Introduction to Lord Dattatreya
In Hinduism, Lord Dattatreya is worshipped as the great incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the supreme Guru. According to the Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapuran, Lord Dattatreya is considered to be the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is also famous by the names “Shri Gurudev Datta” and “Dattaguru”. Lord Dattatreya’s life is considered to be a divine symbol of devotion, knowledge, yoga and the Guru-Shishya tradition.
In religious texts, Lord Dattatreya is described as the combined incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh — the Trimurti. His teachings inspire mankind to move forward on the path of spirituality, self-knowledge and liberation. He is a highly revered deity for yogis, seekers and Guru devotees.
Origin of Lord Dattatreya
According to mythological stories, Maharishi Atri and Mata Anusuya were a very pious and ascetic couple. Mata Anusuya's chastity and purity were famous throughout the three worlds. One day, Devarshi Narada described the glory of Mata Anusuya before Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Parvati, due to which the three goddesses decided to test her.
The three deities — Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh — came to Mata Anusuya's ashram in the guise of saints and asked for alms on a unique condition. Mata Anusuya, with her chastity and penance, transformed the three gods into infants and breastfed them with maternal love. Then the Trimurti were pleased and blessed that they would incarnate from her womb as Dattatreya, Durvasa and Chandradev.
Spiritual Importance of Lord Dattatreya
Lord Dattatreya is considered to be the ideal embodiment of gravity and spiritual knowledge. He taught the entire world that something can be learned from every person, animal and element in life.
Lord Dattatreya had 24 gurus in his life. He learned deep lessons of life from earth, air, fire, sky, sun, moon, sea, bee, snake, child and many other elements of nature. This teaching shows humanity the path of humility, knowledge and self-realization.
Lord Dattatreya and the 24 Gurus
Lord Dattatreya's teachings from his 24 Gurus hold special significance in Hindu philosophy. They believed that every element of nature teaches a lesson of life in some way.
He received many teachings from his Gurus like endurance from the earth, peace from the sea, selfless service from the sun and innocence from a child. Their teachings are considered very inspiring for spiritual life.
The story of Angha Devi
Angha Devi is described in religious texts as the wife of Lord Dattatreya. On one occasion, Lord Dattatreya manifested a divine power in the form of Devi through his Yogamaya.
The devotees who accepted the goddess in her sacred form and had faith in her, attained happiness, prosperity and spiritual grace. After that, Lord Dattatreya named the goddess “Angha”, which means sinless and pure.
Description of Lord Dattatreya’s form
Lord Dattatreya is usually depicted in a divine form with three faces and six arms. His three faces are considered to be the symbol of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.
He holds a conch, a chakra, a mace, a kamandalu, a trident and a rosary in his hands. In many paintings, he is shown with a cow and four dogs, which are considered to be the symbols of all four Vedas.
Family of Lord Dattatreya
Lord Dattatreya's father was Maharishi Atri and mother was Sati Anusuya. Rishi Durvasa and Chandradev are considered his brothers.
According to religious scriptures, Lord Dattatreya's wife was Anagha Devi and they had eight sons. Their entire family is considered a symbol of spiritual power and divinity.
Mantras of Lord Dattatreya
By chanting the mantras of Lord Dattatreya, devotees attain mental peace, spiritual power and Guru's grace. Dattatreya mantras are considered extremely sacred, especially for Guru devotees.
॥ ॐ द्रां ॥
॥ ॐ द्रा दत्तात्रेय नमः ॥
॥ ॐ दिगंबराय विद्यामेः योगेश्वराय धीमहि। तन्नो दत्तात् प्रचोदयात् ॥
Festivals associated with Lord Dattatreya
Lord Dattatreya Jayanti holds special significance for devotees. On this day, devotees fast, chant, recite and worship Dattatreya in a special way.
Dattatreya Jayanti is celebrated with great devotion in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Bhajans, kirtans and annakoots are organized in many temples.
Famous Temples of Lord Dattatreya
There are many holy temples of Lord Dattatreya in India. The Kurvapur Dattatreya Temple in Karnataka and the Garudeshwar Dattatreya Temple in Gujarat are very famous.
There are also ancient temples of Lord Dattatreya in many holy places in Varanasi, Indore and Uttar Pradesh. The 16 holy Dattatreya shrines known as the “Shodash Datta Kshetra” hold special significance among the devotees.
Spiritual Importance of Lord Dattatreya
Lord Dattatreya is a living symbol of devotion, yoga, knowledge and guruship. He teaches devotees that the true Guru is the one who teaches them to gain knowledge from every experience of life.
It is believed that worshipping him brings self-knowledge, peace of mind and spiritual progress. Lord Dattatreya teaches the devotees the importance of humility, penance and gurubhakti.