Sadhguru says for the madness of the Divine Primordial Energy the Mystic Saint Bama Khyapa lies the clarity of Tara’s wisdom—what seems chaotic to the world is peace in the realm of the divine. This Goddess Tara is only divine feminine the mother of Shiva.
Article | Tarapith | January 11, 2008
Sadhguru: Bama Khyapa, one of the most revered saints of Bengal, is known as the "mad saint" due to his eccentric lifestyle and intense, unconventional spirituality. He is the incarnation of Sage Bashistha. Born in the village of Atla near the famed Tarapith temple, Bama’s life is a remarkable narrative of divine madness, devotion, and the power of love for the goddess Tara. His path was one of mysticism, defying social norms, and his spiritual journey provided a unique perspective into the world of Tantra especially the Chinachar Tantra and Shakti worship. This article explores his life story, mystic practices, teachings, and legacy that continue to inspire spiritual seekers today.
Bama Khyapa’s heartbeat was in tune with the universe; he lived as a mad saint, yet his every word echoed ancient truths.
Chapter 1: Early Life and Divine Calling
Bama Khyapa, originally known as Bamacharan Chattopadhyay, was born in a small, unassuming village in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. His childhood was filled with an inexplicable attraction to spirituality, and he was seen as different by his peers. As a young boy, Bamacharan displayed signs of being deeply drawn to spiritual realms, often drifting into states of contemplation and trance that seemed unusual for his age. Raised in a simple Brahmin family, he was expected to follow the traditional paths of his lineage, yet from an early age, Bama seemed driven by a different force – a calling towards the goddess Tara, who would come to define his life’s purpose.
His early years saw moments of divine ecstasy and experiences that puzzled the villagers. He would wander to places of solitude and talk to himself, or rather, to the unseen entities he claimed were his guides and companions. Bama’s family, initially concerned, gradually realized that his eccentricities were manifestations of a deeper, spiritual connection. Recognizing this, his family allowed him the freedom to pursue his path, albeit with a certain amount of scepticism and societal judgment.
For Bama, the cremation grounds were a playground of the spirit, where life and death merged under Tara’s watchful gaze.
Chapter 2: The Allure of Tarapith and Embracing the Tantric Path
Bama’s life took a defining turn when he first visited the Tarapith temple, dedicated to the goddess Tara, an aspect of the Divine Mother known for her fierce yet compassionate nature. Tarapith itself is considered one of the Shakti Peethas, sites believed to be imbued with the energy of the Divine Feminine, and it was here that Bama Khyapa found his true spiritual home. The burning pyres, the chanting of devotees, and the sight of Tara Ma captivated him, invoking an uncontrollable attraction and devotion within him.
Drawn to the Tantric path, Bama began intense practices under the guidance of various gurus who frequented Tarapith. It was here he met his spiritual mentor, Kailashpati Baba, who initiated him into the deeper aspects of Tantra. Kailashpati recognized the young Bamacharan’s potential, sensing his natural affinity with the occult and mystic practices. Under Kailashpati’s guidance, Bama Khyapa’s devotion to Tara grew into an inseparable bond, transcending the normal boundaries of human devotion and pushing him into realms of mysticism and profound, ecstatic worship.
To understand Bama Khyapa, one must see beyond the surface of madness and find the light of compassion burning in his soul.
Chapter 3: Mystic Practices and Divine Madness
Bama’s life as a mystic was unconventional, challenging societal norms and redefining the idea of divine madness. He was often seen performing rituals in the cremation grounds, chanting hymns to Tara amidst the burning pyres – a practice considered taboo and frightening to many. For Bama, however, the cremation ground symbolized the ultimate truth of life, a place where all distinctions dissolved, leaving only the bare essence of existence. Here, he communed with spirits, sought wisdom from ancestral beings, and conducted rituals to invoke Tara’s presence.
His “madness” was, in fact, a unique expression of divine ecstasy. Often, he would dance and sing to Tara, entering states of trance that left him oblivious to his surroundings. People began to view him as a madman, yet those close to him understood that his “madness” was a sign of his intense, unmediated connection with the goddess. He was often seen talking to Tara Ma as though she were physically present, laughing and crying with her, oblivious to others’ perceptions.
This unusual lifestyle earned him the title “Khyapa,” meaning “mad” in Bengali, yet in the context of spiritual reverence. His deep devotion and peculiar practices drew followers and sceptics alike, all curious to witness the mystic who had no care for social etiquette or personal well-being, surrendering himself entirely to his beloved goddess.
Bama Khyapa taught that true devotion is not bound by ritual—it’s the raw, unfiltered cry of a heart reaching for the divine.
Chapter 4: Miracles and Mystical Experiences
As Bama Khyapa’s spiritual influence grew, stories of miracles began to circulate in and around Tarapith and beyond. It was said that his blessings could cure ailments, solve family disputes, and even alter the course of people's destinies. One of the most famous stories tells of how he once transformed ordinary sand into gold to help a poor devotee in need, an act that seemed both wondrous and improbable, yet firmly believed by his followers.
Bama was known for his peculiar ways of granting blessings. Often, he would scold or even hurl stones at those seeking his blessings, much to their shock and confusion. However, those who faced his scoldings often found their problems miraculously resolved. This contradictory behaviour was attributed to his eccentric personality and his unique relationship with the Divine. To Bama, devotion did not mean compliance with social norms; it was an unmediated, raw expression of love and surrender to the goddess. His blessings, often bestowed in the form of cryptic words or actions, held transformative power for those who received them.
The world called him mad, but to Tara’s children, Bama Khyapa was the saint who spoke the language of the soul.
In the village of Tarapith, many still recount tales of how he would often go into deep states of Samadhi, or spiritual trance, where he appeared lifeless, only to awaken hours later with newfound wisdom or predictions for the villagers. For Bama, these mystical experiences were the lifeblood of his connection with the Divine, expressions of the goddess’s presence that transcended the ordinary human experience.
Chapter 5: Teachings of a Mystic Saint
Despite his unusual demeanour, Bama Khyapa was revered as a wise teacher by his followers. His teachings, although not documented systematically, were passed down orally, capturing the essence of his beliefs and practices. Central to his philosophy was the concept of “direct experience” over ritualistic worship. To Bama, true devotion was not a matter of performing elaborate rituals; it was about cultivating an unbreakable bond with the Divine.
He taught his disciples the importance of surrender, of dissolving the ego to become one with Tara. His teachings emphasized that devotion was not about receiving favours from the goddess but about complete absorption into her divine presence. This surrender, he believed, was the path to true freedom – a liberation from the cycle of life and death.
Bama’s mystic laughter was the song of freedom—breaking chains, shattering illusions, and opening doors to the boundless.
Chapter 6: The Legacy of Bama Khyapa and the Spiritual Influence of Tarapith
Bama Khyapa’s legacy endures in Tarapith, where his life and teachings continue to inspire devotees of all backgrounds. The mystic practices he embraced, particularly his devotion to Tara in the cremation grounds, have left an indelible mark on the spiritual landscape of Bengal. Followers still flock to his samadhi, or final resting place, seeking his blessings and hoping to experience a fragment of his divine connection with the goddess.
Tarapith has become a place of pilgrimage for Tantric practitioners, devotees, and spiritual seekers, each one drawn to the aura of Bama’s presence that still permeates the temple and the surrounding cremation grounds. His life reminds devotees of the transformative power of love for the Divine, a love that is unbound by social conventions or material concerns, transcending the limitations of the human mind.
The Eternal Flame of Devotion
Bama Khyapa’s life story is a testament to the enduring power of devotion and the mystic’s journey to transcendence. His existence, filled with divine madness and ecstasy, was a rare glimpse into the boundless love between a devotee and the Divine. The saint’s teachings and legacy serve as an invitation to all seekers, encouraging them to pursue the Divine with fearless devotion and unwavering surrender.
Even today, Bama Khyapa is remembered not just as a saint, but as an embodiment of divine madness, a bridge between the mortal and the eternal, who showed the world that true devotion can take any form and lead to the ultimate truth.
