Lord Dattatraya Jayanti – 7th Dec 2022

"Dattatreya Jayanti"

'Dattatreya Jayanti', one of the important Hindu festivals as per the diverse Indian culture, is more likely to fall on the full moon light (called Purnamasi/Purnima) of the Margashirsha month. It's also known to many with another name called 'Datta Jayanti.' This year, it's going to be on '7th December 2022'. According to the preserved ancient scriptures, Lord Dattatreya was born on this day and that's why, it got the name of 'Dattatreya Jayanti' & is celebrated today all over the nation.

Lord Dattatreya is actually the symbol of miraculous fusion of the ultimate three Gods of the Hindu male Trinity (Trimurti): Brahma (The Creator), Vishnu (The Nurturer) and Mahesh (Lord Shiva, The Destroyer). But sometimes, Lord Dattatreya is also considered as the Avatar of Lord Vishnu. There are also lots of temples of Lord Dattatreya, especially in Southern India which are decorated very immensely on this precious day. In the state of Maharashtra, he is considered as a prominent deity.

There's also an amazing story behind this holy day.

Naarad Muni used to tease Saraswati, Lakshmi & Shakti (wives of Trimurti) that there's someone more virtuous than them on the earth, i.e., Anasuya, Maharshi Atri's wife. Hence, one day, the three sent their husbands to check the purity of Anasuya & Trimurti asked her to feed them being unclothed. Being a virtuous woman, she couldn't break her piety & faithfulness towards her husband. Therefore, to solve the problem, she sprinkled water over Trimurti & all the three got converted into babies & she breastfed them.
They all became young in the eloquence of Anasuya & Atri and ultimately, Trimurti's wives got worried about getting their husbands back. Hence, they went to Anasuya & requested her & as a result, she showed her pity & gave back their husbands to them. Being happy from her kindness, Trimurti blessed Anasuya & Atri with a child, named Lord Dattatreya (incarnation of Trimurti).

On this day, the devotees take a holy bath in the rivers. After that, a special Pooja of Lord Dattatreya is performed with incense sticks, lamps, camphor, flowers, and other holistic items in which the people chant bhajans and many devotional songs dedicated to Lord Dattatreya. Apart from prayers and all, Avadhut Gita & Jivanmulta Gita which are believed to have the sayings of the Lord Dattatreya himself are also read at many places. Many people are involved in fasting also.

At my home, we do parayan of “Gurucharitra” which is considered to be the holy book describing the Anusaya putra Lord Dattatraya. One learns various life lessons through it. There are specific rules to be adhered to while doing this Parayan.The individual gains huge benefits on successful completion of the parayana.

It is believed that whoever worships Lord Dattatreya with whole devotion and dedication and fasts on Dattatreya Jayanti is more likely to accomplish all his wants and wishes. The idols of Lord Dattatreya are believed to be the guide to the path of righteousness.

A very warm wish to all of you on this idolized Hindu day.
Happy Dattatreya Jayanti!

*Bites*

Dattatreya Jayanti is the day when Lord Dattatreya, incarnation of Trimurti, is worshiped. Parayan of 'Gurucharitra', a holy book of Lord Dattatreya, on this day gives many crucial life lessons. This day is known for accomplishment of all wishes & wants and guidance to the right path.