Practitioner of Pisach — A Vampire

The Guru I Met Before I Was Born

In the course of my research and spiritual exploration, the first extraordinary individual I came in contact with was the great Tantric adept Bhavanishankar Bhaduri.

At that time, Bhaduri Mahashay lived in the Manasrovar neighborhood of Kashi. He was of medium height, fair-complexioned, with a completely shaven head and a clean-shaven face. His body was heavyset, his abdomen slightly protruding, yet his face glowed constantly with the radiance of deep spiritual practice. His eyes, too, carried an unmistakable sharpness and inner fire. I had heard—possibly from Dr. Gopinath Kaviraj—that Bhaduri Mahashay had once been a professor at Dhaka University. He lived alone, unmarried, and had always been introspective and fond of solitude. From early on, he was drawn toward Tantric spiritual disciplines. In Dhaka stands the revered Daksheshwari (Dhakeshwari) Temple. Beside the temple flows the Tripathaga River, curving gracefully yet forcefully, its current fierce and powerful. Near the temple lies a large, solid ghat, above which stands an ancient and massive Peepal tree. Every year during the Ashwin Navratri, a grand fair is held there in celebration of Durga Puja. Devotees from distant regions gather, and for nine days the worship of the Divine Mother continues with immense devotion. On the sacred midnight of Ashtami, the ritual sacrifice of a buffalo is performed before the Goddess, followed by special Tantric worship of Mahāmāyā on Ashtami and Navami. On this occasion, many accomplished Tantric practitioners are also present. That year, as always, Durga Puja was being celebrated with great splendor. It was the morning of Maha Ashtami. The ghat was crowded with devotees bathing in the river. Brahmins seated on raised platforms were reciting the Chandi Path in resonant voices. Nearby, married women clad in red-bordered sarees stood with water pots in hand, their faces veiled, singing hymns in praise of the Goddess. After completing his ritual bath, Bhavani Babu was slowly ascending the steps when his eyes fell upon a sadhu seated beneath the Peepal tree. The ascetic had matted locks, a long beard, and a tall, powerful physique. He wore a red robe and cloak. On his forehead was a Tripundra, and at its center a large circular mark of red vermilion. Around his neck hung rosaries of Rudraksha, crystal, and coral. The sadhu sat upright, completely still, his eyes closed. His face shone with an intense, otherworldly brilliance. There was no doubt—he was a great Tantric practitioner. Bhavani Babu stood motionless, gazing at him for a long time, utterly spellbound. Then, driven by an unknown inner force, he suddenly clasped the sadhu’s feet with both hands. Tears began to stream uncontrollably from his eyes. Even Bhavani Babu himself could not understand why he was weeping. After a few moments, the sadhu opened his eyes. It seemed as though he had just emerged from deep samadhi. As soon as he saw Bhavani Babu, he was startled, as if struck by lightning. In astonishment, he exclaimed, “Bhavani! You? How did you come here? I have been searching for you for so long.” Bhavani Babu could not comprehend a word. He simply stared silently at the sadhu’s face. The sadhu said nothing further. He raised his right hand and placed it upon Bhavani Babu’s head. In the very next moment, Bhavani Babu lost consciousness. When he regained awareness, he found himself inside a cave. How or when he had arrived there, he could not recall. Nor did he know where the cave was located. Later, everything became clear. That sadhu was none other than Mahatantric Aghoranand— the guru of Bhavani Babu from his previous birth.