Datta Jayanti
Datta Jayanti, also known as Dattatreya Jayanti, is a Hindu festival that commemorates the birth of the Hindu god Dattatreya (Datta), who is an integrated form of the Hindu male divine trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The festival is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Dattatreya. Dattatreya is considered to be the god of knowledge, devotion, and yoga.
The story behind the birth of Lord Dattatreya goes as follows:
According to Hindu mythology, Dattatreya was the son of the sage Atri and his wife Anasuya. Anasuya, a pious and virtuous wife, underwent intense penance to obtain a son possessing qualities similar to the Hindu male Trinity (Trimurti) of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The female counterparts of this Trinity, Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati (wives of the Trimurti), began feeling envious of Anasuya’s virtue. To test her righteousness, they instigated their husbands to test her.
For the test, the three gods appeared before Anasuya disguised as ascetics and requested alms while being naked to test her chastity. Anasuya was momentarily startled but quickly regained her composure. She uttered a mantra and sprinkled water on them, turning them into infants. Following her wish, she nursed them. When the gods didn’t revert to their original forms, their wives grew concerned and hurried to Anasuya. The three goddesses sought her forgiveness and pleaded for the return of their husbands. Anasuya agreed, and then the Trimurti appeared before Atri and Anasuya, blessing them with a son named Dattatreya.
Although Dattatreya is considered an incarnation where all three gods merged into one form, he is predominantly regarded as an incarnation of Vishnu, while his siblings, Chandradeva and the sage Durvasa, are regarded as incarnations of Brahma and Shiva, respectively.
In another belief, Anasuya agreed to restore a woman named Shilavati’s husband to life after he had received a curse of death the next day. Upon receiving a boon from the Trimurti, she requested that they be born as her sons, thus resulting in the birth of Dattatreya.
These narratives encapsulate the legend of Lord Dattatreya’s birth in Hindu mythology, illustrating the significance and diverse beliefs surrounding his origins.
In 2024, when will Datt Jayanti be celebrated and what is the auspicious time for the festival?
Datt Jayanti in 2024 will be observed on Tuesday, 14th December. This day falls on the full moon day of the Margashirsha month in the Hindu lunar calendar.
Here are the timings for the date:
Start of the full moon day (Purnima) – 14th December 2024 at 04:58 PM
End of the full moon day (Purnima) – 15th December 2024 at 02:31 PM
What is the significance of Datt Jayanti and why is it celebrated?
- Datt Jayanti symbolizes the convergence of knowledge and devotion. Dattatreya is regarded as an incarnation of knowledge and devotion. Worshipping Dattatreya grants devotees the attainment of both knowledge and devotion.
- It serves as an opportunity for spiritual development. Dattatreya is considered a great yogi and spiritual guru. Worshiping him aids devotees in their spiritual evolution.
- It offers a chance to bring positivity into life. Dattatreya is seen as an embodiment of joy and love. Worshipping him brings positivity into the lives of devotees.
On the day of Dattatreya Jayanti, devotees perform puja (worship) of Lord Dattatreya in temples. They observe fasts and recite the Guru Charitra (a holy text). On this day, devotees pray for acquiring knowledge, devotion, and spiritual development.
The festival of Dattatreya Jayanti is celebrated in various parts of India. Specifically, it is observed on a large scale in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
Puja Procedure for Datt Jayanti:
- Wake up early in the morning and take a bath.
- Clean your home and install a picture or idol of Lord Dattatreya.
- Perform Abhishek (ritualistic bathing) of Lord Dattatreya with water from the Ganges, milk, yogurt, honey, and Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and sugar).
- Offer flowers, incense, lamps, and Naivedya (food offering) to Lord Dattatreya.
- Chant the mantras dedicated to Lord Dattatreya.
- Pray to Lord Dattatreya for knowledge, devotion, and spiritual development.
Observing a fast on Datt Jayanti holds special significance. Devotees who fast should consume only one meal during the day. It is believed that observing this fast grants the devotees the blessings of Lord Dattatreya.
On Datt Jayanti, devotees also recite the Guru Charitra. The Guru Charitra is a religious text based on the life and teachings of Lord Dattatreya. Reading the Guru Charitra helps devotees attain spiritual knowledge.
Various Mantras Associated with Lord Dattatreya and Their Related Benefits:
- The Great Mantra:
“Digambara Digambara Shripad Vallabh Digambara”
This mantra invokes the divine form of Lord Dattatreya. Chanting it 108 times daily bestows knowledge, devotion, and spiritual development.
- Tantric Mantra:
“Om Dram Dattatreyaaya Namah”
This mantra focuses on the powerful aspect of Lord Dattatreya. Reciting it 108 times daily helps in getting rid of all kinds of distress and problems.
- Gayatri Mantra:
“Om Digambaraya Vidmahe Yogishwaraya Dhimahi Tanno Datta Prachodayat”
This mantra meditates upon the aspect of knowledge and yoga attributed to Lord Dattatreya. Chanting it 108 times daily leads to the attainment of intellect, knowledge, and proficiency in yoga.
Apart from these mantras, there are several other chanting mantras associated with Lord Dattatreya. Devotees can choose any mantra they resonate with and perform their chanting accordingly.
Here are the points to keep in mind while chanting:
- Chant with a pure mind and focus.
- Pronounce the mantra clearly and in its purest form.
- Maintain regularity in your chanting practice.
It is believed that through chanting, devotees receive the grace of Lord Dattatreya, leading to positive transformations in their lives.
Why are dogs depicted in the statues or images of Lord Dattatreya?
We all worship Lord Dattatreya, but do you know why dogs are depicted in the statues or images of Lord Dattatreya? Let’s find out.
There are several reasons why dogs are shown in the statues of Lord Dattatreya:
- Dogs symbolize loyalty, devotion, and protection. Lord Dattatreya is considered a great guru and guide. The loyalty and devotion of a dog inspire devotees to have faith in the spiritual guidance of Lord Dattatreya.
- Dogs are also symbols of protection. Lord Dattatreya is believed to liberate devotees from all kinds of sufferings. The protective nature of a dog assures devotees that Lord Dattatreya will safeguard them from all adversities.
- Dogs are also an instructive symbol for devotees. Dogs are always ready to serve their master. This teaches devotees the importance of being dedicated to the service of Lord Dattatreya.
There are many mythological stories associating dogs with Lord Dattatreya. According to one story, Lord Dattatreya turned a dog into a human. This story signifies that Lord Dattatreya is devoted to the welfare of all beings.
Another story suggests that Lord Dattatreya sent a dog to test a sage. This story symbolizes that Lord Dattatreya continually tests devotees to help them progress in their spiritual journey.
For all these reasons, dogs are depicted in the statues of Lord Dattatreya.
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