AvadhootaDatta Peetham

Lord Dattatreya's form - the Trinity
Lord Dattahas has three heads and six hands; four dogs around Him; Kaamadhenu (cow) and a Kalpavruksha (Audumbara tree) behind him. While the four dogs represent the four Vedas - Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Saama Veda and Atharvana Veda; the Kamadhenu and Kalpavruksha represent wish fulfilment of the devotees. In each of the six hands, Lord holds a rosary, drum, discus, conch, trident and a water-pot (in clockwise direction). 

 

Datta as Shiva: One hand weilds the “Shula” (trident) which is meant for killing the ego. One more hand holds the “Damaruga” (drum) to awaken the people who are always in the state of slumber called “ajnana” (ignorance). The "Shula" and "Damaruga" are weilded by Lord Shiva. So, Lord Datta alerts the beings - “You must come. You must come with me” by making the drum sounds.

Datta as Vishnu: The "Shankha" (conch) in Lord's hands represents the primordial sound "Omkara". It is the first word, the first beat, the first “nada” (sound) that comprises of Akara, Ukara and Makara . “Akara”, represents “Srishti “ (creation). “Ukara” implies “Sthiti’ which means protection. “Makara” means dissolution. The three sounds A-U-M combine to make the “Omkara”. The sound of a conch is symbolic of “Omkara”. Vishnu has the “shankha” and the “chakra” in his hands. One's breathing itself sounds like “Omkara” or “So Hum”, It implies that "I am the world", "I am the universe", "I am Shiva", "I am Vishnu". Everyone is chanting this mantra with each breath unknowingly. When the “shankha” is blown, the “avidya” (ignorance) vanishes. That ia why, Lord Vishnu is always making sounds with “Shankha” in the human hearts and minds. In another hand, Lord Vishnu holds the “Chakra”. The “chakra” is symbolic of karma - like a round circle with neither a beginning nor an end. Lord Vishnu takes away the karma from all the souls.

Datta as Brahma: Lord Dattatreya holds a “Japa mala” in one of His right hands. This conveys two meanings: 1. the rosary which consists of several rounded beads represent the universes in multitude under Lord's control, 2. Lord Himself is always doing Japa of "Omkara" and is ever engaged in meditation.  In another hand, Lord Dattatreya carries the “Kamandalu” (water-pot). It does not contain ordinary water, it has the nectar of wisdom with which the beings attain exalted states.

One prominent story associated with Lord Dattatreya is his preaching to his disciple King Yadu, about his twenty-four Gurus of nature, from whom he learned profound lessons about spirituality and life. These Gurus include:
1. Prithvi (Earth): Patience and doing good to others in one's entire life can be learnt from Mother Earth.

2. Vaayu (Air): Air is symbolic of the qualities of non attachment and stainlessness.

3. Akasha (Sky): Sky represents the all pervading nature and about the Self that remains uncontaminated by the qualities that arise in the elements forming the body.

 

4. Jala (Water): Water represents purity, smoothness and sweetness, so one should have a pure heart, speak  sweet words and be full of love for all beings.

5. Agni (Fire): Even though fire consumes all things indiscriminately, it does not become unholy, so too, one should have knowledge, should be a tapasvin, be undesirable and remain unaffected by what others offer him.

6. Chandra (Moon): Waxing and waning are only for Moon's lustre, likewise, the delinquencies of the six senses are of the body only and not of the Atman.

7. Surya (Sun): Sun absorbs water from Earth with its rays and returns the water to Earth at an appropriate time. Similarly, one should accept the objects of the senses without any enthusiasm for them.

8. Kapota (Pigeon): A pigeon develops too much attachment or friendship and ends up in affliction. So, attachments lead to one's downfall and waste of precious lifespan.

9. Ajagara (Python): Like a python, one should forego even sleep and food, and remain firmly devoted to the Self.

10. Samudra (Ocean): An ocean does not let even a small leaf to land on its surface, so too one should not allow even the smallest desire or agitation to enter into the mind. Moreover, many rivers flow into an ocean, yet it does not overflow. Likewise, one should not be over joyous when desires are fulfilled or be depressed when they do not materialize.

11. Moth: Deluded by the flames of fire and expecting to enjoy comforts, the moth rushes towards the flames and get burnt. So, man must be careful not to fall a victim to the attractions of a woman or to the delusion caused by the sense organs.

12. Bhramara (Bee): A bee gathers nectar from almost every flower, so too one should study all scriptures, skilfully grasp the essence and adapt it in the search for the Self.

13. Gaja (Elephant): Although elephant is very strong and intelligent, it gets trapped due to its lustfulness. So too, one should know that lust is dangerous.

14. Honey-thief: The honey-thief contrives and steals the honey that is hoarded by honey bees. Therefore, if a person is stingy and hides his wealth without enjoying it himself or allowing others to share it, he risjs being robbed by someone.

15. Deer: The hunter's music makes the innocnet deer to stand still and listen with closed eyes. Sage Rushyashrunga become a victim of a dancing girl attracted to her music and dance. So too, one should not be beguiled by music or dancing.

16. Fish: The uncontrolled tongue of a fish makes it the prey of the fisherman's hook. Therefore, a fish teaches that controlling and conquering the tongue is very important.

17. Harlot named Pingala:  Pingala, a harlot attained marvellous tranquility, peace of mind and a sound sleep by giving up the desire for wealth and lustful pleasures. So, desire is sorrow and absence of wnats is the highest happiness. 

18. Osprey: A little bird holding a bit of meat gets attacked by a bigger and stronger bird. When the bird drops the meat, the other bird follows to get the meat piece. So too, if one keeps a thing coveted by others, one will be subjected to severe anguish and therefore it is wise to give up such things voluntarily.

19. Child: A little child is worry-free and is always happy playing by himself. One should also should remain happy like a child.

20. Maiden: When a maiden pounds the paddy, her bangles make jingling sound. To avoid any sound, she retains only one bangle on each wrist. Likewise, quarrels ensue when too many persons gather in one place.

21. Arrow-maker: A arrow-maker has utmost concentration in making arrows. Likwsise, one should sit with total focus and practice Yoga. 

22. Snake: A serpent is always vigilant and is never absent-minded. Unlike a man, a snake does not waste its time building a shelter and happily lives in an ant-hill deserted by ants.
 

23. Spider: A spider stirs the threads in its stomach and with that material weaves its web, plays with it and finally swallows it. The process of creation also is akin to a spider's web.

24. Insect: Like how the form of an insect that stares hard at a dragon-fly undergoes a change, so too, one attains the form of those on whom one concentrates the mind completely. If a small insect can transform its body, even a man possessing intellect and the faculty of meditation and concentration can be certainly liberated.

 

Lord Dattatreya's teachings promote detachment from material desires and ego, emphasizing the path of self-realization and the realization of the divine presence within oneself and all beings. He encourages seekers to learn from nature, observing the qualities and lessons it offers, and recognizing the divinity inherent in all aspects of creation. The ultimate teaching of Lord Dattatreya is to transcend dualities and merge with the eternal consciousness, realizing the oneness of all existence.

Datta Stavam
Datta Stava is a sacred hymn that holds immense significance in the Datta Parampara. It is a devotional composition expressing reverence and seeking blessings from Lord Dattatreya written by Vasudevanada Saraswati. This is a daily prayer that is chanted across all Ashram branches of Avadhoota Datta Peetham.

dattātrēyaṁ mahātmānaṁ
varadaṁ bhaktavatsalaṁ |
prapannārtiharaṁ vandē
smartr̥gāmi sanōvatu || 1 ||