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Dattatreya Jayanti 2024: Date and Significance

Dattatreya Jayanti, also known as Datta Jayanti, is a significant Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Dattatreya, who is considered the combined incarnation of the holy trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. In 2024, Dattatreya Jayanti will be observed on Saturday, December 14. This auspicious day falls on the full moon (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Margashirsha (Shukla Paksha).

Full Moon Timings:

• Begins: December 14, 2024, at 4:58 PM
• Ends: December 15, 2024, at 2:31 PM

On this day, devotees perform special pujas, observe fasts, and engage in rituals to honor Lord Dattatreya. These practices are believed to bring spiritual positivity and divine energy into their lives.

Significance of Dattatreya Jayanti

Dattatreya Jayanti is not merely a religious observance; it symbolizes the unity of knowledge, devotion, and spirituality. Lord Dattatreya embodies the virtues of Brahma (creation), Vishnu (preservation), and Shiva (destruction). His birth anniversary serves as a reminder of spiritual awakening, devotion, and selfless service.

Worshiping Lord Dattatreya helps devotees:

• Attain knowledge and wisdom.
• Achieve spiritual growth and inner peace.
• Infuse positivity and harmony into their lives.

The Mythological Tale of Lord Dattatreya

The story of Lord Dattatreya’s birth is deeply rooted in devotion, penance, and the virtues of his parents, Sage Atri and his wife Anasuya.

A Story of Divine Penance

Anasuya, renowned for her chastity and righteousness, performed intense penance to seek a boon from the trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. She wished for a child embodying the qualities of all three deities.

The wives of the trinity—Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati—grew envious of Anasuya’s spiritual strength and decided to test her chastity. Disguised as sages, the trinity approached Anasuya’s ashram and placed an unusual request: they asked her to serve alms without any clothing.

Anasuya’s Divine Wisdom

Using her spiritual powers, Anasuya recited a mantra and sprinkled holy water on the sages, transforming them into infants. She then nursed them as her children. Realizing their husbands had not returned, Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati approached Anasuya and apologized. Pleased with her virtue and devotion, the trinity granted Anasuya her wish. Thus, Lord Dattatreya was born as a divine incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

This story teaches that righteousness and devotion can overcome any challenge and that Lord Dattatreya is the eternal guardian of humanity.

Rituals and Celebrations on Dattatreya Jayanti

Dattatreya Jayanti is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

Key Rituals:

1. Morning Bath and Purification: Devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, and clean their homes.
2. Puja Preparations: Lord Dattatreya’s idol or picture is decorated with flowers and offerings.
3. Panchamrit Bath: The deity is bathed with a mixture of milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and Gangajal.
4. Offering of Incense and Lamps: Devotees light lamps and incense sticks while chanting prayers.
5. Chanting Mantras:
   • “Om Dram Dattatreyaaya Namah” (108 times).
   • “Digambara Digambara Shripad Vallabh Digambara.”

Special texts such as the Guru Charitra, which highlights the life and teachings of Lord Dattatreya, are recited.

Observances:

• Devotees observe fasts, consuming only fruits or a single meal.
• Bhajans and kirtans are organized in Dattatreya temples.

Simple Puja Method for Dattatreya Jayanti

Materials Required:

• Idol or picture of Lord Dattatreya
• Panchamrit (milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and water)
• Flowers, sandalwood paste, incense, and lamps
• Fruits and sweets for offering

Steps to Perform Puja:

1. Clean the puja area thoroughly.
2. Bathe the idol or picture with Panchamrit and water.
3. Apply sandalwood paste and adorn the deity with flowers.
4. Light a lamp and incense sticks, and offer fruits and sweets.
5. Chant the prescribed mantras and pray for wisdom and spiritual growth.

Symbolism of Dogs in Lord Dattatreya’s Depictions

Lord Dattatreya is often portrayed with four dogs, symbolizing profound spiritual and ethical values:

1. Loyalty and Faith: Dogs represent devotion and steadfastness, reminding devotees to trust in Lord Dattatreya’s guidance.
2. Protection: As symbols of guardianship, they signify Lord Dattatreya’s role in protecting devotees from adversities.
3. Service and Discipline: Dogs’ willingness to serve reflects the discipline required for spiritual growth.
4. The Four Vedas: The dogs also signify the four Vedas, underscoring Lord Dattatreya’s embodiment of ultimate knowledge.

FAQs About Dattatreya Jayanti

1. When is Dattatreya Jayanti in 2024?
   Dattatreya Jayanti will be celebrated on December 14, 2024.
2. Who is Lord Dattatreya?
   He is the combined incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
3. Why is Dattatreya Jayanti celebrated?
   To commemorate the birth of Lord Dattatreya and his teachings.
4. What are the key rituals of Dattatreya Jayanti?
   Devotees perform pujas, observe fasts, and recite the Guru Charitra.
5. Why are dogs depicted with Lord Dattatreya?
   They symbolize loyalty, protection, and the four Vedas.

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