Dattatreya Jayanti 2024: Date, History & Its Significance
Dattatreya Jayanti, also known as Datta Jayanti, is a revered Hindu festival celebrating the birth anniversary of Lord Dattatreya, the divine incarnation of the Hindu holy trinity (Trimurti)—Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva). This auspicious day falls on the Purnima (full moon day) of the Margashirsha month in the Hindu calendar. In 2024, Dattatreya Jayanti will be celebrated on Saturday, December 14, with grand fervor and devotion across various parts of India.
Date & Timings of Dattatreya Jayanti 2024
As per the Hindu calendar, Dattatreya Jayanti occurs on Margashirsha Purnima. Below are the detailed timings for the auspicious day:
- Purnima Tithi Begins: 4:58 PM on December 14, 2024
- Purnima Tithi Ends: 2:31 PM on December 15, 2024
Devotees observe special rituals and worship during these hours to seek the blessings of Lord Dattatreya.
Who is Lord Dattatreya?
Lord Dattatreya is regarded as the divine union of the Trimurti—Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. He is depicted with three heads representing the Trimurti and six arms, each holding symbolic items associated with the three deities. Dattatreya is also revered as the Guru of Gurus (Adiguru) and symbolizes wisdom, enlightenment, and spiritual guidance. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dattatreya is the son of Sage Atri and Anasuya, a devout and chaste woman. His teachings and presence are central to many spiritual traditions, including Nathpanth and Datta Sampradaya.
Significance of Dattatreya Jayanti
Dattatreya Jayanti holds immense significance among devotees, especially in South India. On this day, Lord Dattatreya’s blessings are believed to be 1,000 times more powerful, making it an opportune time to worship him for fulfilling desires, overcoming obstacles, and achieving spiritual growth. Devotees also honor Lord Dattatreya as the embodiment of societal equality and universal brotherhood, principles he emphasized in his teachings.
History of Dattatreya Jayanti
The fascinating legend of Lord Dattatreya’s birth traces back to Anasuya, wife of Sage Atri, renowned for her chastity and devotion. According to the scriptures, Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) visited her disguised as sages to test her virtue. They asked her to serve them food while being unclothed, a challenging demand meant to compromise her chastity. Using her spiritual powers, Anasuya transformed the sages into infants and fed them, thus maintaining her virtue. Impressed by her purity, the Trimurti blessed her with a son embodying all three deities—this son was Dattatreya.
Celebrations of Dattatreya Jayanti
The festival is celebrated with great devotion, particularly in states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Gujarat, which are home to many temples dedicated to Lord Dattatreya. Here are the main rituals and celebrations observed during the festival:
- Morning Rituals: Devotees wake up early, bathe in holy rivers, and perform special pujas dedicated to Lord Dattatreya.
- Temple Decorations: Temples are adorned with flowers, and devotees participate in aartis, bhajans, and mantra recitations.
- Fasting: Many observe a satvik fast, avoiding grains and cooked meals, while some opt for the rigorous Nirjala vrat (fasting without food or water).
- Sacred Readings: Devotees recite scriptures such as the Datta Mahatmya, Guru Charitra, and Avadhut Gita.
In some regions, seven-day festivities are held in honor of Lord Dattatreya, starting from Ekadashi and culminating on Purnima.
Dattatreya Jayanti Puja Vidhi
On this holy day, devotees perform puja to honor Lord Dattatreya and seek his blessings. The rituals include:
- Sandalwood, Turmeric, and Vermilion: These are applied to the deity’s idol or image.
- Offerings: Devotees offer fruits, sweets, and sacred items such as incense sticks and lamps.
- Mantras and Stotrams: Reciting hymns like the Shri Dattatreya Stotram and Dattatreya Gayatri Mantra is considered highly auspicious.
Dattatreya Jayanti is a time for spiritual reflection, devotion, and celebration of the divine qualities embodied by Lord Dattatreya. His teachings continue to inspire millions to lead a life of wisdom, humility, and selflessness. Observing this festival with faith and dedication is believed to bring inner peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
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