Dattatreya Jayanti or Datta Jayanti is one of the very auspicious days in the Hindu mythological calendar. On this day, Lord Datta who is an incarnation of all three forms- Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Mahesh was born. Lord Datta is considered the holy trinity. Datta Jayanti is observed on the full moon day in the month of Margashirsha. The Margashirsha Purnima is the day of Datta Jayanti and it is significantly followed mainly in the state of Maharashtra. Worshipping and performing the puja of Lord Datta is considered extremely beneficial for all aspects of one's life. Datta Jayanti 2018 will be December 22, this year. Devotees observe a fast for the whole day and offer prayers to the Lord Dattatreya, seeking his blessings. Bhagavad Gita Jayanti 2018: Life-Changing Quotes From the Holy Book of Hindus That Are Relevant Even Today.

Datta is also known by other names like Avadhut and Digambar. Lord Dattatreya is known to help people and guide them in the right way. So worshipping the Lord on the day of his incarnation is considered extremely important. It is said that in the previous eras, the atrocities of the demonic forces increased a lot. To get control of them, Lord Datta incarnated in not one but three forms and destroyed all the demons. Margashirsha Mahalakshmi Thursday Vrat 2018: Dates, Significance of Guruvar Lakshmi Vrat and Puja Vidhi of this Auspicious Hindu Month.

Meaning and Significance of Datta Jayanti

Datta is someone who has been endowed with anubhuti meaning spiritual experience of the unmanifest. It is said that he has attained God-realisation. Since Lord Datta is also an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, his mission is sustenance, creation and developing devotion in people, and teaching them how to lead an ideal life. Shri Datta also helps in giving momentum to the ancestors after their death. On the day of Datta Jayanti, it is said that Datta's principle is 1000 times more active on Earth as compared to any other day. So if one performs the worship of Lord Datta on this day, they will receive maximum benefits from Datta principle.

The birth of Lord Datta is celebrated from a week in prior by reciting verses from the Gurucharitra, which is a holy scripture talking about the glory of Lord Datta. There are devotional meets held in temples and at some places, there are scenes from Datta's life depicted in some decorations. People chant the names of Lord Datta and a jaap of the deity is considered to help in solving bigger problems of life. Several temples in the state organise the 7-day celebration of Datta Jayanti.

Datta Jayanti Puja Muhurat

According to ProKerala, The Purnima Tithi for Datta Jayanti 2018 begins at 02:09 AM and ends at 23:18 PM on the same day.

Datta Jayanti Puja Vrat and Vidhi

  • Devotees wake up early in the morning before sunrise. They take a holy bath and start the fast for Datta Jayanti.

  • Before starting the puja, apply two vertical lines on the forehead using the ring finger of the right hand. A person's spiritual emotion or bhava which helps in concentration is attained while performing the puja.

  • Gandha (sandalwood paste), haldi (turmeric) and kumkum (vermillion) are applied at the feet of the idol or the image deity Lord Datta.

  • Flowers are offered near the feet of the lord. Usually, flowers are offered in the count of 7 or the multiples of 7. Incense stick are lit and moved around the deity thrice in the clockwise direction.

  • Devotees take 7 rounds around the diety after performing the puja.

  • Prasad, sweets or fruits is distributed to family members.

Datta Jayanti Mantra

Chanting of Datta's names is said to bring peace to the devotees. Usually chanting for 1-2 hours on the occasion of Datta Jayanti is said to be auspicious.

"Sree guru dattatreyaya namah" or "Om Shri Gurudev Datta" are chanted for jaap.

Dakshinamurthy Beejam cha Raama Beeken samyuktam.

Draam Ityekaaksharam Gneyam Bindunaathakalaatmakam

Dattasyaadi Mantrasyaa Datreya syaadimaswaraha

Tatrastharepha samyuktam Bindunada Kalatmika

Yetat beejam Mayapa Roktham Brahma-vishnu- shiva namakam

The birth of Lord Datta is a very Holy day for the Hindus and the celebrations like mentioned earlier go on for a week. A god which destroys the ego, gives strength and intellect and also helps in the afterlife, is emmensely respected and duly worshipped.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 18, 2018 02:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).