LORD AND ADI GURU DATTATREYA.

LORD AND ADI GURU DATTATREYA. LORD DATTATREYA is the Supreme GURU, the Almighty LORD of the devotees, the Knower of all wisdom. He combines in HIMSELF, all yogas just as Hatha, Mantra, Dhyan, Bhakti, Laya.Shakti and such others. HE is attributed all divine and noble epithets like the mendicant of the three worlds, mover at will ocean of compassion and in dweller of all beings. HE is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent. HE comprises within HIMSELF all religious tenets, concepts of Godheads, spiritual creeds. HE is extraordinary but all inclusive. The saint poets tike Eknath t Dasopant, Mukteshwar Niranjan Raghunath as well as Mahanubhav poets have sung HIS DIVIDE Glory. The story of the birth of GURU Dattatreya is as follows-according to Srirnad Bhagavata sage Atri performed severe penance in order to obtain a son. with a view to achieving maintenance in the world order through him and the LORD who offered HIMSELF was born as Datta The second legend concerns Kausika and his pious wife Sumathi. Kausika lived an immoral life and deserted his devout wife. When he became a victim of deadly diseases, he finally returned back home to his wife. Sumathi in turn treated him with compassion and forgave all his faults. One night, carrying her ailing husband on her shoulders, Sumathi was walking along the highway and came across an innocent sage "Mandavya" being unjustly hanged on the gallows. By using his yogic power the sage had retained life in his body which was 'still swinging to and fro.

In the fading light, Sumathi did not see the swaying body and caused, him excruciating pain, as her husbands legs brushed against the sage' s body. The sage lost his temper and cursed Kausika to die at the stroke of sunrise. The virtuous wife Sumathi pronounced a counter curse on the sage and ordered the Sun not to rise. Panic reigned supreme and the heavenly divinities rushed to the powerful sage Atri and his wife Anasuya beseeching them to save the world from this disaster. The couple Atri and Anesuya went to Sumathi and implored her revoke her curse assuring her that her husband Kausika would not die at sunrise. She did so and though Kausika fell dead at sunrise. Sage Atri revived him. Out of gratitude the Goods were eager to bestow on Anasuya a boon. Anaasuya desired the Trinity Brahma-Vishnu Mahesh to become her children. Her wish was fulfilled, Brahma was born as Chandra, Vishun as Datta and Shiva as Durvasa. However, after some time taking consent from Anaasuya and Atri, Chandra (Brahma) and Durvasa (Shiva) departed to do penance, Datt as (Vishnu) remained with his parents. Before leaving, both Chanara and Durvasa endowed DATTA with their powers. Therefore, DATTATREYA is conceived to be three-in-one and depicted as having three faces and six hands, The puranic version is slightly different. It states that having heard about the greatness of Anasuya told the wives of the Trio- Parvath (consort of Shiva), Lakshmi ( consort of Vishnu) and Saraswathi consort of Brahma) that their devotion to their husbands was no match against Anasuya and that her devotion would surpass that all. Stung by jealousy they entreated their respective Lords to put Anasuya to a severe test by tempting her. Accordingly, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh disguised as mendicants and begged for food at Anaauya' s- house. Anasuya gladly made them sit but they demanded that she serve them without

any clothes on. Anasuya with her yogic powers converted them into infants and nurtured them. Being anxious that their husbands f ailed to return, the wives of the Trio wont in search of them and reached the hermitage of Atri and Anasuya. Having learnt of what happened from Anasuya and realising the greatness of Anasuya having made their husbands babies, they begged her pardon and pleaded with her to restore their husbands in their original form. The TRIO or Trinity who had basked in the sunshine of mate rnal affection as babies under Anasuya, while departing, expressed their intention to be with her in another form, Anasuy a desired that she may be blessed with a highly virtuous son who would have a combination of the divine attributes of all three, Thus, Brahma became Chandra, Vishnu became DATTA and Shiva became Durvasa. All the three were born in one united form on the 14th day of the bright half of the month of Margasftirsha (December). This day is observed as DATTA-JAYANTHIthe birthday of LORD DATTATREYA even now. DATTATREYA-HIS DIVINE QUALITIES AMD OMNIPRESENCE LORD Dattatreya is a Unique Divine Manifestation of the LORD Almighty, whose mission is both universal and eternal, deeply committed as He is to dispel ignorance from the minds of the entire human race. To fulfil this promise, HE assumes the form of Samarth Sadguru in all religions, a process continuing till the end of this world, While other avatars appear for a definite mission in the overall task of establishing righteousness in this world and disappear on completion of the objective, the DATTA Avatar is ever present either in the abodes selected by HIM or in the forms of the Sadguru. The devotees who worship their GURU and GOD in the sole figure of Dattatreya feel ever

safe and secure that the omnipresent LORD rushes to their aid whenever they just remember HIM with faith and love. The famous DATTA Mandirs where the devotees feel the Divine Presence of the ADI GURU are a) Mount Girnar in Saurashtra. b) Audumbar, on th e h-inks of the river Krishna, 6 kms south of Kirlosakwadi in Satara district of Maharashtra. c) Narsobawadi near Jaysinghpur in Sangli District of Maharashtra. The Datta Paduka Mandir is at the confluence of: rivers Krishna and Panchganga. d) Gangapur, in Karnataka State at the confluence of rivers Bhima and Amaraja. It is situated 24 kms away from Gangapur railway station on Pune-Raichur Railway Dattatreya s divine body is stated to have been formed out of Atma Jyoti (light of the divine soul) and seven crore Mahamantras are supposed to have emanated from His lotus feet. His divine form symbolized to possess the three faces of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh indicating the fusion of the three divine powers of creation, maintenance and dissolution are the Shakti Trya. His six hands hold the insignia of the Trimurthy, namely, the rosary and the Kamandalu, the conch and the damuru. Four dogs representing the 4 vedas follow Him always. A divine cow, denoting Mother Earth stands behind HIM, every ready to bless HIS devotees with prosperity. Dattatreya chose to appear in the form of Avadhuta (naked saint). He forsook the comforts of an Ashram Life and led the life of a wandering mendicant to ensure uninterrupted contemplation in the divine and un ceasing chant of Pranava Mantra OM. The ordinary people consider the Avadutta as a mentally deranged person because of HIS e states of Bala (infant) Unmatta (Lunatic) and Pisacha (devil). Since the Avadhuta always revels in ATMIC bliss, He is never bothered about the reactions of the society.

The famous Datta avatars are Sripad Sri Vallabha, Sri Narasimha Saraswati (14 and 15 th Centures) Sri Janardan Swamy (16 th century) Sri Gondavalekar Maharaj, Sri Manikprabhu, Sri Akkalkote Swamy Samarth(Later incarnations) and lastly Shri Sainath Maharaj of Shirdi. SHRI SAIBABA of SHIRDI Is known as the 9th and concluding Avatar of LORD DATTATREYA, who symbolises in Pure Sattwa. The occasional outburst of anger, resulting in hurling of abuses puzzle us in so saintly a being. But they were never directed towards this or that devotees. They were always addressed to some evil influences or undesirable tendencies, whereas for HIS devotees, HE had nothing but love and compassion. If LORD VISHNU found Rajas and Tamas necessary to destroy the Asuras, it is quite possible that BABA occasionally took recourse to them for the same purpose. They were never a part of HIM anymore that they were of LORD VISHNU. BABA was a Godhead as much as Lord Vishnu and like HIM, BABA was also beyond the three Gunas ( Sattwas, Rajas and Tamas). Any outward experience of the three Gunas in BABA's life was only meant to guide His devotees on the right path. As to HIMSELF, He was Gunateet, beyond the Gunas having attained the Supreme Bliss. DEVOTEES' EXPERIENCES OF BABA'S UNITY WITH LORD DATTATREYA. (1) Sri Schinde of Harda had seven daughters but no sons. In 1903, he went to Gangapur and prayed to LORD DATTATREYA to bless him with a son and vowed to bring him to Gangapur. He obtained a son in 12 months as wished but failed to honour his promise to take the child to Gangapur. Seven years thus passed but the vow remained unfulfilled. In 1 911, he chanced to visit Shirdi and BABA greeted him with harsh words thus:

"WHAT? HAVE YOU GOT PUFFED UP? WHERE WAS THSRZ ANY MALE PROGENY IN YOUR DESTINY? I TORE THIS BODY ( POINTING TO HIS O-.N BODY) AND GAVE YOU ONE." Sri Schinde was naturally repentant an i begged SHRI SAI'S pardon. 'Here, in this instance, though the prayer was offered to LORD DATTA by Schinde, it was SHRI SAINATH who granted him a son thus showing HIS unity with the ADI GURU. 2) Take the case of Margashira Purnima. On this day in 1886 BABA entered into nirvikalpa samadhi for three days and returned to his body on the 4th day. This day was Datta-Jayanti. (the day of HIS temporary departure) Thanks to Bhagat Mhalsapathy who carefully guarded BABA's lifeless body for a full three days on his lap, that BABA could fulfil the most important/mission of HIS Avatar( 1886-1198). It was this period which is the most significant for BABA to manifest HIS divine leelas. Millions of Sai devotees today are indebted to Bhagat Mhalsapathy for this service he has rendered to them. Had he chose to dispose of BABA's body during those three days OR had he opted to remain indifferent OR had he lacked the full faith he had in words, perhaps the course of history would have been totally different. In the list of the most prominent devotees of Sai Baba Bhaghat Mhalsa has very few very few parallels. (3) One; Nana Chandorkar promised,on persuasion of the local priest of the Dattatreya Temple, to donate a sum of Rs 300/-for the construction of the stones steps lead in 7 to the river Godavari in Koperaon. While returning from a place along with his relative and havinq no money on his person, he avoided passing through that Datta Temple and instead took a long circuitous route to Shirdi and on the way, thorns pierced his feet and body.

At Shirdi, BABA refused to talk to Nana and when asked persistently why Baba told MAMA clearly that he was guilty of avoiding HIS SIRCAR (Lord Datta) as a result of which thorns pierced his body by walking the alternative route. He warned NANA to honour HIS promise to DATTA 4) Sankar Balwant Kohojkar, B.A, clerk in Bombay Collector's office livinq at Thana narrated his experience at Shirdi to H. H. B.V.N. Narasimha Swamy on 14th September, l936. His narration his own words as under" "My late father Balwant ^ohojkar visited Shirdi in 1911. During his stay there, Datta Jayanti occurred. About 5pm or so, BABA was seated at the mosque (Dwarkamayi) with devotees around him. At once HE said "IAM HAVING THE PANGS OF LABOUR. I CANNOT BEAR IT. IAM ABOUT TO BE DELIVERED." Evidently, HE was identifying HIHSBLE with Anasuya, mother of DATTATREYA who at that time was undergoing labour pains. At twilight time (i.e.) shortly after the above incident, BABA drove out all people from the mosque and again after a little while, HE called them in again. Then HE was in glee. People all went in and among them, my father directly entered the mosque at the place where BABA sat. What he saw on BABA's seat and in place of BABA, was a small child, charming three faced figure of DATTA (i.e DATTA as an infant, That view he had just for a moment. Then instead of DATTA a figure, he saw BABA in HIS usual dress and form. Just imagine what his feelings must have been at that time. He vividly realised that BABA was Datta. FROM THE BOOK OF SHIRDI ARATIS. FROM: KAKAD ARA.TI. Sainatha Guru Maza ai, Majala thava dyava pai.

Dattaraja Guru maze ai, Majala thava dyava pai. Sri Sacchidananda Sadguru Sainatha Maharaj Kl Jai." Translation- "Sainathguru my mother, Grant me a place at your feet; Dattaraj guru, my mother, Grant me a place at your feet; Sri Sacchidanand Sadguru Sainath Maharaj; Hail to Thee." ) Comment Here, in this psalm of the Book of Aratis, reference is made to Dattaraja i.e. Guru Datta as being one with Shri SAINATH and vice versa. As Baba s relation to GURU Dattatreya is known to all and sundry, this psalm was adapted to the Book of Aratis in Shirdi. FROM: MADHYAN ARATI (NOON ARATI} Jaya Deva Jaya Deva Datta Avadhuta, Sai Avadhuta, Joduni karatava carani thevito matha, Jaya Deva Jaya Deva. " ^Translation: "Hail Lord, Hail Lord Datta Avadhuta, O Sal Avadhuta With my folded hands, I lay my head at your feet. " Hail Lord, Hail Lord. ) Aisa Yei Ba. Sai Digambara; Aksayarupa Avatary, Sarvahi Vyapaka tu. ; Srutisara Aanusaya Trikumara, Aisa yei Ba. 2) Kasi Saana japa, pratidivasi; Kolhapuri bhiksesi, Nirmala nadi Tunga t jala prasi, Nidra Mahura desi, Aisa yei Ba- 3) Zoli lombatase vama kari; Trisula damaru Dhari, Bhakta varada sada sukhakari, Desila mukti cari, Aisa yei Ba. Payi Paduka japamala kamadalu mrgachala, Dharana Karsi Ba, Nagajata muguta sohhato matha, Aisa yei Ba. Translation' A) Such art thou, Sai Baba ; an ascetic whose clothing is space,

Incarnation of the imperishable spirit, you are all pervading. You are the knower of the essence of the Shrutis, belonging to the lineage of Sage Atri and his wife Anasuya- B) Everyday, bathing in the holy waters of the Kashi, and worshipping there! then going to Kolhapur for Bhiksha( alms) drinking the pure waters of the Tungabhadra and then sleeping at. Mahur mountain. Such art thou, Ba. C) A Jholi hanging on the left shoulder, and carrying the trident and damaru(kind of tabor), you bless the devotees with permanent happiness. granting them four four fold liberation. Such are thou Ba Translation continued... Wearing wooden sandals, carrying a Japa Mala and Kamandalu wearing deerskin; on your head is the crown or serpent-like coiled tresses of your hair, which looks beautiful. Such art thou Ha. " Comment- Here the psalms relating to LORD Dattatreya adapted to the book of Shirdi Aratis is worth noting. All places relating to Dattatreya are holy. These include Kolhapur, Mahur and the Tungathadra river. The dress as mentioned of Avadhuta Datta are the jholi, damaru(tabor), Jap Mala and Kamandalu and denote Datta' s lifestyle-that of begging alms which is synonymous with all Datta Avatars to date. Wooden sandals too denote sannyasa.