they all come for their own work. When I was hospitalized recently, hardly anyone came to see me except for a few close associates. Now, everyone acts like they are so devoted, calling me "Baba" (Father) as if I were their biological father!
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
So, I am telling everyone once more: come in the morning, Monday to Friday. Do not come on Amavasya (New Moon) or Purnima (Full Moon). Do not come on Saturdays or Sundays. People are showing up on weekends even after being told not to. If this continues, I may have to be harsh or speak sternly to them. Come at 10:00 AM, and I will see whoever I can.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It is impossible for me to see everyone at once. We don't have enough resources, and the few staff members we have are often unwell. I must leave for home by 12:30 or 1:00 PM to eat at a fixed time, as per my doctor's orders and medications. If you come in the afternoon, you will be turned away or insulted. I am being very clear about this.
Devotee:
Friends, you heard Gurudev. Please follow the timings mentioned in the recent videos. If you watch old videos, you might get confused. He is available Monday through Friday, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Do not come on Amavasya, Purnima, or Ekadashi. Furthermore, Gurudev does not see anyone in the afternoon.
Devotee:
Secondly, please note that no mobile number has been provided for contact. Do not try to contact anyone via phone, as we are seeing some issues with that.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Exactly. Some people are taking devotees aside outside the premises. I have no connection with those people. There have been cases like this, and I tell the devotees: if you talk to them, it's your responsibility. Some people are acting like "Tantriks" out there. Whether I am here or not, they do whatever they want, and people suffer the consequences. If you want something from me, you must come between 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM. I cannot be responsible for what happens with others outside those hours.
Devotee:
We understand, Gurudev. Now, we would like to hear from you about Vindhyachal Mountain.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Ah, Vindhyachal. That is where the body of Adyashakti Mahamaya is said to have fallen. Legend says that Vindhya Mountain was extremely arrogant. It once decided to grow so tall that it would block the sun from reaching the Earth.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The mountain's Guru was Agastya Muni. When Agastya heard about this arrogance, he traveled to the mountain. Seeing his Guru, Vindhya Mountain bowed down in respect. Agastya Muni told the mountain, "Stay bowed like this until I return." Agastya Muni never returned from his journey, and thus, the mountain could never grow tall again. His arrogance was crushed by his own Guru.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
According to the Puranas, when Krishna was born in Kansa's prison, Adyashakti Mahamaya was born at the same time in Mathura. Kansa knew that the eighth child of Devaki would kill him, so he was waiting. Krishna was secretly moved to Nanda's house, and the baby girl (the goddess) was placed in the prison.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
When Kansa tried to kill the baby by throwing her against a stone, she slipped from his hands and ascended into the sky. She told him, "The one who will kill you is already growing up in Gokul." Her divine form (aspect) then fell upon Vindhyachal Mountain.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Today, if you go to Vindhyachal, you will see the temple of Maa Vindhyavasini. There is a Banyan tree there, and it is said that the leaves that fall from that tree have "Jai Shri Ram" clearly written on them. I even have one or two of those leaves with me, which I keep very carefully.
Devotee:
Gurudev, on that note—you mentioned the story of Krishna and Mahamaya, but how does "Jai Shri Ram" appear on the leaves of a Devi (Goddess) site?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Why not? There is no difference between Rama and Krishna; both are avatars of Lord Narayana. One avatar is Rama, another is Krishna. This is entirely possible. Mahamaya appeared to aid in the destruction of Kansa, and she is intrinsically linked to the divine play of the avatars.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Maa Vindhyavasini is worshipped there in Her Kali form or Adya form. The temple is in the Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh. It is a beautiful, serene environment. As I said, I have one of those leaves, but I don't show it to just anyone.
Devotee:
Thank you for sharing that, Gurudev. Friends, Gurudev has addressed two main points: his visiting hours and the history of Vindhyachal. We hope this was helpful. Pranam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam.