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'''Dattatreya''' ({{lang-sa|दत्तात्रेय}}, Dattātreya) or '''Datta''' is a Hindu Deity encompassing the trinity of [[Brahma]], [[Vishnu]] and [[Shiva]], collectively known as [[Trimurti]]. The name Dattatreya can be divided into two words - "Datta" (meaning given) and "Atreya" |
'''Dattatreya''' ({{lang-sa|दत्तात्रेय}}, Dattātreya) or '''Datta''' is a Hindu Deity encompassing the trinity of [[Brahma]], [[Vishnu]] and [[Shiva]], collectively known as [[Trimurti]]. The name Dattatreya can be divided into two words - "Datta" (meaning given) and "Atreya" referring to the sage [[Atri]], his physical father). |
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Various Hindu |
Various Hindu sects worship him differently. In the [[Nath|Nath tradition]], Dattatreya is recognized as an [[Avatar]] or incarnation of [[Shiva]] and as the Adi-Guru (First Teacher) of the [[Adinath Sampradaya]] of the Nathas. Although Dattatreya was at first a "Lord of Yoga" exhibiting distinctly [[Tantra|Tantric]] traits,<ref>Rigopoulos (1998), p. 77.</ref><ref>Harper & Brown (2002), p. 155.</ref> he was adapted and assimilated into the more devotional (Sanskrit: [[bhakti]]) [[Vaishnavite]] cults; while still worshiped by millions of [[Hindus]], he is approached more as a benevolent god than as a teacher of the highest essence of Indian thought. Dattatreya is credited as the author of the ''[[Tripura Rahasya]]'' given to Parasurama, a treatise on [[Advaita Vedanta]]. |
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==Life== |
==Life== |
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===Birth=== |
===Birth=== |
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Dattatreya was born to the sage [[Atri]], who had been promised by [[Parameshvara]], that he, Parameshvara, would be incarnated as his son.<ref>Lilacharitra by Dr. V.B. Kolte</ref> Since Parameshvara subsumes all three members of the trimurti, Dattatreya is at once the incarnation of Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma. |
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sri dattatreya prabhu is not a devtaa(bramha, vishnu or shiv's) avtaar. sri dattatreya prabhu is parmeshver's avtaar. devtaa is deffernt and parmeshver is deffernt aliment in this univers. thx. |
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===Travels=== |
===Travels=== |
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Dattatreya left home at an early age to wander naked in search of [[the Absolute]]. He seems to have spent most of his life wandering in the area between and including [[North Karnataka]], through [[Maharashtra]] and [[Andhra Pradesh]], and into [[Gujarat]] as far as the [[Narmada River]]. He attained realization at a town, now known as, [[Ganagapura]] in [[North Karnataka]]. The original footprints of Datta are believed to be located on the lonely peak at [[Girnar]]. The ''Tripura-rahasya'' refers to the disciple [[Parasurama]] finding |
Dattatreya left home at an early age to wander naked in search of [[the Absolute]]. He seems to have spent most of his life wandering in the area between and including [[North Karnataka]], through [[Maharashtra]] and [[Andhra Pradesh]], and into [[Gujarat]] as far as the [[Narmada River]]. He attained realization at a town, now known as, [[Ganagapura]] in [[North Karnataka]]. The original footprints of Datta are believed to be located on the lonely peak at [[Girnar]]. The ''Tripura-rahasya'' refers to the disciple [[Parasurama]] finding Dattatreya meditating on [[Mount Gandhamadana|Gandhamadana]] mountain.<ref name=Mahendranath>Mahendranath, Shri Gurudev. [http://www.mahendranath.org/pathlesspath/pathlesspath.html "The Pathless Path to Immortality: The Wisdom of Bhagavan Dattatreya"] in ''The Scrolls of Mahendranath'', International Nath Order, 2002. Retrieved December 17, 2010.</ref> |
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===As an avatar=== |
===As an avatar=== |
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<blockquote>Pre-Vedic Indian dogs were regarded as auspicious symbols, and later deities assumed dog forms, became associated with dogs, and were linked with the glory and fidelity of warriors. Four different-coloured dogs accompanied the Dattatreya, who represented the four Vedas...<ref>Werness, Hope B. (2004).'' The Continuum encyclopedia of animal symbolism in art''. Illustrated edition. Continuum International Publishing Group. ISBN 0826415253, 9780826415257. Source: [http://books.google.com.au/books?id=fr2rANLrPmoC&pg=PA138&lpg=PA138&dq=dattatreya+dog+symbolism&source=bl&ots=ekJd_CxBHI&sig=yaFrylXZ5fXVRk9Yx3lq1RUvHok&hl=en&ei=rPVzS_a-DsugkQW7t-WcCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBUQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=dattatreya%20dog%20symbolism&f=false] (accessed: Thursday February 11, 2010), p.138</ref></blockquote> |
<blockquote>Pre-Vedic Indian dogs were regarded as auspicious symbols, and later deities assumed dog forms, became associated with dogs, and were linked with the glory and fidelity of warriors. Four different-coloured dogs accompanied the Dattatreya, who represented the four Vedas...<ref>Werness, Hope B. (2004).'' The Continuum encyclopedia of animal symbolism in art''. Illustrated edition. Continuum International Publishing Group. ISBN 0826415253, 9780826415257. Source: [http://books.google.com.au/books?id=fr2rANLrPmoC&pg=PA138&lpg=PA138&dq=dattatreya+dog+symbolism&source=bl&ots=ekJd_CxBHI&sig=yaFrylXZ5fXVRk9Yx3lq1RUvHok&hl=en&ei=rPVzS_a-DsugkQW7t-WcCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBUQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=dattatreya%20dog%20symbolism&f=false] (accessed: Thursday February 11, 2010), p.138</ref></blockquote> |
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Dogs also held the cultural significance of 'dog eaters' (Sanskrit: [[candala]]) those who existed beyond the confines of [[Varnashrama Dharma]]. Dogs are |
There is other symbolism attachable here. Dogs also held the cultural significance of 'dog eaters' (Sanskrit: [[candala]]) those who existed beyond the confines of [[Varnashrama Dharma]]. Dogs are both wild and tame, and symbols of fidelity and devotion (Sanskrit: [[bhakti]]). |
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==Origins== |
==Origins== |
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#Krishnashyaamkamalnayan (Kaartik Shu.12) |
#Krishnashyaamkamalnayan (Kaartik Shu.12) |
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In [[Dasopanta]] tradition, all 16 are worshiped and Dasopanta is considered as the 17th avatara. |
In the [[Dasopanta]] tradition, all 16 are worshiped and Dasopanta is considered as the 17th avatara. |
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In Datta Sampradaya the first avatar is [[Shripad Shri Vallabh]] and the second is [[Narasimha Saraswati]]. |
In the Datta Sampradaya the first avatar is [[Shripad Shri Vallabh]] and the second is [[Narasimha Saraswati]]. [[Akkalkot]] [[Swami Samarth]], Shri Vasudevanand Saraswati (Tembe Swami, Sawantwadi)) [[Manik Prabhu]], [[Krishna Saraswati]], [[Shirdi Sai Baba]] ([[Shirdi]], [[Maharashtra]]) and [[Ganapathi Sachchidananda|Pujya Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji]] are also considered as avatars of Dattatreya.<ref>Shri Datta Swami. [http://www.shri-datta-swami.net Shri Datta Swami: Divinity on the Earth]</ref> |
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The [[Upanishads]] Avadhutopanishad and Jaabaaldarshanopanishad mention that |
The [[Upanishads]] Avadhutopanishad and Jaabaaldarshanopanishad mention that this philosophy was put forward by Dattatreya. |
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==Avadhuta Gita== |
==Avadhuta Gita== |
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==Dattatreya traditions == |
==Dattatreya traditions == |
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Following are the various traditions of Dattatreya described in brief. |
Following are the various traditions of Dattatreya described in brief. The traditions are mainly from [[Gujarath]], [[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]] and [[Andhra Pradesh]], and were first written in [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], [[Marathi language|Marathi]], [[Kannada]] and [[Telugu language|Telugu]].<ref name="Joshi 2000">Joshi, Dr. P. N. (2000) ''Shri Dattatreya Dnyankosh''. Pune: Shri Dattatreya Dnyankosh Prakashan.</ref> |
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===Puranic tradition === |
===Puranic tradition === |
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The ancients disciples of Dattatreya |
The ancients disciples of Dattatreya have been described above. Among these, Karatavirya Sahasrajun is often seen as his favourite. The other ones are, traditionally, Alarka (alias Madalasa-garbharatna), King Aayu from Somavansha, King Yadu (son of Yayaati and Devayaani) of Yadavs ([[Krishna]]'s dynasty) and Shri [[Parashurama]] alias Bhargava. There is one more by the name of Saankruti, who is mentioned in the ''Avadhutopanishad'' and ''Jabalopanishad''.<ref>Anandashraya Sanskrit Granthmala.</ref> |
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===Mahanubhav tradition === |
===Mahanubhav tradition === |
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Mahanubhav Panth, propagated by Sri Chakradhar Swami, considers Dattatreya |
Mahanubhav Panth, propagated by Sri Chakradhar Swami, considers Dattatreya to be their Adi Guru (the original Guru). Sri Chakradhar Swami disclosed to His disciples that Dattatreya, like Him, was an incarnation of supreme lord, parmeshwar. They worship Dattatreya as single headed with two arms. According to their belief, his avatar is ''chaturyugi'' i.e., It remains in all four yugas, viz. Satyug, Tretayug, Dwaparyug, Kaliyug. He still wanders in different bodies, like those of an avadhut, baagh (tiger), hunter, or sage. ''Srimad Bhagwatam's'' tenth volume mentions Dattatreya's discourse as given to king Yadu in the ''tretayug''. On seeing Dattatreya disguised in ''avadhut'' form, king Yadu got instantly attracted towards Him and begged to bestow him with secrets to attain ''Moksha''. Dattatreya Prabhu gave him ''Brahmjnaan'' and went away into the wilderness. The same was shared by [[Krishna]] with prince ''Uddhav'' in ''dwaparyug'' and is scripted in tenth volume of Srimad Bhagwatam. This story is associated with the origin of the nam, ''Uddhav Geeta'' given by the Mahanubhav followers. |
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Even today, many followers visit places in Maharashtra where Sri Dattatreya |
Even today, many followers visit places in Maharashtra where Sri Dattatreya is believed to have gone. ''Sri Datt jayanti'' usually falls in December and that is time of the year Maharashtra attracts many disciples.<ref>www.srikrishan.com</ref> |
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===Shri Gurucharitra tradition === |
===Shri Gurucharitra tradition === |
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This tradition follows from [[Shripad Shrivallabha]] and Shri [[Narasimha Saraswati]]. Several very famous Datta-avatars are from this tradition. |
This tradition follows from [[Shripad Shrivallabha]] and Shri [[Narasimha Saraswati]]. Several very famous Datta-avatars are from this tradition. Such traditionally include Shri Janardanswami, [[Eknath]], Dasopant, Niranjan Raghunath, Narayan Maharaj Jalwankar, [[Manik Prabhu]], [[Swami Samarth]], [[Sai Baba of Shirdi]], [[Shri Vasudevananda Saraswati]] et al. The disciples of Shri [[Narasimha Saraswati]] were, Trivikrambharati from Kumasi, Sayamdev, Nagnath, Devrao Gangadhar and [[Saraswati Gangadhar]] from Kadaganchi. There are two major traditions started by Shri [[Swami Samarth]] of Akkalkot and Shri [[Vasudevananda Saraswati]] alias [[Tembe Swami]] and are described in their respective articles.<ref>Shri [[GuruCharitra]] Ed. R. K. Kamat, Keshav Bhikaji Dhawale Prakashan, Girgaum, Mumbai.</ref> |
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===Niranjan Ragunath tradition === |
===Niranjan Ragunath tradition === |
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{{ref improve section|date=February 2011}}{{peacock|section|date=February 2011}} |
{{ref improve section|date=February 2011}}{{peacock|section|date=February 2011}} |
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His original name was [[Avadhut]], but his guru Shri Raghunathswami renamed him |
His original name was [[Avadhut]], but his guru Shri Raghunathswami renamed him Niranjan. He had several disciples in [[Maharashtra]] in Nashik, Junnar, Kalamb, Kolhapur, Meeraj, including Ramchandra Tatya Gokhale and Govindarao Nana Patwardhan-shastri. His heritage seems to have gone beyond Surat, Baroda, Girnar and north of Jhansi. The most famous disciple of Niranjan Raghunath is Narayan Maharaj Jalwankar. Narayan Maharaj mainly worked in the Malva region. Sapta Sagar is one of his more well known writings. His heritage continued with Shri Lakshman Maharaj, from Indore. Balbhim Maharaj Sadekar was his disciple, an engineer living in Sadegaon. He called himself Gurupadicha veda i.e. Mad for Guru. |
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Shri Satguru Bhagirathinath Maharaj also hailed from Indore. She was born at Nashik in Kolhatkar family. She |
Shri Satguru Bhagirathinath Maharaj also hailed from Indore. She was born at Nashik in Kolhatkar family. She was attracted to the god from early age. After Balbhim Maharaj, she faced strong opposition as people were not ready for a female Guru. She worked mainly for upliftment of ladies and poor needy people. She was master in Kirtanas. She wrote a drama Brahmatmabodh, a book ''Anandpadaver Chauda Chaukadyanche Rajya'' and many psalms (Bhajans). Her disciples have migrated to England, America and Africa. She was constructed a big temple in Pune. The name of temple is Balbhim Bhuvan. Bhalbhim is her Guru name. |
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Dattatreya Mahadev Cholkar was one of the discliples of Bhagirathinath Maharaj. Although he was blind physically, he was very clever in his teaching methods. He wrote original Brahmatmabodh in poetic form. Bhagirathinath appreciated it, modified and rewritten it in simple text form. He written more than 4000 psalms (unpublished). He was very good in kirtanas just like Bhagirathinath Maharaj. |
Dattatreya Mahadev Cholkar was one of the discliples of Bhagirathinath Maharaj. Although he was blind physically, he was very clever in his teaching methods. He wrote original Brahmatmabodh in poetic form. Bhagirathinath appreciated it, modified and rewritten it in simple text form. He written more than 4000 psalms (unpublished). He was very good in kirtanas just like Bhagirathinath Maharaj. |
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Sri Dattatreya Mahadev Cholkar |
Sri Dattatreya Mahadev Cholkar constructed a huge temple in Yavatmal (Maharashatra), known as Shri Bhagirathi Guru Mandir. |
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Shri [[Satguru Samartha Madhurinath]] is also a disciple of Sri Dattatreya Mahadev Cholkar. She started preaching as Satguru in 1994 |
Shri [[Satguru Samartha Madhurinath]], a professor, is also a disciple of Sri Dattatreya Mahadev Cholkar. She started preaching as Satguru in 1994. She demonstrates her disciples how to meditate with the divine and how to devote and serve the almighty in our daily routine life. She has written several books in Marathi, namely ''Datta Bhagirathi Ogh'', ''Biddhibodh'', ''Bodhasaramrut'', ''Mayavivaran'' and ''Shri Abhedbodh'', as well as ''Good Behaviour, A Way to Universal Integrity'' in English. She lives in [[Gorai]], [[Borivali]]. |
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This philosophy falls within the [[Vihanga]] [[Marga]] of the Attatreya [[Sampradaya]]. <ref>Ed. Y. V. Kolhatkar, ''Niranjan Raghunathanche Granth''</ref> |
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=== Sakalmat Sampradaya tradition=== |
=== Sakalmat Sampradaya tradition=== |
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=== Avadhut Panth tradition === |
=== Avadhut Panth tradition === |
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The [[Avadhut]] panth or sect was started by Shri [[Pantmaharaj Balekundrikar]] of Balekundri near Belgaum. More information |
The [[Avadhut]] panth or sect was started by Shri [[Pantmaharaj Balekundrikar]] of Balekundri near Belgaum. More information on the [[Avadhut]] philosophy and tradition is described in the article on [[Avadhut]]. The main disciples of this tradition are Govindaraoji, Gopalraoji, Shankarraoji, Vamanrao and Narasimharao. These are all called "Panta-bandhu"s ('Panta-brothers'). This sampradaya is spread across Balekundri, Daddi, Belgaum, Akol, Kochari, Nerali, Dharwad, Gokak, Hubali.<ref name="Joshi 2000"/> |
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=== In Gujarat === |
=== In Gujarat === |
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Shri Vamanbua Vaidya from Baroda is from the tradition of Shri Kalavit Swami. His philosophical tradition |
Shri Vamanbua Vaidya from Baroda is from the tradition of Shri Kalavit Swami. His philosophical tradition has been furthered by Saswadkar, and Pattankar. The temple of Narasimha Saraswati in Baroda continues this tradition of Dattatreya devotion. The main Dattatreya devotees who spread the Datta-panth in Gujarat were Pandurang Maharaj of Naareshwar and Shrirang Avadhut. |
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Maharshi Punitachariji Maharaj is a devotee of Bhagvan Dattatreya who resides in Gujarat at the Girnar Sadhana Ashram, Junadadh.He experienced a divine vision of Bhagvan Dattatreya on 15 November 1975. He |
Maharshi Punitachariji Maharaj is a devotee of Bhagvan Dattatreya who resides in Gujarat at the Girnar Sadhana Ashram, Junadadh. He claims to have experienced a divine vision of Bhagvan Dattatreya on 15 November 1975. He recommends spontaneous meditation (sahaj dhyan) and the mantra 'Hari om tatsat jai gurudatta' to his followers, the latter purportedly given by Bhagvan Dattatreya.<ref>[http://www.mantradivine.org/hh.html Mantra Divine - Spontaneous Meditation - His Holiness Maharishi Punitachariji]</ref> |
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Gujarati books like ''Dattabavani'' and ''Gurulilamrut'' are quite famous. Dr. H. S. Joshi has written the book ''Origin and Development of Dattatreya Worship in India''.<ref>''Rangabavani'' by J.N.Adhvaryu, ''Shri Vadhutprashasti'', ''Pravasi Avadhut'' and ''Guruvarni Varta'' by Paropakari, ''Shri Datta Upasana'' by Jethalal Narayan Trivedi. These books are written in [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]</ref> |
Gujarati books like ''Dattabavani'' and ''Gurulilamrut'' are quite famous. Dr. H. S. Joshi has written the book ''Origin and Development of Dattatreya Worship in India''.<ref>''Rangabavani'' by J.N.Adhvaryu, ''Shri Vadhutprashasti'', ''Pravasi Avadhut'' and ''Guruvarni Varta'' by Paropakari, ''Shri Datta Upasana'' by Jethalal Narayan Trivedi. These books are written in [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]</ref> |
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===In Andhra Pradesh === |
===In Andhra Pradesh === |
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The first avatara of Dattatreya, Shri [[Shripad Shrivallabha]] was from Pithapuram in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. |
The first avatara of Dattatreya, Shri [[Shripad Shrivallabha]] was from Pithapuram in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. According to article by Prof. N. Venkatarao there are several connections of the Dattatreya tradition with others in [[Maharashtra]]. For example, Maatapur, or Mahur, which is now located in [[Maharashtra]], was once part of the [[Telangana]] region. The head of Mahur temple is called ''Dattatreya Yogi''. |
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Around 1550 CE, Dattatreya Yogi taught the Dattatreya philosophy to his disciple Das Gosavi in [[Marathi language|Marathi]]. Das Gosavi then taught this philosophy to his two [[Telugu people|Telugu]] disciples Gopalbhatt and Sarvaved who studied and translated Das Gosavi's book of ''Vedantavyavaharsangraha'' into Telugu language. According Prof. R. C. Dhere, DattatreyaYogi and Das Gosavi are the original gurus in the Telugu Dattatreya tradition. Prof. Rao states that ''Dattatreya Shatakamu'' was written by Paramanandateertha who is equally important in his contributions to the Telugu tradition of Dattatreya. He was a proponent of [[Advaita]] philosophy and dedicated his two epics, ''Anubhavadarpanamu'' and ''Shivadnyanamanjari'' to Shri Dattatreya. His famous ''Vivekachintamani'' book was translated into [[Kannada]] by Nijashivagunayogi and Lingayat saint Shanatalingaswami translated this into Marathi.<ref>''Works relating to the Dattatreya Cult in Telugu Literature'': N. Venkata Rao (''Essays in Philosophy'' presented to Dr. T. M. P. Mahadevan, Madras, 1962. pp464-475).</ref> |
Around 1550 CE, Dattatreya Yogi taught the Dattatreya philosophy to his disciple Das Gosavi in [[Marathi language|Marathi]]. Das Gosavi then taught this philosophy to his two [[Telugu people|Telugu]] disciples Gopalbhatt and Sarvaved who studied and translated Das Gosavi's book of ''Vedantavyavaharsangraha'' into Telugu language. According Prof. R. C. Dhere, DattatreyaYogi and Das Gosavi are the original gurus in the Telugu Dattatreya tradition. Prof. Rao states that ''Dattatreya Shatakamu'' was written by Paramanandateertha who is equally important in his contributions to the Telugu tradition of Dattatreya. He was a proponent of [[Advaita]] philosophy and dedicated his two epics, ''Anubhavadarpanamu'' and ''Shivadnyanamanjari'' to Shri Dattatreya. His famous ''Vivekachintamani'' book was translated into [[Kannada]] by Nijashivagunayogi and Lingayat saint Shanatalingaswami translated this into Marathi.<ref>''Works relating to the Dattatreya Cult in Telugu Literature'': N. Venkata Rao (''Essays in Philosophy'' presented to Dr. T. M. P. Mahadevan, Madras, 1962. pp464-475).</ref> |
Revision as of 18:38, 5 April 2011
Dattatreya | |
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Devanagari | दत्तात्रेय |
Dattatreya (Sanskrit: दत्तात्रेय, Dattātreya) or Datta is a Hindu Deity encompassing the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, collectively known as Trimurti. The name Dattatreya can be divided into two words - "Datta" (meaning given) and "Atreya" referring to the sage Atri, his physical father).
Various Hindu sects worship him differently. In the Nath tradition, Dattatreya is recognized as an Avatar or incarnation of Shiva and as the Adi-Guru (First Teacher) of the Adinath Sampradaya of the Nathas. Although Dattatreya was at first a "Lord of Yoga" exhibiting distinctly Tantric traits,[1][2] he was adapted and assimilated into the more devotional (Sanskrit: bhakti) Vaishnavite cults; while still worshiped by millions of Hindus, he is approached more as a benevolent god than as a teacher of the highest essence of Indian thought. Dattatreya is credited as the author of the Tripura Rahasya given to Parasurama, a treatise on Advaita Vedanta.
Life
Birth
Dattatreya was born to the sage Atri, who had been promised by Parameshvara, that he, Parameshvara, would be incarnated as his son.[3] Since Parameshvara subsumes all three members of the trimurti, Dattatreya is at once the incarnation of Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma.
Travels
Dattatreya left home at an early age to wander naked in search of the Absolute. He seems to have spent most of his life wandering in the area between and including North Karnataka, through Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, and into Gujarat as far as the Narmada River. He attained realization at a town, now known as, Ganagapura in North Karnataka. The original footprints of Datta are believed to be located on the lonely peak at Girnar. The Tripura-rahasya refers to the disciple Parasurama finding Dattatreya meditating on Gandhamadana mountain.[4]
As an avatar
In The Pathless Path to Immortality, Shri Gurudev Mahendranath writes:
Shri Dattatreya was a dropout of an earlier age than the period when Veda and Tantra merged to become one simple cult. It was men like Dattatreya who helped to make this possible. Three of his close disciples were kings, one an Asura and the other two both belonging to the warrior caste. Dattatreya himself was regarded as an avatar of Maheshwara (Shiva) but later was claimed by Vaishnavites as the avatar of Vishnu. Not such a sectarian claim as it appears; Hindus regard Shiva and Vishnu as the same or as manifestations of the Absolute taking form.[4]
Indeed, the Dattatreya Upanisad, which opens proclaiming Dattatreya's identity with Vishnu, ends with the mantra Om Namah Shivaya, identifying Datta with Shiva. In the last portion of the third chapter, Mahesvara (Shiva) alone is said to pervade reality and shine in every heart of man. He alone is in front, behind, to the left, to the right, below, above, everywhere the center. Finally, Mahesvara is identified with Dattatreya, depicting the latter as an Avatara of Shiva.
The nectar of the honey-bee
Rigopoulos (1998: p.xii) conveys the motif of the '"honey bee" Yogin' (as an aside, the literary point of origin of this motif may be the Nad-Bindu Upanishad of the Rig Veda) common to nondual Dharmic Traditions and champions Dattatreya as the archetypal model of inclusionism and syncretism by implication:
Furthermore, the unfolding of the Dattātreya icon illustrates the development of Yoga as a synthetic and inclusive body of ideologies and practices. Although fundamentally a jñāna-mūrti, Dattātreya is a "honey bee" Yogin: one whose character and teachings are developed by gathering varieties of Yoga's flowers. For all religious groups whose propensity it is to include ideas, practices, and teaching from the ocean of traditions, Dattātreya is truly a paradigm.[5]
Dogs
Werness (2004: p. 138) ventures the semiology of the four dogs each of a different colour oft-depicted in Dattatreya iconography as holding the valence of the four Vedas:
Pre-Vedic Indian dogs were regarded as auspicious symbols, and later deities assumed dog forms, became associated with dogs, and were linked with the glory and fidelity of warriors. Four different-coloured dogs accompanied the Dattatreya, who represented the four Vedas...[6]
There is other symbolism attachable here. Dogs also held the cultural significance of 'dog eaters' (Sanskrit: candala) those who existed beyond the confines of Varnashrama Dharma. Dogs are both wild and tame, and symbols of fidelity and devotion (Sanskrit: bhakti).
Origins
Dattatreya is one of the oldest deities. The first reference of this deity is found in epics like Mahabharata[7] and Ramayana.
In the Dattatreya Upanishad which is a part of the Atharva Veda, he is described as being able to appear in the form of a child, madman, or demon in order to help his devotees achieve moksha, liberation from the bonds of worldly existence.[8]
The single head for Dattatreya can be explained if one sees the Tantric traditions which prevailed in India about 1000 years back. It was Gorakshanath who changed removed the aghori traditions and made the Nath sampradaya in the acceptable civil form of today. Dattatreya must have been a very powerful sage existing before this time and over the centuries sometime he was defined to the form of Dattatreya. The three heads have come definitely later in the last 900 years or so.[9]
Avatars
According to the book "Shridattareya Shodashavatar Charitanee" by Shri Vasudevananda Saraswati, Dattatreya is supposed to have taken 16 Avatars. The names and their birthdate (as per the Lunar calendar) are given in brackets.[10]
- Yogiraaj (Kaartik Shu.15)
- Atrivarad (Kaartik Kru.1)
- Dattatreya (Kaartik Kru.2)
- Kaalaagnishaman (Maargashirsha Shu.14)
- Yogijanvallabh (Maargashirsha Shu.15)
- Lilaavishambhar (Paush Shu.15)
- Siddharaaj (Maagh Shu.15)
- Dnyaasaagar (Faalgun Shu.10)
- Vishambhar (Chaitra Shu.15)
- Maayaamukta (Vaishaakh Shu.15)
- Maayaamukta (Jyeshtha Shu.13)
- Aadiguru (Aashaadh Shu.15)
- Shivarup (Shraavan Shu.8)
- Devdev (Bhaadrapad Shu.14)
- Digambar (Aashwin Shu.15)
- Krishnashyaamkamalnayan (Kaartik Shu.12)
In the Dasopanta tradition, all 16 are worshiped and Dasopanta is considered as the 17th avatara.
In the Datta Sampradaya the first avatar is Shripad Shri Vallabh and the second is Narasimha Saraswati. Akkalkot Swami Samarth, Shri Vasudevanand Saraswati (Tembe Swami, Sawantwadi)) Manik Prabhu, Krishna Saraswati, Shirdi Sai Baba (Shirdi, Maharashtra) and Pujya Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji are also considered as avatars of Dattatreya.[11]
The Upanishads Avadhutopanishad and Jaabaaldarshanopanishad mention that this philosophy was put forward by Dattatreya.
Avadhuta Gita
According to the International Nath Order of the Nath Sampradaya, the "Avadhuta Gita is a distillation of the sublime realization sung by Dattatreya and transcribed by two of his disciples, Swami and Kartika."[12] Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902) held it in high esteem. Originally a work of seven chapters, a spurious and misogynistic eighth chapter may be a later attempt to append sexual morality to the Natha tradition by a conservative ascetic. Some of the ideas in this Gita are however common to both Shaivite, and Buddhist Tantras and Vaishnava Agamas.
Dattatreya traditions
Following are the various traditions of Dattatreya described in brief. The traditions are mainly from Gujarath, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, and were first written in Gujarati, Marathi, Kannada and Telugu.[13]
Puranic tradition
The ancients disciples of Dattatreya have been described above. Among these, Karatavirya Sahasrajun is often seen as his favourite. The other ones are, traditionally, Alarka (alias Madalasa-garbharatna), King Aayu from Somavansha, King Yadu (son of Yayaati and Devayaani) of Yadavs (Krishna's dynasty) and Shri Parashurama alias Bhargava. There is one more by the name of Saankruti, who is mentioned in the Avadhutopanishad and Jabalopanishad.[14]
Mahanubhav tradition
Mahanubhav Panth, propagated by Sri Chakradhar Swami, considers Dattatreya to be their Adi Guru (the original Guru). Sri Chakradhar Swami disclosed to His disciples that Dattatreya, like Him, was an incarnation of supreme lord, parmeshwar. They worship Dattatreya as single headed with two arms. According to their belief, his avatar is chaturyugi i.e., It remains in all four yugas, viz. Satyug, Tretayug, Dwaparyug, Kaliyug. He still wanders in different bodies, like those of an avadhut, baagh (tiger), hunter, or sage. Srimad Bhagwatam's tenth volume mentions Dattatreya's discourse as given to king Yadu in the tretayug. On seeing Dattatreya disguised in avadhut form, king Yadu got instantly attracted towards Him and begged to bestow him with secrets to attain Moksha. Dattatreya Prabhu gave him Brahmjnaan and went away into the wilderness. The same was shared by Krishna with prince Uddhav in dwaparyug and is scripted in tenth volume of Srimad Bhagwatam. This story is associated with the origin of the nam, Uddhav Geeta given by the Mahanubhav followers. Even today, many followers visit places in Maharashtra where Sri Dattatreya is believed to have gone. Sri Datt jayanti usually falls in December and that is time of the year Maharashtra attracts many disciples.[15]
Shri Gurucharitra tradition
This tradition follows from Shripad Shrivallabha and Shri Narasimha Saraswati. Several very famous Datta-avatars are from this tradition. Such traditionally include Shri Janardanswami, Eknath, Dasopant, Niranjan Raghunath, Narayan Maharaj Jalwankar, Manik Prabhu, Swami Samarth, Sai Baba of Shirdi, Shri Vasudevananda Saraswati et al. The disciples of Shri Narasimha Saraswati were, Trivikrambharati from Kumasi, Sayamdev, Nagnath, Devrao Gangadhar and Saraswati Gangadhar from Kadaganchi. There are two major traditions started by Shri Swami Samarth of Akkalkot and Shri Vasudevananda Saraswati alias Tembe Swami and are described in their respective articles.[16]
Niranjan Ragunath tradition
His original name was Avadhut, but his guru Shri Raghunathswami renamed him Niranjan. He had several disciples in Maharashtra in Nashik, Junnar, Kalamb, Kolhapur, Meeraj, including Ramchandra Tatya Gokhale and Govindarao Nana Patwardhan-shastri. His heritage seems to have gone beyond Surat, Baroda, Girnar and north of Jhansi. The most famous disciple of Niranjan Raghunath is Narayan Maharaj Jalwankar. Narayan Maharaj mainly worked in the Malva region. Sapta Sagar is one of his more well known writings. His heritage continued with Shri Lakshman Maharaj, from Indore. Balbhim Maharaj Sadekar was his disciple, an engineer living in Sadegaon. He called himself Gurupadicha veda i.e. Mad for Guru.
Shri Satguru Bhagirathinath Maharaj also hailed from Indore. She was born at Nashik in Kolhatkar family. She was attracted to the god from early age. After Balbhim Maharaj, she faced strong opposition as people were not ready for a female Guru. She worked mainly for upliftment of ladies and poor needy people. She was master in Kirtanas. She wrote a drama Brahmatmabodh, a book Anandpadaver Chauda Chaukadyanche Rajya and many psalms (Bhajans). Her disciples have migrated to England, America and Africa. She was constructed a big temple in Pune. The name of temple is Balbhim Bhuvan. Bhalbhim is her Guru name.
Dattatreya Mahadev Cholkar was one of the discliples of Bhagirathinath Maharaj. Although he was blind physically, he was very clever in his teaching methods. He wrote original Brahmatmabodh in poetic form. Bhagirathinath appreciated it, modified and rewritten it in simple text form. He written more than 4000 psalms (unpublished). He was very good in kirtanas just like Bhagirathinath Maharaj.
Sri Dattatreya Mahadev Cholkar constructed a huge temple in Yavatmal (Maharashatra), known as Shri Bhagirathi Guru Mandir.
Shri Satguru Samartha Madhurinath, a professor, is also a disciple of Sri Dattatreya Mahadev Cholkar. She started preaching as Satguru in 1994. She demonstrates her disciples how to meditate with the divine and how to devote and serve the almighty in our daily routine life. She has written several books in Marathi, namely Datta Bhagirathi Ogh, Biddhibodh, Bodhasaramrut, Mayavivaran and Shri Abhedbodh, as well as Good Behaviour, A Way to Universal Integrity in English. She lives in Gorai, Borivali.
This philosophy falls within the Vihanga Marga of the Attatreya Sampradaya. [17]
Sakalmat Sampradaya tradition
The meaning of sakalmat is, all faiths are accepted (Sakala means All and mata means opinion, but here we have to take the meaning as faith). This is a form of Datta-sampradaya which is called Rajyogi or Royal type. Shri Chaitanya Dev is the main worshipped god here and this sampradaya one views gold, pearls, diamonds, expensive clothes and music, art etc. as part of tradition. Here poor and rich are considered as the same. Thus all the materialistic items are viewed at par with nothing. The philosophy of this tradition is that there is no resistance to any kind of religious faiths in the world. All faiths are believed to give the ultimate godliness to its followers. This tradition was started by Shri Manik Prabhu of Humanabad. Hindus, Muslims and people of all castes are allowed here. Some disciples of this tradition are, Bapacharya, Narayan Dikshit, Chimnya Bramhachari, Gopalbua.[18]
Avadhut Panth tradition
The Avadhut panth or sect was started by Shri Pantmaharaj Balekundrikar of Balekundri near Belgaum. More information on the Avadhut philosophy and tradition is described in the article on Avadhut. The main disciples of this tradition are Govindaraoji, Gopalraoji, Shankarraoji, Vamanrao and Narasimharao. These are all called "Panta-bandhu"s ('Panta-brothers'). This sampradaya is spread across Balekundri, Daddi, Belgaum, Akol, Kochari, Nerali, Dharwad, Gokak, Hubali.[13]
In Gujarat
Shri Vamanbua Vaidya from Baroda is from the tradition of Shri Kalavit Swami. His philosophical tradition has been furthered by Saswadkar, and Pattankar. The temple of Narasimha Saraswati in Baroda continues this tradition of Dattatreya devotion. The main Dattatreya devotees who spread the Datta-panth in Gujarat were Pandurang Maharaj of Naareshwar and Shrirang Avadhut.
Maharshi Punitachariji Maharaj is a devotee of Bhagvan Dattatreya who resides in Gujarat at the Girnar Sadhana Ashram, Junadadh. He claims to have experienced a divine vision of Bhagvan Dattatreya on 15 November 1975. He recommends spontaneous meditation (sahaj dhyan) and the mantra 'Hari om tatsat jai gurudatta' to his followers, the latter purportedly given by Bhagvan Dattatreya.[19]
Gujarati books like Dattabavani and Gurulilamrut are quite famous. Dr. H. S. Joshi has written the book Origin and Development of Dattatreya Worship in India.[20]
In Andhra Pradesh
The first avatara of Dattatreya, Shri Shripad Shrivallabha was from Pithapuram in Andhra Pradesh. According to article by Prof. N. Venkatarao there are several connections of the Dattatreya tradition with others in Maharashtra. For example, Maatapur, or Mahur, which is now located in Maharashtra, was once part of the Telangana region. The head of Mahur temple is called Dattatreya Yogi.
Around 1550 CE, Dattatreya Yogi taught the Dattatreya philosophy to his disciple Das Gosavi in Marathi. Das Gosavi then taught this philosophy to his two Telugu disciples Gopalbhatt and Sarvaved who studied and translated Das Gosavi's book of Vedantavyavaharsangraha into Telugu language. According Prof. R. C. Dhere, DattatreyaYogi and Das Gosavi are the original gurus in the Telugu Dattatreya tradition. Prof. Rao states that Dattatreya Shatakamu was written by Paramanandateertha who is equally important in his contributions to the Telugu tradition of Dattatreya. He was a proponent of Advaita philosophy and dedicated his two epics, Anubhavadarpanamu and Shivadnyanamanjari to Shri Dattatreya. His famous Vivekachintamani book was translated into Kannada by Nijashivagunayogi and Lingayat saint Shanatalingaswami translated this into Marathi.[21]
Notes
- ^ Rigopoulos (1998), p. 77.
- ^ Harper & Brown (2002), p. 155.
- ^ Lilacharitra by Dr. V.B. Kolte
- ^ a b Mahendranath, Shri Gurudev. "The Pathless Path to Immortality: The Wisdom of Bhagavan Dattatreya" in The Scrolls of Mahendranath, International Nath Order, 2002. Retrieved December 17, 2010.
- ^ Rigopoulos, Antonio (1998). Dattātreya: the immortal guru, yogin, and avatāra : a study of the transformative and inclusive character of a multi-faceted Hindu deity. SUNY Press. ISBN 0791436950, 9780791436950. Source: [1] (accessed: Saturday February 6, 2010)
- ^ Werness, Hope B. (2004). The Continuum encyclopedia of animal symbolism in art. Illustrated edition. Continuum International Publishing Group. ISBN 0826415253, 9780826415257. Source: [2] (accessed: Thursday February 11, 2010), p.138
- ^ Vanaparva 115.12, Shantiparva 49.36-37, Anushasanparva 152.5 and 153.12
- ^ Dattatreya Upanishad
- ^ Dr. R. C. Dhere, Datta Sampradayacha Itihas
- ^ "Shridattareya Shodashavatar Charitanee" by Shri Vasudevananda Saraswati. Vasudevniwas publications
- ^ Shri Datta Swami. Shri Datta Swami: Divinity on the Earth
- ^ International Nath Order [Wiki] (April 2008). 'Avadhuta Gita'. Source: [3] (accessed: Tuesday February 9, 2010)
- ^ a b Joshi, Dr. P. N. (2000) Shri Dattatreya Dnyankosh. Pune: Shri Dattatreya Dnyankosh Prakashan.
- ^ Anandashraya Sanskrit Granthmala.
- ^ www.srikrishan.com
- ^ Shri GuruCharitra Ed. R. K. Kamat, Keshav Bhikaji Dhawale Prakashan, Girgaum, Mumbai.
- ^ Ed. Y. V. Kolhatkar, Niranjan Raghunathanche Granth
- ^ ShriSansthan ManikPrabhu Padyamala, Upasanamartand -Shri ManikPrabhu Granthavali, ShriManikPrabhu Charitra by G. R. Kulkarni.
- ^ Mantra Divine - Spontaneous Meditation - His Holiness Maharishi Punitachariji
- ^ Rangabavani by J.N.Adhvaryu, Shri Vadhutprashasti, Pravasi Avadhut and Guruvarni Varta by Paropakari, Shri Datta Upasana by Jethalal Narayan Trivedi. These books are written in Gujarati
- ^ Works relating to the Dattatreya Cult in Telugu Literature: N. Venkata Rao (Essays in Philosophy presented to Dr. T. M. P. Mahadevan, Madras, 1962. pp464-475).
References
- Abhayananda, S., Dattatreya's Song of the Avadhut. ATMA Books (Olympia, Wash), 2000. ISBN 8170306752.
- Hariprasad Shivprasad Joshi (1965). Origin and Development of Dattātreya Worship in India. The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda.
- Harper, Katherine Anne; Brown, Robert L. (2002). The Roots of Tantra. New York: State University of New York Press. ISBN 9780791453056.
- Kambhampati, Parvathi Kumar (2000). Sri Dattatreya (1st ed.). Visakhapatnam: Dhanishta.
- Rigopoulos, Antonio (1998). Dattatreya: The Immortal Guru, Yogin, and Avatara. New York: State University of New York Press. ISBN 0-7914-3696-9.
- Subramanian K. N., Wisdom of Sri Dattatreya. Sura Books, 2006. ISBN 8174783903.