Datta Jayanti Puja: Celebrating the Birth of the Supreme Guru - Shri Dattatreya

The life of Shree Dattatreya is deeply intertwined with the story of his divine parents, Sage Atri and Anasuya. Anasuya, renowned for her chastity, purity, and unwavering devotion to her husband, sought a child who would embody the qualities of the Trimurti - Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Due to the praise of Anasuya’s virtue by Narada Muni, the TriDevis (the wives of the Trimurti gods) were compelled to test her spiritual strength. In response, the Trimurti themselves decided to test Anasuya’s chastity. Disguised as mendicants, the three gods came to her hermitage and demanded that she serve them without any clothes. With immense faith in her spiritual power, Anasuya used her divine abilities to transform the gods into infants and nursed them as a mother would. When Sage Atri returned, the gods revealed their true forms and, impressed by Anasuya’s devotion, blessed the couple with a divine son - Shri Dattatreya, the embodiment of the combined essence of the Trimurti, who became the supreme Guru of all.

As a divine teacher and incarnation of the Trimurti, Shri Dattatreya symbolizes the unity of creation, preservation, and transformation. Depicted with three heads and six arms, he embodies the wisdom of Brahma, the compassion of Vishnu, and the transformative power of Shiva. His teachings transcend the boundaries of conventional religion, focusing on self-realization, righteous living, and unwavering devotion. Revered as the supreme Guru, Shree Dattatreya’s life and lessons continue to inspire spiritual seekers to achieve enlightenment and connect with the divine essence within. To honour his legacy and seek his blessings, JyotirGamaya is offering the following sevas for devotees to choose from.

• Maha Abhisheka & Sarvalankara Seva: This sacred seva involves the performance of Panchamrutha Abhisheka followed by the adornment (Alankara) of Shri Dattatreya with fragrant flowers, special garlands, jewellery, and traditional attire. During the ritual, Panchamrut - a mixture of milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, and sugar - is offered, symbolizing purity, prosperity, and strength. This ritual is believed to purify the consciousness, instill positivity, and bring peace, prosperity, health, and wealth to the devotees. The Alankara Seva, featuring the decoration of the deity, enhances the spiritual ambiance and is said to bestow good fortune and well-being upon the sevakarthas.
• Ashtottararchane & Maha Mangalarti Seva: In this devotional ritual, the 108 sacred names of Shri Dattatreya are chanted during the Ashtottararchana, offering flowers and leaves to the deity. This practice invokes the divine presence and cleanses the mind and soul, attracting blessings and spiritual grace. The Maha Mangalarti, a grand offering of lighted lamps accompanied by hymns, bell ringing, and devotional music, creates a powerful spiritual connection with the divine. This vibrant ritual symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and brings inner peace, positivity, and cultural enrichment to devotees.
• Guru Datta Japa (Mantra Chanting): On Datta Jayanti, performing the Guru Datta Japa is believed to bring immense spiritual benefits. Devotees may chant themselves or engage Vedic Pandits through JyotirGamaya for this ritual. Powerful mantras such as हरि ॐ तत्सत् जय गुरु दत्त - Hari Om Tatsat Jai Guru Datta (108 times) and श्री गुरुदेव दत्त - Shri Gurudev Datta (1001 times) are recited, invoking the blessings of Shri Dattatreya. This practice purifies the mind, enhances spiritual awareness, and invites divine grace into the devotees' lives.