"Sarva Aparaadha Naashaaya
Sarva Paapa Haraaya Cha |
Deva Devaaya Devaaya
Sri Dattatreya Namosthuthe ||"
This is a sloka or hymn in praise of Sri Dattatreya, the
meaning of which is as follows:
"I bow to the One who negates Karma,
The One who annihilates all sins
I bow to the God of all Gods
I bow to Sri Guru Dattatreya!"
Dattatreya on Laminated Board - Wall Hanging
Dattatreya, or Sri Datta, as he is also referred to, is a
Hindu deity who is also regarded as an aspect of the Divine
Trinity or Trimurti of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. The name
"Dattatreya" is derived from two Sanskrit words, Datta (which
means "given") and Atreya (which refers to the sage Atri, who
was also Datta’s biological father).
In the Nath tradition of Hinduism, Dattatreya is considered to
be an avatar or reincarnation of Lord Shiva and is revered as
the Adi-Guru or the First Teacher of the Adinath Sampradaya of
the Nath sect of followers. Dattatreya first emerged as a
teacher of Yoga, with clear Tantric traits. But later, he was
accepted and absorbed into many other cults and sects, even
including the more conventional Vaishnavism. He is also
considered more of a God today, than a teacher. Today, this
deity is worshiped by a multitude of Hindus from all walks of
life, spanning the entire globe.
Data is believed to be the author of the Tripura Rahasya, a
treatise on Advaita Vedanta, which was given to Parashurama.
Datta’s birthday is celebrated in a big way as Datta Jayanti.
Origins of Dattatreya
Dattatreya is regarded as one of the most ancient deities. The
earliest references to him can be found as far back as in the
Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The Dattatreya Upanishad, which
is part of the Atharva Veda, describes him as variously taking
the form of a child, a madman and even a demon, in order to
help his followers attain moksha (liberation) from the
material world.
In the earliest Tantric traditions, this deity was portrayed
with only one head. Gorakshanath was responsible for including
Sri Datta in the Nath Sampradaya and giving the deity a
socially acceptable form today. The current three-headed form
of Guru Sri Datta was probably introduced in the last 900
years or so.
Dattatreya’s Birth
Data was born to sage Atri, who had been granted a boon by
Lord Shiva that he would be born in their household, to the
sage himself. Lord Shiva or Parameshwara, being part of the
Trinity, Dattatreya automatically becomes an aspect of the
Trimurti.
Yet another legend of Datta’s birth suggests a rather mystical
origin of this deity. Some sources believe that he was born in
the jungles of Kashmir, very close to the holy Amarnath.
Datta’s Childhood
Young Datta left his home at a very tender age, to roam naked
in search of the Absolute One. He wandered around Gujarat,
Maharashtra, North Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. He is
believed to have attained enlightenment in a town in
Karnataka, known as Ganagapura. It is also said that his
original footprints can still be seen in a lonely peak at
Girnar.
Even the treatise Tripura Rahasya refers to Parashurama
finding Dattatreya meditating on a peak on the Gandhamadana
Mountain.
Dattatreya as an Avatar of the Trinity
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - Glitter Poster
Three of Dattatreya’s closest disciples were kings. While one
of them was an Asura, the others belonged to the Kshatriya
(warrior) clan. Dattatreya was at first regarded as an avatar
of Shiva. But later, Vaishnavites claimed that he was an
avatar of Vishnu. But many Hindus regard both Shiva and
Vishnus as two aspects of the Absolute Brahman. Hence, he went
on to identify with the Trinity themselves.
Interestingly, the Dattatreya Upanishad first introduces him
as being one with Vishnu and ends with the mantra, "Om Namah
Shivaya", thereby also identifying him with Shiva. Towards the
end of the third chapter, it says that Shiva pervades all
reality and resides as the Eternal Jyoti (Divine Light) in the
heart of every man. Shiva is described here as being
omnipresent and omniscient. Finally, the chapter closes with
the description of Shiva as of being that of Dattatreya.
In the Dasham Granth, Guru Gobind Singh describes Dattatreya
(Datt Muni/Datt Dev) as being the incarnation of Rudra, the
Supreme Power. This treatise also narrates the entire life
story of Datta.
Appearance of Dattatreya
Shri Dattatreya is portrayed in different ways in different
traditions among the Hindus. However, the most commonly
portrayed image as having six hands; the lowest two hands
holding a Mala (garland) and a Kamandalu (water pot). The
middle two hands are shown holding the sacred Shankha (Conch)
and Chakra (Discus). Occasionally, portraits also show him
holding the Gada (Mace). He is also shown as accompanied by 4
dogs and a cow.
Significance of the Form of Datta
Dattatreya - Brass Statue
Dattatreya is shown having 3 heads and a form that resonates
peace and serenity. In the present Kali Yuga, it is only
through pure, divine love, that one can go beyond just being
poised and actually attain that type of calmness and serenity.
Only those extremely Dharmic (righteous) can follow the
fourfold path of Yoga and go ahead to discover the Absolute
Truth. Guru Datta radiates that very love and compassion,
thereby emanating that peace and love from his person.
The 3 heads of Shri Guru Datta are said to embody his identity
as the Devas of the Trinity, namely, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
He is also the one who has transcended the 3 qualities or the
Triguna and is one with the Sublime Energy of the Absolute
Guru. This is why he is also regarded as the Teacher or the
Divine Guru.
Sri Datta’s 6 Hands
Dattatreya is most often shown as having 6 hands, each holding
the Sankha, the Chakra, the Gada, the Trishul (Trident), the
Kamandalu (water pot) and the Begging Bowl. Mentioned below is
the significance of each of these items:
The Shankha
The Shankha or the Conch is the one that resonates with the
Naada, the divine sound. "Sam" and "Kham" together stand for
Jupiter and Saturn. Saturn stands forms the basis of knowledge
spiritual expansion, which is ultimately bestowed by Jupiter.
Likewise, the teacher too is responsible to first awaken the
need for gaining knowledge in the student and then helping him
or her seek extensive training to achieve the same.
The Chakra
The Chakra, the Discus or the Wheel stands for time or the
Kalachakra. The teacher presides over this factor too, by
training the student to gain knowledge regarding the time
factor, also teaching him to adapt equally to both good and
bad times in his life, without getting affected by either.
Developing a sense of timelessness leads the follower to
Ananda or bliss.
The Gada
The Gada or the Mace is symbolic of pride. Pride has to be
sacrificed in order to walk the path of the Truth. Dattatreya
leads his followers with love and compassion, gently nudging
them when they err from the path of Dharma, reminding them to
put down their pride and develop love and compassion for other
being, thereby experiencing spiritual enlightenment.
The Mace also symbolizes the inverted form of the
cerebro-spinal system in our bodies. Guru Datta holding the
mace indicates him reversing human conditioning, to free the
devotee of his ignorance, finally leading him toward
enlightenment.
The Trishul
Shiva Trident - Brass Sculpture
The Trishul or the Trident symbolizes the triple energies of
Ida, Pingala and Sushumna, which are contained in a subtle
form within the Brahmadanda. The Ida at the left, gives right
to materialization; the Pingala at the right, to spirituality;
and the Yogic Sushumna, being the central energy current,
works to balance out both these right and left energies. Datta
holding the Trident, represents the promise he makes to his
followers, to balance out their energies in a way that helps
them lead the best life possible, in terms of material
pleasure as well as spirituality.
The Kamandalu
Kamandalu for Holy Water - Brass Sculpture
The Kamandalu or the little water pot indicates that Guru
Datta is, in fact, the life carrier. He bestows a good and
long life on the student, so that it can aid him in his
spiritual journey; his journey along the Path of the Truth.
The Master breathes this life-force into his student, thereby
helping him perform his daily Yogic practices, finally raising
his Kundalini and giving him the moksha that he seeks.
The Begging Bowl
Finally, the begging bowl that Datta holds; signifies that he
begs followers to donate their ego, limitations, pride,
negativity, evil thoughts and sickness to him, thereby
enabling them to be free of the same. Guru Dattatreya then
drinks down this "poison" and helps his bhaktas be liberated
from all forms of negativity and evil, thereby putting them
more firmly on the path toward enlightenment. Incidentally,
Lord Shiva is also sometimes portrayed to be carrying a
begging bowl for the same reason.
The Four Dogs
Shri Guru Datta is commonly portrayed as being accompanied by
4 dogs of 4 different colors. These 4 dogs represent the
following:
- The 4 Vedas: Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yayur Veda and
Atharva Veda
- The 4 Yugas: Krita Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapara Yuga and
Kali Yuga
- The 4 states of the Word: Para (beyond), Pasyanti
(perception); Madhyama (conception), Vaikhari (vocal)
- The 4 states of Existence: Existence, Awareness, Thought
and Speech or Action.
Gold Plated and Stone Studded Om
Hindu philosophy believes that the entire world was created
from the Primordial Sound or Naada, the OM. Thus, the Word is
considered most sacred in this Pantheon. The ancient seers
considered that the process of creation had 4 main aspects.
The Vaishnavites called them Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna
and Aniruddha. The Shaivites explained the same 4 stages as
Paramashiva, Sadashiva, Ishvara and Rudra. The Shaktyas
(devotees of the Divine Mother Shakti), on the other hand,
referred to them as Parashakti, Iccha Shakti, Jnana Shakti and
Kriya Shakti. Today, these very 4 stages are referred to as
Pure Consciousness, Will, Love/Wisdom and Intellect.
In the pre-Vedic era, dogs were regarded as auspicious
symbols. Later, it was believed that deities assumed the form
of dogs. These animals were also often linked to fidelity and
Veera, the quality of great courage, closely associated with
warriors. Dogs can be both wild and tame, thereby representing
the qualities of fidelity and devotion.
The dog is one of the most sublime symbols of the Vedic
system. The dog is capable of sharp auditory capability and
has a perception far more advanced than that of human beings.
They are also always alert and receptive to teaching. This is
the first prerequisite of a good disciple.
The ability to listen and listen to the subtle is what leads
the seeker to the Voice of Silence or the Voice of the Divine.
This Anahata Naada (that which cannot be heard by the ordinary
auditory sense) is what leads the seeker to the Heart Centre,
thereby enabling him or her perceive the Sound of the Divine
One.
Cultivating silence and awareness helps one form impressions
in the subtle plane. The dog again represents this orientation
and the impression at higher levels of existence.
Greek mythology too believes in a three-headed dog, called
Hydra, that keeps vigil at the gates of heaven and hell. The
dog, being a symbol of alertness and vigilance, also
represents the 3 levels of physical sound.
The dog is also capable of great love and compassion, which is
far beyond the comprehension of human beings. Cultivating
these qualities helps human beings go beyond their physical
and bodily limitations to finally realize the Absolute
Truth.
The Cow
Dattatreya - Poster with Plastic Lamination
Datta is also accompanied by a white cow - in fact, the cow is
protected by the deity. According to Vedic tradition, the cow
embodies creation, which nourishes its beings with its milk.
Drinking the cow’s milk, therefore, is symbolic of receiving
that nourishment from the creative cosmic forces; also
indicating growth, satiation, contentment, health and joy. The
cow embodies the nurturing aspect of the Universe and hence,
it is given the utmost respect in Hinduism.
In this system of thought and philosophy, anything that is
capable of creating should be given the same respect as of the
cow. Hence, Hinduism stipulates that women, the planet Earth,
the solar system and the entire cosmic system be given the
paramount respect.
It is for this very reason that Datta is shown protecting and
nurturing the cow, which bestows happiness, peace, health and
joy.
Comparison between Datta and Krishna
Lord Krishna is also shown being accompanied by a cow, for the
selfsame reason. Dattatreya being an extension of Krishna,
this depiction bears great profundity to the similarity in
their attitudes and personalities.
Through his life story, Lord Krishna ably demonstrated his
threefold ability to create like Lord Brahma, to preserve like
Lord Vishnu and to destroy like Lord Shiva. Datta too is
ascribed these qualities, embodied by his three-headed
countenance.
While Datta is considered the Master of Yoga, Lord Krishna
taught the Science of Yoga through the teachings of the
Bhagavad Gita, which is a conglomeration of Yoga Vidya, Brahma
Vidya and the Upanishads.
Avatars of Dattatreya
According to the book "Shri Dattatreya Shodashavatar
Charitanee", Guru Sri Datta took 16 avatars or manifestations,
which are as follows:
- Yogiraj
- Atrivarad
- Dattatreya
- Kala Agnishaman
- Yogijan Vallabh
- Lila Vishwambar
- Siddharaj
- Dnyanasagar
- Vishwambharavdhoot
- Mayamuktavadhoot
- Mayayuktavadhoot
- Adiguru
- Shiva Guru Dattatreya
- Devdeveshwar
- Digambar
- Sri Krishna Shyam Kamalnayan
In the Dasopanta sect, all of the above avatars are worshipped
and Dasopanta is considered as his 17th avatar. According to
the Datta Sampradaya, Sripad Sri Vallabh is the first avatar
and the second one is Narasimha Saraswati. Apart from these,
great spiritual leaders such as Akkalkot Swami Samarth, Sri
Vasudevanand Saraswati, Manik Prabhu, Krishna Saraswati,
Shirdi Sai Baba, Gajanan Maharaj and Sri Ganapati
Sachchidananda Swamiji are also considered to be incarnations
of Dattatreya.
Gurus of Dattatreya
We all have Gurus or teachers. Datta considered the entire
Universe and its creations as his teachers, for each of them
taught him something useful - such was his greatness and
humility. Sri Guru Datta considered that he had 24 Gurus,
which are as follows:
- Mother Earth - She sustains and nourishes the world and
its creations and uncomplainingly bears their burden on
her own self. Tolerance, patience and forbearance are the
lessons Datta learnt from her.
- Water - Water is the life-sustaining force, which
quenches thirst and soothes the body of its heat. Its
sweetness and smoothness calms the world and offers
comfort.
- Fire - Fire is bright, luminous and free of sin. It
burns everything in sight, but is not cruel or judgmental.
It also frees everything from impurity.
- Air - Air is in continuous movement, regardless of good
or bad. It is free and unattached to anyone or anything.
The seeker too, should be unfettered thus while following
the path of the Truth.
- Space - Space consists of everything, and yet, is made
up of nothingness. It is also unattached, though very much
part of the Cosmos.
- Sun - It warms water, yet sucks it out. It gives light
to Earth, therefore breathing life into the planet. It
throws its brilliant light on the whole world and cheers
everyone.
- Snake - The serpent never resides in its own house. It
moves around at will, in any direction that it wishes to
go. It also does not desire anything for its own happiness
or benefit.
- Python - The python is unselfish and free of desire. It
accepts whatever it can find as food and keeps going its
way.
- Moon - The moon keeps waxing and waning; yet it remains
unchanged. Similarly, the seeker should remain unaffected
by all changes taking place in his or her life-cycle.
- Ocean - The Ocean never changes its appearance or its
size during periods of tide and ebb. While some adore it,
others fear or even hate it. However, it remains
unaffected by others’ opinions.
- Butterfly - The butterfly always flits around happily,
knowing its life is short. It is unattached to anything
and willingly embraces death by jumping into the flame of
the lamp.
- Dove - Doves are messengers of love and peace. They are
beauty and sensitivity personified. A seeker should learn
to imitate these qualities of a dove.
- Fish - Fish are always tempted by the sense of taste.
They invariably undergo much pain and suffering and
ultimately die at the hands of a human being, trying to
bait them. Human beings also exhibit the same tendency of
falling for temptation. This should be avoided at all
costs.
- Honeybee - The honeybee works hard to collect honey,
but someone else uses it. Likewise, greedy people make
others work hard and enjoy the fruits of others’ hard
labor. However, greed does not pay and such people will
always be miserable. A seeker should avoid becoming greedy
and avaricious.
- Deer - The deer, which is such a gentle creature, is
always tempted into falling prey to a vile hunter’s bait.
A seeker should be ever wary of people who exploit others’
weaknesses for their own benefit.
- Elephant - The elephant has amazing memory power. It is
capable of remembering people and instances for life. It
is also capable of showing much love.
- Bumblebee - The bumblebee enjoys the fragrance of
flowers, but does so without hurting any flower. It also
remains unattached to any one particular flower or type of
flower.
- The Prostitute Pingala - A prostitute, called Pingala,
lived in the city of Videhnagar. She became disillusioned
with her profession and the way she was earning her
livelihood. One day, she decided to mend her ways and
dedicate the rest of her life to the service of God. She
led a peaceful life ever since.
- Eagle - An eagle held a piece of meat between its beaks
and was flying with it. Other greedy eagles began to chase
it for the meat and finally grabbed it. The poor eagle was
left critically injured in the fight. Seekers should take
care not to hoard anything, as they may fall prey to
greedy people.
- Child - A child is pure of heart and holds no grudges.
It is unaffected by the cycle of life and by desire, is
loving, trusting and nonjudgmental. One should learn to be
pristine like the child.
- The Village Girl - A village girl was at home,
thrashing rice. Her bangles were making noise as she
worked. There were some guests there and she didn’t want
to disturb them. Realizing the noise of her bangles could
wake them; she removed them and then continued to work.
Similarly, a seeker should try not to disturb anyone at
any point of time.
- Arrow-maker - An arrow-maker was so focused on his
work, that he did not even notice a King and his entire
army pass by. This quality of attention is something
everyone should learn from.
- Spider - A spider spins its web from its own mouth and
lives in it. Once its use is over, the creature swallows
it back. A seeker should also remain free and unattached
to material things around him.
- Wasp - The wasp is known for its sharp sight and
keenness of intent. It keeps poking and prodding their
young ones till they turn into lovely-looking, fully-grown
creatures. Their focus is worth learning from.
Avadhuta Gita
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According to the Nath Sampradaya, the Avadhuta Gita is a work
compiled from the words uttered by Dattatreya, which had been
transcribed by his two disciples, Swami and Kartika. Even
greats like Swami Vivekananda are said to have held this book
in high esteem.
Some of the ideas in this treatise is similar to Shaivite
philosophy, Vaishnavite Agamas and Buddhist Tantra as well.
Traditions of the Dattatreya Sect in India
Several Dattatreya sects emerged in many parts of India,
predominantly in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and
Karnataka. We throw a light on some of these different
traditions.
Puranic Tradition
The Puranic tradition of Dattatreya was propagated by several
of his oldest disciples, including Kartavirya Sahasrarjuna,
Alarka, King Aayu, King Yadu, Sri Parashurama and Saankruti.
Mahanubhav Tradition
The Mahanubhav Panth was brought to the fore by Sri Chakradhar
Swami. This sect reveres Guru Sri Datta as the Adiguru or the
Original Master. Followers worship Datta as a single-headed
deity, with just 2 arms. According to this tradition, the
deity continues to rule in all the 4 Yugas and still continues
to take different forms, like those of an avadhoot, hunter,
sage, tiger and so on. To this day, followers visit places in
the state of Maharashtra where Guru Sri Datta is said to have
visited. The Datta Jayanti generally falls in the month of
December and attracts great crowds to Maharashtra during this
time.
Sri Gurucharita Tradition
This tradition arises from Sripad Srivallabha and Sri
Narasimha Saraswati. The main disciples promoting this sect
include Sri Janardanswami, Dasopant, Eknath, Manik Prabhu,
Niranjan Raghunath, Narayan Maharaj Jalwankar, Swami Samarth,
Gajanan Maharaj, Shirdi Sai Baba, Shi Vasudevananda Saraswati
and so on.
Sakalmat Sampradaya Tradition
As the term "Sakalmat" suggests, this tradition accepts
followers from all faiths. This is the Rajyogi type of sect
and Sri Chaitanya Dev is worshipped as the ultimate deity.
Followers of this sect view items of luxury, jewelry, precious
stones and expensive clothing as nothing very important to
them. There is no distinction between the rich and the poor
and people from all castes and religions were treated as one.
This tradition was started by Sri Manik Prabhu. Some of the
most prominent followers of this tradition include Bapacharya,
Narayan Dikshit and Gopalbua.
Avadhoot Panth Tradition
Started by Sri Pantmaharah Balekindrikar, this tradition spans
across the regions of Akol, Balekundri, Belgaum, Daddi,
Dharwad, Kochari, Nerali and Gokak. The disciples mainly
responsible for the emergence of this tradition, who are also
collectively referred to as the "Panth-bandhus" or "Panth
Brothers", are Govindarao, Gopalrao, Shankarrao, Vamanrao and
Narasimharao.
Famous Temples of Dattatreya
One can find many temples of Dattatreya all over the world.
Here is a list of the most famous places of worship dedicated
to the deity:
Maharashtra
The Ek Mukhi Dattatreya temple is very ancient - almost 800
years old. Situated near the Vengurla town, this idol is said
to have been brought from Narsimavadi. The idol here is
one-headed, with four hands.
There is yet another ancient temple in Kolhapur, situated
inside the premises of the Vitthala temple near Mirajkar
Tikatti.
The Ek Mukhi Datta temple of Narayanpur, Pune, is also very
popular. This one is located at the bottom of the Purandar
fort.
Another Dattatreya temple in Deogad, Ahmednagar district, is
said to be very powerful.
Gujarat
The temple of Narasimha Saraswati in Baroda follows this
particular tradition of Datta worship and is very popular
among the devotees in and around that area.
The Sri Dattpith Sansthan Pathri lies among the quiet environs
of the Vanki River, about 7 kilometers away from the district
of Valsad.
Andhra Pradesh
Data is said to have taken his first avatar as Sri Sripad
Srivallabha at Pithapuram in Andhra Pradesh. The Datta temple
here is said to be one of the most powerful ever.
Experiencing Datta’s Presence
While Guru Sri Dattatreya is considered to be omnipresent,
omnipotent and omniscient, there are a few special places,
things and points in time during which one can specially feel
his presence and his grace flowing on his devotees. Mentioned
below is a list of these special moments when followers can
try and invoke his presence in their lives:
- The Salagrama - this is a natural stone, which is
considered to be sacred among Hindus across the world.
Spherical in shape, these stones are basically formed out
of the shells found in riverbeds.
- Apart from the above, the tree of Audambara, the dog,
the cow, and saints radiate the divine presence of Sri
Guru Datta.
- His presence can also be specially felt on Thursdays,
during the month of Sagittarius, and on full moon and new
moon nights as well.
- Vibhuti or sacred ash and Sandalwood, are two
substances which can give the devotee an experience of his
presence. Hence, they are also recommended to be applied
on the seeker’s body.
- Sri Guru Datta’s temples, places of worship, banks of
sacred rivers and places of natural beauty and quiet can
also be ideal locations for experiencing his presence.
- Above all, the practice of Yoga and meditation, and
contemplating the Jyoti or the Divine Light, can easily
lead the seeker to feel the Adiguru’s presence and his
grace.