Lord Dattatreya is one of the forms of the Hindu Trinity comprising Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Supposedly, Dattatreya has both Ishwar and Guru within himself. Hence he is also called Gurudev Datt.
Significance of Dattatreya Jayanti
According to the Shastras, Dattatreya was born on Full Moon day or Purnima during Pradosh Kaal in Margashirsha (Dec – Jan) month. His birth finds mention in the holy book, Srimad Bhagwad Gita. It also says that Dattatreya got his education from 24 Gurus.
Datta Jayanthi , the birthday of Dattatreya, is celebrated in many Indian states with great pomp. They include Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telengana, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat. There are many temples dedicated to him as well. Devotees believe that one’s desires can be fulfilled by worshipping Lord Dattatreya.
This form of Trideva is quite unique. Datta has three heads and six arms. The child form of Lord Dattatreya is worshipped on the day of Dattatreya Jayanti.
Myth of Dattatreya
According to myths, there was once a learned Rishi called Atri. He was very knowledgeable and was well-known in all three worlds. His wife was Anasuya. When his wife became pregnant, he wished for a son who had all the qualities that the Hindu Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva - had. On hearing this, the wives of the three gods – Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati, respectively – became envious. So they took permission from their husbands to teach the sage’s wife a lesson.
Thus, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva appeared before Anasuya in the form of mendicants. They asked her for alms, but they wanted her to be naked when serving them. Anasuya was a wise woman, and she realized that they were not ordinary alms-seekers. So she agreed. But first, she sprinkled a few drops of water on them and chanted a Mantra. As she was a chaste woman, she had some special powers. After she chanted the Mantra, the three mendicants turned into babies. Anasuya then breastfed all of them.
When Sage Atri returned to the hermitage, Anasuya told him everything that had happened. He acted as though he had known what had transpired in his absence. Then he turned the 3 babies into a single boy with six hands and three heads.
Seeing all this, the wives of the gods repented what they had done and apologized to Anasuya. They also requested her to restore their husbands to them in their original forms. Anasuya agreed and told her husband to change them back into their original forms.
After regaining their original forms, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva also offered their apologies to Anasuya and blessed the child in her womb. This baby was Dattatreya.
Dattatreya Jayanti Pooja Vidhi
Take a bath and do meditation before sunrise on the day of Dattatreya Jayanti.
Taking a bath in the holy rivers like Kund, Sarovar, etc., is ideal.
After taking a bath, observe a fast while worshipping Lord Dattatreya.
Offer Diya, Dhoop, incense sticks, flowers, and camphor to Lord Dattatreya.
Apply Tilak with vermilion (Sindoor), turmeric (Haldi), and sandalwood (Chandan) on the idol of Dattatreya.
Perform Bhajan-Kirtan and Jagran.
Recite the Path of Gita as it is very beneficial.
After completing the Pooja, revolve around the idol/photo 7 times in the morning and evening.
Chant the Mantra of Dattatreya while revolving.
Perform the Aarti of the Lord.
After the Aarti, offer Prasad as Bhog and then distribute it.
Make a donation according to your ability.
Benefits of Dattatreya Jayanti Pooja
The Dattatreya Upanishad says that those who observe a fast and perform Pooja for Dattatreya the day before Dattatreya Jayanti can get many benefits:
* Fulfillment of material and wealth desires.
* Attainment of supreme knowledge and also accomplishment of goals
* Removal of anxiety and unknown fears
* Relief from planetary Doshas
* Freedom from mental agony and ancestral curses
* Finding the righteous path in life
* Liberation from karmic bonds
* A spiritual mindset
Dattatreya Jayanthi 2021 or Datta Jayanthi 2021 is on Saturday, December 18.