20/03/2025
Leap of Faith
This is my personal experience with the Swarnakarshana Bhairava Vidhi, as given by my Guruji, Sri Praveen Radhakrishnan. I call this journey my “Leap of Faith”.
Introduction to the Vidhi: My introduction to this Vidhi happened in a very unusual way. When I first came across Guruji's videoson YouTube, I got a suggestion for his “Bhairava Sadhana: Before the basics” videos, where he explained the basics and spoke about Shanishwara. I watched the first part and liked it. From then on, I kept getting suggestions for more of Guruji's videos, eventually leading me to the Swarnakarshana Bhairava Vidhi.
By the time I started learning about Swarnakarshana Bhairava, Guruji had already released both parts of the Vidhi. I came across them while going through his posts on YouTube and Facebook. In these videos, he explained the significance of Swarnakarshana Bhairava—a name I was familiar with but had never deeply explored. His explanations helped me understand the iconography and the significance of this Rajasic Form of Bhairava. Since I was also devoted to Maa Durga Upasana, I felt a deep connection when Guruji mentiones, Swarnakarshana Bhairava Upasana must be coupled with Maa Durga upasana to bring in the motherly energy.
Challenges in Beginning the Vidhi: The interesting part was that I was never able to complete watching the Vidhi video in one go. Every time I tried, something interrupted me. One time, I was in a car (which was unusual for me since I never watch videos while traveling), and just as Guruji was about to give the Upadesha and the Niyamas, I fell asleep. This happened multiple times.
When I finally managed to watch the complete video in a single go, I faced another dilemma—I was scheduled to travel to Europe from India for work. Guruji had mentioned in the video that one should postpone any travel if before starting the Vidhi. However, since I couldn’t postpone my trip, I found myself in a fix. In the same video, Guruji advised that if one couldn’t follow the Vidhi immediately, they should first inform him via email, and he would guide them on when to begin.
Seeking Permission: Upon reaching Europe, I wrote an email to Guruji. Meanwhile, I was also trying to join his WhatsApp group, which was open only for a brief period. Fortunately, Guruji reopened the group, and I joined instantly.
While waiting for a response to my email, I kept looking for signs. One day, Guruji advised his followers: “If you have any queries, leave a voice note. Don’t call me. Just leave the note and forget about it—don’t wait for a reply. I will respond if she wills it. Just forget it and be happy like a child.” It felt as if Guruji had heard my thoughts. So, I left a voice note, and few days later, he granted me permission to perform the Vidhi on any Sunday, Tuesday, or Ashtami.
Preparation for the Vidhi: The next closest suitable day was Sunday. However, I faced another challenge—obtaining the necessary items for the Vidhi, such as specific oil. These were not easily available where I was, so I had to travel to another city to get them.
One of the key aspects of the Vidhi was Bhairava Vahana Seva, which involved feeding a street dog. This is relatively easy in India but quite difficult in Europe. I was initially upset but did not give up. While reading through Guruji’s comments to queries on the YouTube video, I found that he had previously advised a woman from the U.S. to volunteer at an animal shelter instead during the entire duration of the vithi. This was a breakthrough for me.
Finding an Animal Shelter: I searched for an animal shelter, but it was peak winter—temperatures were in the negatives, with heavy snowfall. Moreover, shelters had strict entry rules, long application processes, and limited visiting hours. I started wondering if I was even eligible for this Sadhana, given the continuous obstacles. But I reminded myself of Guruji’s words: “Bhairava Sadhana is a leap of faith. You have to jump from the cliff, and Bhairava will save you.” So, I decided to go ahead.
After much effort, I finally found a shelter about an hour away. On Sunday, I went there and requested to volunteer. The staff initially told me that official volunteering required documentation and processing. Since I couldn’t reveal the spiritual purpose behind my visit, I simply expressed my love for dogs. They agreed to let me take a black dog for a walk, and I fed multiple dogs that day. I felt relieved, believing that the Vidhi was successful.
Unexpected Setbacks and Resilience: The next day (Monday), I returned to the shelter, only to be denied access. The staff explained that the temporary volunteers were only allowed on weekdays. This was disheartening. However, I did not give up. I kept talking to them, trying to learn more, and eventually, one of them relented, allowing me to meet and feed the dog again.
When I requested a weekday slot, I was told I could come between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. This presented a new challenge—I had to leave my house by 10:00 AM, meaning my Nitya Upasana and the Vidhi had to be completed early in the morning. Missing a single bus could throw off my schedule entirely. Despite these constraints, I committed to making it work.
The Vidhi Begins: With Bhairava Baba, Maa Adya, and Guruji’s blessings, I started the Vidhi. To my surprise, during Nama Japa, I experienced an intense focus. My puja room had a large window to my right, through which sunlight streamed in. I instinctively prayed to Bhairava Baba in the form of the Sun. Later, in one of Guruji’s videos, I heard him say that deities often appear in the form of the Sun. This deeply reassured me.
I followed my own process for the Mansik Guru Invocation, visualizing Guruji sitting in front of me. As I performed the Japa, I distinctly heard Guruji’s voice chanting along. After three repetitions, I felt Guruji’s reassuring presence tapping my shoulder, as if telling me to continue. Even today, I follow the same process.
Overcoming Every Hurdle: Every day brought new challenges. The extreme cold, slippery roads, and transport delays constantly tested my resolve. Once, I missed my bus and felt disappointed—only to realize that I had forgotten the dog food that day! Missing the bus gave me the chance to retrieve it, preventing a major mistake. Such incidents reinforced my belief that I was being guided and protected.
Despite countless obstacles, I completed the Vidhi. The confidence it gave me is beyond explanation. Looking back, I realize that I did not choose this Vidhi—it chose me. Guruji accepted me as his Shishya and granted me the Adhikara to undertake this Sadhana. Without his blessings, it would have been impossible.
A New Beginning: Exactly 11 days after completing the Vidhi, Guruji created the Creative Bench, which I joined. From that day onward, I had deeper access to Guruji’s teachings and messages.
This was my Leap of Faith—a journey where I jumped into the unknown, trusting that Bhairava Baba, Maaa Adya and Guruji would guide me. And they did.
So, finally—take the Leap of Faith. Don’t worry, just jump.
Om Shree Gurubhyo Namaha The Rajapalayam Project - Praveen Radhakrishnan
BhairavaKaalike Namosthuthe
Jai AdyaMahaKali
- By Raman Teja (Bhairava Kaali Upasaka)
