India History

In our age-old
Vedic-Aryan religion, based upon the Standards set by the
Vedas [Holiest Hindu scriptures], the Institution of
disciplic succession is of unique important. Since time immemorial,
India has witnessed the Emergencie of traditions of different sects and their
decline too in the course of various times. Yet there were some, which besides
standing the tests of time rose to fame, lasted and gained recognition because
of Manifestation in them of some eminent personages endowed with divine
splendour and they also appeared before the world in their renewed form.
The Swaroop - Sampradaya (a sect)
that follows the Advaita (the doctrine of the identity of the
human soul or the Universe and the divine essence) philosophy and the philosophy
of Meditation, has come from the divine Preceptor Adinath Bhagwan
Shankar (Lord Shankar). It was when Lord Dattatreya,
manifeste Himself in the form of Shri Swami Samarth in its
sub-sect called 'Saraswati', that the sub-sect came to be more popularly known
as Shri Datta Sampradaya.
The attributeless one
without a second Brahman desired to be many and it created Maya (Illusion). The
Maya then created the triad of Gods Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh who were
personifications of three GUNAS [qualities of nature] - Satva (stands for
qualities like goodness, purity, and excellence), Rajas (stands for Passion,
attatchment and fickleness), Tamas (stands for darkness whence proceed folly,
ignorance, worldly dillusion, blindness of lust, pride).
The Lord Brahma then
created infinite Sons, amongst whom, were the seven great Rishis (Sages). The
senior most amongst them was the Atri Rishi. His wife Mahasati Anasuya was the
daughter of the highly devoted and pious couple, Kardam Rishi and Devahuti. Atri
Rishi & his wife Anasuya desired for a son, who would be an Incarnation of
Nirguna Parabrahma [the Infinite Supreme]. Atri Rishi performed tapasya
[penance] standing on one leg for 100 years on the Ruksha mountain abjuring food
and water. Pleased with his tapasya [penance], the Gods Brahma, Vishnu and
Mahesh appeared before him to grant him a boon.
On hearing Atri Rishi's desire, the Gods explained
that since the Nirguna Parabrahma can't be seen, they, as Manifestation of the
Nirguna [infinite / attributeless] have appeared. They blessed him saying that
his wish would be fulfilled.
In the course of
time, the Gods Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh took birth in the form of Atri Rishi's Sons
namely Chandra [Moon], Dattatreya and Durvas Rishi. Amongst them, Chandra [Moon]
and Durvas wanted to performs tapasya [penance] and hence they left home,
assuring Atri Rishi that they would remain in microform in Dattatreya, who was
to stay with him.
Thus the
attributeless, formless Parabrahma, which had manifested itself in three
different forms, integrated again in one form of Lord Dattatreya and enlightened
people.
Out of the 24
Incarnation of God described in Shrimad Bhagawat (a Holy Scriptures), the
Incarnation in the form of "Dattatreya Avadhoot" (Dattatreya the Ascetic) is the
sixth one.
The typical form in
which the Lord Dattatreya appeared is that of an Ascetic with 3 heads & 6 arms
(symbolizing the unification of the three Gods). His whole body is covered with
Vibhuti (holy ash). He has an Aura of a rising Sun around him and has
lustrous Jatta (long hair) tied in a knot over his head. He is dressed in a deer
skin and is a radiant and assuring figure for the devotees. His arms are seen to
be Holding various objects each of which has a spiritual connotation. Thus, he
is seen with a Mala (rosary), Kamandalu (holy pot), Damaru (holy musical
Instrument), Trishul (trident), Shankh (conch) and Chakra (a holy weapon).
A cow behind him
represents the mother earth and four dogs at his feet, the four Vedas (the
Holiest Hindu scriptures). Lord Dattatreya 'the Ascetic', is known to have
disciples through the Yugas [cycle of creation], well known among them are Lord
Parashuram, Sahasraarjun, Prahlad, Ayu Raja, Yadu, Alarka, Samvarta etc.
Lord Dattatreya 'the Ascetic' helps the devotees
in times of calamity and also leads them to Moksha (freedom from the Circle of
death and rebirth) and hence is worshipped widely by the masses.