Gurudev Datta
In Hinduism, Gurudev Datta—also known as Dattatreya or Datta Guru—is a renowned deity who is regarded as an incarnation of the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. As the son of the sage Atri and his wife Anasuya, the name “Dattatreya” is a mix of “Datta,” which means “given” or “bestowed,” and “Atreya,” which denotes his lineage.
According to Hindu mythology, a special divine union led to the birth of Dattatreya. Sage Atri and Anasuya’s request for a child was granted by the heavenly triad after being moved by their virtue and dedication. As a result, Dattatreya possessed heavenly qualities from birth and showed great intelligence and spiritual insight at a young age.
Story of Gurudev Datta about his birth
Gurudev Datta’s birth narrative, also known as Dattatreya or Datta Guru, has a strong Hindu mythological foundation and is a tale of divine incarnation and enlightenment. Dattatreya is regarded as the combined avatar of the sacred trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—according to ancient texts.
The morally upright and dedicated sage Atri and his wife Anasuya are the protagonists of the tale. They were both well known for their steadfast faith and dedication to God. They led a life of asceticism and selflessness, showing the deepest respect and devotion to the gods and visitors.
The heavenly trio was moved by Atri and Anasuya’s piety and devotion and decided to put their virtue to the test. At Atri and Anasuya’s ashram, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva once pretended to be wandering ascetics. The sage and his wife were approached by the three gods who were acting as guests and asking for food and hospitality.
Always the gracious hostess, Anasuya welcomed them right away and got to work putting together a meal. The three gods, however, had a secret agenda. They walked up to Anasuya and respectfully asked her to feed them in their undies, explaining that they had a special spiritual rite that required them to only eat in their undies.
Despite being surprised by their strange request, Anasuya remained devoted and hospitable. She made the three gods into babies and cuddled them tenderly using the strength of her purity and unshakeable faith. When the gods started to wail in their new infant forms, Anasuya nursed them like a mother would her own children.
When Sage Atri arrived back at the ashram in the interim, he was shocked to see his wife tending to the three heavenly infants. Atri knew the infants’ real identities as soon as Anasuya revealed the strange occurrences that had occurred. He understood that they were the heavenly trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—who had manifested as children to bestow blessings on them.
The gods, moved by the couple’s perfect devotion and selflessness, manifested themselves to them as they really were. Atri and Anasuya received praise and a gift from Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva for their unmatched devotion. Humbled by the heavenly presence, the sage and his wife asked that the three gods be born to them as their own sons.
Their request was granted by the gods, and eventually Anasuya gave birth to a brilliant and divine kid. The combined incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, Gurudev Datta or Dattatreya, was this infant. Dattatreya grew to be a man of outstanding abilities, displaying from a very young age great wisdom, compassion, and spiritual understanding.
Dattatreya spent his formative years with his parents, learning from them and modeling their ideals. But he quickly sensed a compelling inner urge to set out on a quest for spiritual discovery and self-realization. As a wandering ascetic, Dattatreya traveled the world in search of knowledge and sage advice from many gurus.
He studied under a variety of gurus, including animals, birds, and even natural elements, in his pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. These sources all offered distinctive lessons that demonstrated the fundamental oneness and interdependence of all existence.
Gurudev Datta shared his divine knowledge and teachings with seekers and followers while he was on the move, directing them toward self-realization and enlightenment. He highlighted the value of selfless service, adoration of the holy, and understanding the interconnectedness of all living things.
The “Guru Charitra,” which details the lives and teachings of numerous gurus, with Dattatreya being a significant figure, contains the teachings of Gurudev Datta.
Millions of devotees and seekers around the world continue to be inspired by Gurudev Datta’s spiritual legacy. People from all different theological backgrounds may relate to his message of love, compassion, and spiritual understanding because it cuts across all boundaries.
Last but not least, the legend of Gurudev Datta’s birth as Dattatreya is one of divine incarnation and enlightenment. Gurudev Datta is the epitome of unselfish devotion, wisdom, and compassion. He was created as the combined form of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Deep spiritual truths learned from his life as a wandering ascetic and teacher are passed down to future generations of seekers on their path to self-realization and liberation. As the holy embodiment of wisdom, Gurudev Datta is revered by devotees who seek his blessings for enlightenment, protection, and spiritual advancement.
How to do Guru Charita Parayan (Gurudev Datta)
Recite the Guru’s character despite difficulties. Pray for success.
1) Learn how to study Sri Guru’s Charita and how many days to do it.
- The book Sri Guru Charita was written by Saraswati Gangadhar in 1480 and describes the story of Saint Shri Nrushya Saraswati, a descendant of Sri Dattatreya.
- Guru Charita is an influential religious book in Marathi and is recited in the form of fasting.
2) Guru Charitra is an influential religious book in Marathi.
- It is considered a holy book in the Hindu world.
- There are 52 chapters in this book.
3) Shri Guru Charita emphasizes surrendering to the Sadguru.
- Each chapter in the book provides wisdom and patience.
- Following Shri Guru Charita leads to spiritual progress.
4) Guru Charita is a divine book for experiencing the miracles of Guru Maharaj.
- Without serving the Guru, one cannot become a Guru.
- Reading or listening to Guru Charita fulfills all desires.
5) The Parayan of Sri Gurucharitra Granth should be completed with utmost dedication
- The Parayan should be done with mind, intellect, body, and utmost devotion and enthusiasm
- Sri Gurucharitra Granth is considered to be a pure Vedic science
- There are seven methods to complete the Parayan
- The Parayan is divided into different chapters for each day
6) Rules for Sri Guru Charitra Parayan
- Take a bath daily in the morning before starting the Parayan
- Make a resolve in your mind in the evening
- Keep the Vachan quiet and clear, and the Urakana at a moderate level
- Sit facing the east or the west for the Vachan
- Decide the time, direction, and place for the Vachan and do not change it
- Keep the mind, body, and mind clean during the Parayan
- Do the Siddhatta Trayana according to the Murti and Pratiman
7) Performing a week-long Anushtan with faith will bring Sankalpa Purti.
- Follow Brahmacharya and make Vachan Shuchi Brut with Sovala.
- Sleep on the left side of the bed, with God, for a better experience.
- Complete the week on the 7th or 8th day by doing visarjan of Shri Datta Trayana in the morning and offering Naivedya and Aarti.
8) Reciting the Guru’s character is important
- Reciting the Guru’s character may initially feel difficult but it is important to keep doing it
- It is common to face challenges when doing good things but we should always pray for everything to go well
Why should everybody have a Guru in their lives
“Saint Kabir emphasizes the importance of the Guru and encourages devotion and trust in order to attain spiritual enlightenment.”
1) Importance of Guru Diksha
- Benefits and significance of taking Guru Diksha
- Guru Mantra and its impact on one’s life
2) Diksha is an important spiritual experiment that involves sacrifice of energy by the guru
- By giving diksha, the guru sacrifices his energy for the welfare of devotees
- The balance between the guru and disciple is crucial for successful diksha
- Mantrik Diksha involves giving diksha through chanting mantras
- Shambhavi Diksha is given through the shoulders
- Guru puts his hand on disciple’s forehead or cloth during diksha
3) Guru Mantra awakens the power and consciousness of the disciple.
- The touch Diksha of Guru is given to awaken the Kundalini power.
- Guru is essential for Mantra Sadhana.
4) Vishnu met Narada and discussed about cleaning the place with cow dung
- Narada informs Vishnu about the place that needs cleaning
- Mata Lakshmi is curious about the conversation and asks Vishnu about it
- Devarshi Narada returns to the palace and questions Vishnu
- Sri Vishnu explains his respect for Narada and clarifies his relationship with Lakshmi
5) Narada doubts making a farmer a guru
- Vishnu suggested making the first person seen as a guru
- Narada questions the suitability of a troubled farmer as a guru
6) How to make him a Guru?
- Narad came to Vishnu for guidance.
- Vishnu told Narad to accept the farmer as his Guru.
- The farmer was not happy, but Narad was pleased with his practice.
- Narad doubted the knowledge his Guru could impart.
- Vishnu got angry and cursed Narad.
- Narad got scared and pleaded for mercy.
7) Narad seeks Vishnu’s forgiveness and learns the importance of the Guru
- Narad asks for forgiveness and seeks guidance from Vishnu
- Farmer suggests making a statue and Narad travels on it to fulfill the procedure
- Narad realizes the Guru’s greatness and promises to never criticize again
8) Guru is of utmost importance in spiritual practice
- Guru is like a guiding light, always there for the disciple
- The disciple’s faith in the Guru is crucial for spiritual progress