In the solitude of the Himalayas, Shiva counted moments like stars, each one a heartbeat closer to his beloved. He came as a sage, hidden among mortals, to find her face in a world of earthly shadows and silent prayers.
Mystic Journey | Cooch Behar | February 10, 2010
Sadhguru: In the vast tapestry of our folklore, the theme of curses runs deep, casting shadows and light on the destinies of both those who give and receive them. These ancient tales, woven through generations, often reveal powerful transformations, leaving neither the curser nor the cursed unchanged. One such compelling legend thrives in the mystic landscapes of North Bengal, specifically in the remote corners of Paglikuthi in Cooch Behar and Madhya Kamakhyaguri of Alipurduar. Here, the deity Bhata Muni is revered, and a unique tale of divine love and penance unfolds—a tale that binds the mortal and the divine in a dance of yearning and fate.
The story begins with the goddess Mahakali, known for her immense strength and boundless love. Once, due to an unknown misstep, Mahakali was subjected to a curse that dramatically altered her path. As punishment, she was told that the road to reclaiming her beloved would be fraught with unimaginable trials. To reunite with her eternal love, she would need to descend to earth, not once but four times, taking human form in each lifetime. Accepting this fate with dignity, Ma Kali commenced her journey, transitioning from one life to the next with resilience, touching human lives along the way. Her divine essence remained undeterred, though her heart ached in every life for her beloved Shiva, knowing that their reunion awaited only when her penance was fulfilled.
In the heavenly realm, however, Lord Shiva endured a painful solitude, as each day without Kali felt like an eternity. High in the Himalayas, he yearned for her presence, unable to find solace. As time wore on, his longing grew unbearable, and eventually, Shiva could no longer endure the separation. Resolving to reunite with her, he decided to descend to the earthly realm in search of his beloved. By then, Kali had completed two of her four lifetimes and was in her third. Knowing he could not appear in his divine form among mortals, Lord Shiva transformed into Bhata Muni, a wise and revered sage, taking on human guise to blend seamlessly with the world of humankind.
In the solitude of the Himalayas, Shiva counted moments like stars, each one a heartbeat closer to his beloved. He came as a sage, hidden among mortals, to find her face in a world of earthly shadows and silent prayers.
Thus, in the form of Bhata Muni, Shiva roamed the earth, travelling tirelessly across mountains, rivers, and forests, hoping for even a glimpse of Kali. Weary from his journey, he finally rested beneath a majestic tree, deep in contemplation and meditation. Villagers passing by saw the sage seated beneath the tree, his serene presence drawing them in. Attracted by his quiet wisdom, they gathered around him, offering food and prayers, unaware of the divine presence before them. Among the worshippers was Ma Kali herself, disguised in her human form. Without recognizing her eternal consort, she joined the others, offering prayers to Bhata Muni. At that moment, Lord Shiva’s quest was fulfilled, his heart both relieved and heavy with unspoken love.
Through this incarnation, Bhata Muni became a manifestation of Shiva himself, a deity embodying both divine and human qualities, eternally devoted to Kali. His story spread, and Bhata Muni became revered among the Rabha tribes and communities across Cooch Behar and Alipurduar, seen as a deity who remained present and vigilant, guiding those who sought his blessings.
Today, Bhata Muni's legacy endures in the sacred rituals practised by these communities. In Rasikbil’s Paglikuthi of Cooch Behar, Bhata Muni's shrine stands as a revered site of worship. Each year on the 15th of the Bengali month of Magh, devotees gather for an elaborate ritual. The ceremony begins with the rhythmic 'Bamboo Awakening' song, which involves the symbolic worship of bamboo—an ancient practice believed to channel divine energies. Alongside Bhata Muni, other deities like Pagli Ma, Bagha Sur Baba, Baba Pir, and Narayan Thakur are venerated. This ceremony is marked by offerings of pure river water, banana clusters, tender green coconuts, and pristine white cloth. There is no place for animal sacrifice in this sacred ritual; only the gifts of nature—fruits and flowers—are offered, embodying a pure devotion. The prasad, or blessed offerings, are strictly vegetarian, as any association with flesh is considered unsuitable for the revered Bhata Muni.
Another sacred site lies in Madhya Kamakhyaguri, Alipurduar, within the ancient temple of Adi Ma Kamakhya. Here, Bhata Muni is honoured with daily offerings, with a grand annual festival held on the 11th of the month of Ashar, aligned with the auspicious Ambubachi Mela. Devotees present offerings of milk, bananas, and sweets, making vows for the deity’s blessings and protection. In this unique ritual, a bamboo piece of about 10 to 15 inches is wrapped meticulously in red cloth, with a trident and symbolic weapons placed on top. With a solemn chant, this bamboo is awakened—a practice known as the Bamboo Awakening Song. Accompanied by the beat of drums and the hum of conch shells, devotees sway rhythmically, tapping the bamboo on the earth in a ritual dance as they invoke the presence of the divine.
Across both shrines, Bhata Muni is revered not merely as a deity but as a living presence, an ever-awake guardian who listens to the heartfelt prayers of his devotees, protecting them and guiding them on their journey. This legend of love, sacrifice, and divine intervention endures, keeping alive the sacred memory of Bhata Muni in the hearts of all who revere him.
