Datta Jayanti 2024: 5 Unknown Facts You Must Know About Lord Dattatreya

Datta Jayanti 2024: Dattatreya Jayanti or Datta Jayanti marks the appearance day of Lord Dattatreya. The revered Hindu deity embodies the three gods of the holy trinity - Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Dattatreya Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon night of the Margashirsha month. Devotees worship Lord Dattatreya, who has three heads and six arms, holding various accessories. The festival is marked with great joy and fanfare in temples across Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. This year, Dattatreya Jayanti will be observed on 14th December 2024.

On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Lord Dattatreya, check out 5 unknown facts about the revered Hindu deity of Maharashtra and South India below: 

Datta Jayanti 2024: 5 Unknown Facts You Must Know About Lord Dattatreya

1. Reverence In Different Sects

Lord Dattatreya is revered as a divine incarnation and a supreme guru, earning him the title of Shri Gurudevdut. He's a unifying figure, worshipped by both Nathpanth and Sufi sects, who hold him in the highest esteem. In the Vaishnava-Shaiva tradition, he's affectionately called Guruswami, Gururaj, and Gurudevji, and is even revered as the guru of all gurus. Lord Dattatreya's teachings laid the foundation for societal equality and fraternity, promoting unity and harmony among all people. His followers celebrate his wisdom, compassion, and guidance, recognising him as a true spiritual leader.

2. Reincarnation Of Lord Vishnu

In some Hindu traditions, Lord Dattatreya is believed to be the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. Another legend suggests that he took on various forms to defeat the demons, known as Asuras, who were wreaking havoc on the world. On Dattatreya Jayanti, the divine energy of Lord Datta is said to be 1,000 times more potent on Earth than on any other day. This makes the celebration a highly auspicious occasion, filled with spiritual significance and blessings. As devotees come together to honour Lord Dattatreya, they seek to tap into his powerful energy and experience spiritual growth and enlightenment.

3. 24 Gurus Of Lord Dattatreya

Lord Dattatreya's 24 gurus are unique teachers who impart valuable life lessons. These gurus include the Earth, Air, Sky, Water, Fire, and various animals like the pigeon, python, deer, fish, and caterpillar. Each guru teaches a distinct lesson, such as the importance of compassion, self-control, and humility. The Earth teaches us to be compassionate, while the Air shows us how to be impartial. The pigeon and python demonstrate the dangers of attachment and lust, whereas the deer and fish highlight the importance of self-control. The caterpillar's transformation teaches us that our thoughts shape our destiny. By learning from these 24 gurus, we can gain valuable insights into living a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Lord Dattatreya is a significant Hindu deity worshipped in Maharashtra and South India. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons) 

4. Significance Of Lord Dattatreya’s Iconography

Lord Dattatreya is often depicted with six hands, each holding a symbolic object. His hands hold a Shankha, representing divine sound, and a Chakra, symbolizing time. The Gada in his hand signifies pride, while the Trishul represents the three aspects of the universe - creation, preservation, and destruction. The Kamandal, a water pot, depicts Lord Dattatreya as the sustainer of life on Earth. Finally, the bowl in his hand represents the individual's inner struggles with dignity, negativity, vanity, and evil thoughts. Together, these symbols convey Lord Dattatreya's profound spiritual significance and his role as a guide for seekers of truth.

5. Association With Lord Brahma, Vishnu And Mahesh

Lord Dattatreya is typically depicted with three heads and six hands, symbolising the unity of the Hindu trinity. His three heads represent Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar, while his six hands hold symbolic objects associated with each deity. Brahma's kamandal and rosary, Vishnu's conch shell and chakra, and Shiva's trident and damaru all feature prominently.

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(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert in the relevant field.)