The Mahavidyas, Kali, Bhairav and the Matrikas

ABOUT BHAIRAV

it exists somewhere the temples of Shakti on smashan?

Guruji: not inside smashan. Here we have Bhairav: in whole Govardhan area there is no other Bhairav.

how he came into be – he contact with You?

Guruji: he was already there. I was not recognizing him and just thinking to throw it out; then my sister was walking there – she heard the voice; he give the message for me: you ask Yogiraj to come here – then we begin to discuss. He is Smashan Bhairav.

what about other Bhairavas – Ruru Bhairav, Unmatta Bhairav?

Guruji: there are not temples – they are just mention in the books. Usually the temples are of Bhairav, without any name.

by their names they connected with some type of the land?

Guruji: no, they are for the tantric rituals. Batuk Bhairav you can see, Smashan Bhairav someone tell me there is one temple in Rajasthan – that’s it. Kalabhairav is only in Benares.

why so: are they hiding or worshipping in some hidden places?

Guruji: no, that is only for tantric rituals. Nowhere you will see their temples.

but it can be just a stone somewhere?

Guruji: no, then people here will start to build something; they put some chola on the stone and put some dhup; but not for Ruru or Unmatta Bhairav – that is Sanskrit names, only in tantra.

but this discipline with the stone connected with that land?

Guruji: it’s just paying your respect – so no problem with them. Paying for protection to mafia boss.

but when the building is over – they continue to worship the stone?

Guruji: no, it’s done then. Nobody looks back.

but in Your case there is no Bhairavi with him?

Guruji: no, only Bhairav.

after Your sister told You…?

Guruji: I started to go there. I was not knowing that he is agreed - because he was talking very nicely with me; but when some disciples came with me – they suffered. Now nobody goes there. I thought about making a roof on him – but he said no, so we did the floor only there. he’s just under the tree. Time to time we hear his voice. He even told me the name of my lawyer, contact him. you know, his profile is edged on the stone here – you will recognize immediately. He removed so much of my irritations and disturbances.

what about Bhairavi: their temples exists somewhere?

Guruji: they remain secret. Someone says – they assist aghoris; otherwise – no temple.

they are not attached to the land, like Bhairavas?

Guruji: but they are very powerful spirits.

in that story when one guy stole the cap of Bhairav…?

Guruji: yes, he was moving among sheep and goats.

how he can recognize – he is Bhairav?

Guruji: that’s the formula(smiling)

do you want to take some moments or periods of your life back?

Guruji: no. gone is gone. Now I can’t believe in my life starts the period of business. We are planning to make the packing material from cowdung. Now plastic is banned in this area – so it will be the good project.

Ten Mahavidyas are only female energies, pure. There is no male principle involve in it. Many people have tried to interpret the different ways. They are 10 different expressions of Shakti, covering all 10 directions. And people are saying – they are also to protect the male principle. But there are so many different interpretations without understanding them. Tantric tradition is saying something else, another tradition is saying something else, some people said – these are maps to build different types of temples. Especially in south tradition they are talking about four doors. They having some differenyt energies or let’s say vibrations or the mystical effect. I believe that. But to actually understand them – that is very different thing. You must complete all levels of Kriya yoga just to understand a little bit. I talked with many great so-called famous tantrics who are worshipping one aspect - like Bagalamukhi or Dhumavati – they are repeating only that is written in books. There was no personal understanding of subject. As you will do some mantras – result will definitely go. But the deeper aspect is absolutely missing.

you have yantras of ten Mahavidyas?

Guruji: more than ten years. First appeared at 1995 – more than 21 years back. Now things are very different. Feeling of the place is absolutely different now.

if we take three first Mahavidyas – Kali, Tara and Chinnamasta: all of them are cutting the heads. Is it mean the destroy of ignorance of the person, worshipping them?

Guruji: there are 2 ways of destroying the ignorance. Kill the ignorant person – ignorance is gone, that is the simplest method. The other thing is very difficult to do: to enlighten that person by giving him upadesh and making him go through so many tapas - this is the very difficult way. Shaktis are very good in cutting heads.

if we talk about Nagas: some of them – like Sheshnag – has several heads, even thousand: it depends on their clan or family?

Guruji: no, it depends on their personal power. More power they gain – more heads.

they appear with the time and wisdom?

Guruji: they are permanently here.

Mahavidya or essence: when you’re putting your essence into something – only then you will get essential knowledge and the results.

Kali, with her tongue sticking out is symbolizing first level of Kriya yoga, when sadhak is trying to achieve khichari; he receives certain wisdom at this level.

At the second level Tara is guiding practitioner: when you have received initial teaching and some wisdom then state of mind transfers to a deeper level.

At the third level Chinnamasta is a ruling deity: three streams of blood are coming from neck, she holds her decapitated head in her hands.

As a results of the head movement ida, pingala and sushumna will “separate” from the body; conscious and subconscious mind will merge together. The brain fluids will be shaken , but not stirred (just like James Bond’s favorite martinis), We’re shaking the liquid inside of the skull.

Dhumavati; You said that meeting Dhumavati in sadhana signifies very high level; it grants the ability to leave the body.

Only by Dhumavati’s can allow to leave the body and come back to the same – or any other body. She is death herself; only death can allow you to leave your physical shelter.

This Goddess can give back what she was taken, to send a soul back to the house of the body new or old.

Amongst those Mahavidyas Dhumavati is most powerful - simply because she ate Shiva – Shiva is one with her now...

With Bhuvaneshwari you will get the knowledge of the entire creation; “bhuvan” means “whole world” . Different perception of reality will be attained.

This Goddess signifies cosmic consciousness; a sadhak, whom She favores, will be tuned with It

Shodashi Tripurasundari. Shodashi rules number 16 number – it is Shri Yantra.

There is something magical about this number – 16 years of different cycles; 16 types of offerings at the time of puja; all hindus have 16 sanskaras from birth to death. In this magical number Shakti in present in Her purest form.

In Kriya yoga Sadhac can experiences her darshan when he has already experienced Kali and gone through experience of Shiva Himself.

If you will look at the Shri Yantra there are 9 triangular shapes: 5 downwards facing triangles represent Kali, 4 upward facing figures represents Shiva.

One had to go through experiences of Kali and Shiva, through their grace – and then he will be graced by Shodashi. Her name means “ beautiful in three worlds” – and three worlds will be yours: brahma granthi, hridaya granthi and Rudra granthi. These are our three galaxies in Kriya yoga, our three worlds. That will connect sadhak with the different planes of the knowledge and consciousness and all possible dimensions, spatial and mental.

Tripura Bhairavi: when yogi reaches the certain level – She graces him. This Goddess is closest to smashan and yogis. In all my search I never see any devotee of Tripura Bhairavi.

I’ve seen people, who were devotees of Dhumavati, Bagalamukhi ; they were aster some tantric powers so many politicians are after their grace.

There are not a single devotee of Chamunda – I’ve never ever see the single devotee of Chamunda.

What is Chamunda significance?

Guruji: She is 7 th Matrika; this Goddess looks like Kali and lives on the center of crossroads.

Recently I discovered that she is kula-devi of Bharadwaj gotra, to which I belong.

She was the one, who was acting as Shiva’s sister to Shiva, carrying auspicious gifts when Shiva was getting married. She is much older Shakti than Parvati and others.

Who can be Shiva’s sister – just imagine that...

What about Matangi?

Guruji: Matangi gives an extraordinary memory ; “matang” is the name of the elephant and elephants are known for their extraordinary memory. Extraordinary memory grants access to the subconscious mind.

Is she a giver of results?

Guruji: Of course – with granted access to the memories your actions and the results, based on these actions will be extraordinary.

Kamala is one of the names of the goddess of prosperity; when you receive her grace every type of prosperity will come. But it is she who will decide what exactly you need and what you don’t.

How Kamal’s grace will be manifested in someone’s yogic sadhana or Kriya practice?

Guruji: It means when nature will recognize you – it will support you. It will give you whatever you need – not neccesery what you wish to get, that is the main difference.

Is Bagalamukhi really a remover of all darkness?

Guruji: All negativity, all darkness, all intermixing with outer enemies, unpuruties.

She is a remover of bad baggage: bad talks, bad thoughts, the feeling of animosity towards others –all of it will isappear.

Once you told a story about some tantric, who had built a temple in her name, but suffered a horrible death?

Guruji: That’s the point: Baglamukhti’ mantra says “ALL EVIL” - so if you yourself poccess some evil – then you will also become affected.

Sarva dusthana –means ALL bad people. You included – if you are a bad person. That is human nature – to crave results only for personal gains, but that mantra is extraordinary.

It will be directed at all wrongdoers; and if you are not pious- than Baglamukhti’s mantra will affect you directly.

Why is this Goddess has such a significant power over politicians?

Guruji: Most of the politicians want to remove their enemies get the power.

Her mantra is very potent; Your enemy’s ability to speak, the tongue will be tied, he won’t be able do harm others or think properly; intellectual powers will suffer. Dream of every political candidate.

Mahavidyas are 10 in number?

Guruji: they are cover 10 directions, there are 10 directions.

but why the number 8 is considered as so important and connected with Bhairav?

Guruji: well, 8 Bhairavas are described; 8 siddhis are described – number 8 is something.

again in yoga – it maybe not exactly steps, but 8 achievements are described?

Guruji: every achievement is a kind of a step; so number 8 is very important.

SHAKTI TEMPLES

With the power of Shakti and her influence – even this place became more peaceful?

Guruji: She’s always peaceful. That is other people – who are provoking her to do something.

It doesn’t exist in the temple of 7 Matrikas? And isn’t it very rare to see the temple of dasha Mahavidyas?

Guruji: No, they are VIDYAS – if you just put them in the temple and start worshiping them – it could be anything. Matrikas also have very mysterious powers: you cannot install them – they’re too powerful to install. Remember the story of the tantric – who builds the temple of Dhumavati and died the most horrible death. It is just like that: you cannot install your school teacher’s statue somewhere, worship it – and then you will learn everything. It’s education: they will teach – and you will learn, not by worshipping them. Even the story of Dronacharya and Ekalavya ended badly.

Even the temples of Parvati don’t exist?

Guruji: There are temples – all of Shiva’s family is there, Parvati also; but not separately. Kali is also Parvati.

DIFFERENT MANIFESTATIONS OF SHAKTI’S NATURE

What are the special powers of Shodashi? She’s not the first Mahavidya…

Guruji: She’s one of the spirits of Shakti herself: she separated herself in different dimensions, not by powers.

But how did she become the main one in the system – not Dhumavati, not Tara?

Guruji: Most people are running after prosperity in life: so worshipping Shri is becoming very natural. It’s the biggest motive for a human being. Wherever money is involved – this thing will become famous. Where can you find many men? Wherever there is something very expensive – you will find men there.

As I understand – Parashuram, Matsyendranath and other great yogis were the knowers of Shri Vidya?

Guruji: Main prosperity in their opinion is very different.

You think people really can attain prosperity only by worshipping her?

Guruji: See, to understand the mystery: without learning nothing will come.

But the “work” of Mahavidyas are different?

Guruji: No, they are the steps of the same power.

The opinion exists that Dhumavati is controversial to Shodashi – like Alakshmi?

Guruji: They were just trying to explain these things: you’re a woman – you can be happy and you can be angry at times: it’s your nature! They were just describing different angles of the nature of Shakti. From the words illusion always follows.

MAHAVIDYAS, MATRIKAS, SHAKTI WORSHIPING

Navratri is connected with the victory of Rama, defeating Ravana?

Guruji: nobody knows – but looks like it was added much later. Devi Bhagavati was born much after Rama killed Ravana. Before that Daksha yagya happened, after Rama killed Ravana; then Devi Bhagavati was born again – so this is between Krishna and Rama incarnation. But Shakti worshipping was always there.

so first 10 Mahavidyas came into be?

Guruji: yes, if we considered in that time frame.

ten Mahavidyas and 7 Matrikas has different powers?

Guruji: “vidya” means knowledge – they are givers of great knowledge. “matrikas” means mothers: they take care of the Earth, Like mother is taking care.

what is the special powers of nava durgas?

Guruji: there is some different knowledge that has gone missing. Not much is known about them. If you take mantra from Durga Saptashati – it refers to Chandika; and the most known mantra for Navaratri refers to Chamunda; there is no Durga mantra – but they keep worshipping Durga.

what will be the result if mantra belongs to one deity and worshipping to another?

Guruji: no idea. But I’ve seen some people, doing it here – problems came. There is some kind of misunderstanding or something. Nine deities are mentioned and you should worship that particular deity in that particular day; and people are worshipping for 8 days only – somehow they leave the ninth day. It’s some misinformation or misdirection from someone – so nobody’s getting the result.

KULA DEVATA AND KULA DEVI

Shiva Ji called him his son.( about Shukracharya )

why around Shiva Ji is so many ugly creatures?

Guruji: that is His compassion that He sees beauty in everything, even in ugly creatures. Beauty lies in the eyes of beholder.

maybe our criteria of beauty is not absolute?

Guruji: it’s objective thing, yes.

is it true that more hands the deity has – more furious it is?

Guruji: no, maybe they are aliens.

is it true that 7 or 8 Matrikas are connected with some types of plants and trees?

Guruji: sometimes – yes.

something known about connection with Chamunda Devi?

Guruji: she lives on the crossroad. She’s the most mysterious and most powerful.

she’s the only Shakti who is not a consort of some god?

Guruji: alone. She’s described Shiva’s sister; that is something.

how it happen that she became the Kula devata of Your family?

Guruji: maybe somebody worshipped her – no idea.

so they are not always Kula devata with Shiva Ji simultaneously?

Guruji: no.

everyone who has Kula devata has Kula Devi also?

Guruji: most of them have it – but not many know it.

how different Mahavidyas affect the practice on different levels?

Guruji: they do effect, yes

MAHAVIDYAS

what is Jyeshtha in description of Shri chakra?

Guruji: Dhumavati is called Jyeshtha. If something will go wrong – it will ruin you. Her name means “ the elder one”. If saying technically – if everything goes well, Vama will support you, if something will go wrong – Dhumavati will destroy you. They are two different aspects of the same Shakti. And usually goes wrong( smiling).

ten Mahavidyas are connected with ten vayus?

Guruji: you can connect them with ten vayus, you can connect them with ten steps in Kriya yoga as well.

in that case – which vayu is Dhumavati?

Guruji: Dhumavati will be like apana vayu, who will release prana, consume prana and the person dies. You may connect them with ten mudras. First is Kali – tongue is out. Then Smashan Tara and Chinnamasta – and Chinnamasta means without head. You know how it happens.

who of them is connected with the level when Hridaya is opening?

Guruji: level starts from second level to… very long. This is the longest sadhana. There is mystery, not only piercing. You will pierce a mystery.

could we say that Tripura Sundari and Tripura Bhairavi are connected with Rudra granthi levels?

Guruji: especially Tripura Bhairavi.

when they are talking about creating yantra – it means physically?

Guruji: it’s broad way: creating something physically also and creating the impression of that particular yantra in your aura.

how – by imagination?

Guruji: the technical word of creating yantras in your aura is nyasa. You are putting everything on yourself. First in aura – astral world will follow.

where is aura when we talk about spirits or vayu sharira?

Guruji: aura will remain with whoever is alive. If you have vayu sharir – you have aura.

what is aura?

Guruji: let’s say – your lights. Expression of electromagnetic activity in your brain and your whole body. Almost everything alive has aura.

when only spirit remains, without vayu sharir – there is no aura?

Guruji: aura will be there like expression of mental power. How much development was reached.

what does it mean: to have the nature of zodiac signs or constellations?

Guruji: whatever are in the body are also in the Universe. You’re the miniature replica of the Universe itself.

Tara is considered as the form of Saraswati. Her seed mantra is the same. Mahavidyas are great knowledge; vidya means great education or art. They are all giving you lot of knowledge, wisdom. Saraswati is directly connected with Tara; one of Tara’s names is Nila Saraswati.

could we subdivide Mahavidyas on two types: one can give you blessings and another can punish you?

Guruji: even giving punishment is supposed to be an art and power. Bagalamukhi, Dhumavati – all are connected with that. Everything can be used in a positive way and every positive thing can be used in a negative way – depends on the use. Knowledge is knowledge . What is positive for you – can be negative for someone else. It’s just a point of view.

like sade sati for the yogis?

Guruji: mostly it’s a positive thing. Rahu period is more dangerous.

I’ve never come across the greater Guru than Matsyendranath. He gives us motivation working more and more hard.

who is Chandi?

Guruji: Chandi maybe the most mysterious Shakti. Not much described about her; she is the 7 th matrika. Chandi and Chamunda are same. Sometimes even Kali called Chandi. Another mysterious reference I found in Shiva Purana: when the procession of marriage of Shiva is on – Chandi acting as his sister – was carrying an auspicious pot on her head. That means Chandi and Parvati are separate, different powers. Even Shiva has a sister. I think most of mysterious yogis were somehow connected with Chandi. Some many devotees and devotion are recorded – but I’ve never come across direct devotee to Chandi or Chamunda. She lives on the crossroad – very horrible looking but full of compassion. Ten arms, riding on dead body. Looking like Kali – but very emaciated, like skeleton, covered with skin; black, three eyes – but full of compassion.

so du ring any ritual first you must please her – because she’s the mistress of crossroad?

Guruji: secretly these things may be taught – but in books you’ll never find the reference. Among seven matrikas she’s most powerful and mysterious.

when seven matrikas appeared?

Guruji: they are timeless. Maybe their names – Indri, Vishnavi and others – was there because these gods were able to invoke them. So the name was stick with special powers – but not in the case of Chamunda.

MAHAVIDYAS AND DIRECTIONS

Dasha Mahavidyas: are they representing the directions?

Guruji: Yes, ten directions.

In which direction do we start in Kriya?

Guruji: It is Kali and she represents the North. Head is considered as north.

And how are we going then?

Guruji: Clockwise.

Which direction will be the final one?

Guruji: Tara is supposed to be on top: that is the goddess of wisdom, Saraswati: so knowledge remains on the top always. Covering up every direction – then only going up remains. Remember, Shiva is called Ardhanarishwar: Shakti is not called Ardhapurusheshwari. So – the female Shakti is very important.

Guruji, with what direction Dhumavati is connected – south?

Guruji: No, south-east corner.

And who of Mahavidya is in the south – opposite to the north?

Guruji: I think Bagalamukhi is exactly in the south. And then Kamala entry is on the south-west corner.

What do You think: Kamala has a different power than Vishnu’s wife – Lakshmi?

Guruji: They never married: he just took her from the ocean. There is no record of marrying- and no children from her.

I’ve read somewhere that now Lakshmi lives with king Bali?

Guruji: Maybe – he is now ruling heaven: the prosperity of ruling is also called Lakshmi, it's a very wide meaning.

Which type of knowledge can give this Mahavidya to the sadhak?

Guruji: Every type of specific knowledge, which would save him in any type of need.

Can we connect Mahavidyas with basic emotions – like anger, fear etc?

Guruji: No. They are Vidyas: the great knowledge and great wisdom: and in the time of need only your wisdom saves you – your experience and wisdom.

why Dhumavati has broom and fanner?

Guruji: by fanner she refines jivas and she sweeps all negativity in us. She is death herself. Most powerful.

…Bhuvaneshwari, then Bagalamukhi. Kali is standing on Shiva; Shiva is something which can not be seen, beyond carbon – Alakh Niranjan. She has four arms: one is giving you protection, another is giving you everything, with a sword she is killing you also and take your head at the same time. No matter what you do – she always giving you protection and all that you need, but she kills you also and keeps dead bodies as skull in her hand.

Q: Shiva has the skulls of the rishis, but Kali – of all the people?

Guruji: yes, she is the Mother – she loves us so much and she is carry after dead body. Every skull of died person is on Kali. It sounds horrible, but it’s true.

Q: I think we must perceive her like beautiful…

Guruji: but what is the beauty? You know pygmy? Imagine one pygmy man is fall in love with pygmy girl. For you it could be ugly, but for him she’s the beauty. It is only point of view.

Q: I hear that Kali is connected with the first level of Kriya?

Guruji: you will begin to understand the earthly connection. This is the basic step. And every step is taken on Earth. Then comes Tara – with her true knowledge comes. Then you cut away your head and the different things begin. Bhuvaneshwai means the whole cosmos – you will begin to see ether.”Bhuvan” means the Universe. Then Bagalamukhi – all the bad things will disappear from your consciousness. You will begin to know what is death and what is inside which will go out. You will go step by step. Level of Dhumavati is very high – you can leave your body at any time and you can enter any body easily. Dhumavati is very powerful being.

Q: but you stop your pulse even without khechari…

Guruji: it depends on lot of practice. It’s just a command.