The worship of Guru Dattatreya is of paramount importance in the Navnath Sampradaya, as well as for anyone aspiring to be a Siddh Purush [spiritually evolve person]. Guru Dattatreya, the Supreme Being – the sum total of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Hence he is worshipped as the ultimate Guru; the Guru of the Gurus.
Mantra
Atri Putro Mahaa TejA Dattatreyo Mahaamunihi
Tasya Smarana Maatrena Sarva Paapaihi Pramucchyathe |
This is very powerful mantra to remove bad karma and sins from past life. Those whom are having obstacles in life, delay in marriage, Career obstruction etc can recite this mantra and finds success in life and their wishes fulfilled. This mantra should be recited daily 108 times in the morning for 108 days and later can be recited 3,9 or 11 times a day.
The best time to chant this mantra is during sunrise or sunset. One can use Lord Dattatreya’s photo or yantra and should sit facing east while chanting this mantra. The rosary bead (japa mala) should be made of Tulasi (basil), Rudraksha, or clear quartz crystal.
The Sadhaka can offer anything sweet such as pongal – rice boiled with milk and sugar as the naivedyam (food offerings) along with flowers.
Lord Dattatraya is normally portrayed with a cow representing Bhoomi Devi (Mother Earth) and four dogs at his feet representing the four Vedas. Dattatreya has three heads symbolizing the unity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. He also represents the time (past, present and future) and the 3 main aspects of the Universe (creation, preservation and destruction).
Lord Dattatreya was born to Sage Atri and Anasuya because of the boon she received from the Trinity who tested her. They begged Anasuya who was well known for her chastity for alms and requested her to prepare and serve food for them after being naked. As it is considered wrong to turn guests away and Guests are considered as god she agreed to the request. But the power of her chastity was such that the Trinity had to turn infants to be fed by her. Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva was extremely pleased by her that they showed their original form and blessed Anusuya that she will give birth a son who will be the embodiment of the three Lords. The word Datta means ‘Given’. As he was given as a son to the sage couple Atri and Anasuya, he is also known as Atreya.
