One of the most important events in December is Sri Datta Jayanti which falls tommorow on Monday, December 20th which is being celebrated all over the world.
On the full moon day of Margashirsha the feast of Datta Jayanti is celebrated. In ancient times there was a very austere rishi called Atri. He was believed to be the mental son of Brahmadev, because he had been born from the splendour of Brahmadev's eyes. His wife's name was Anasuya, who was a model of conjugal fidelity. In heaven Naradmuni used to tell the gods very interesting stories about Anasuya's fidelity to her husband. This provoked the jealousy of Sarasvati, Laxmi, and Parvati, who decided to lower Anasuya's reputation. They sent Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh to earth for the purpose of bringing about her disgrace. Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh became three guests, and seeing that Atri was not in his house, they knocked at the door. Anasuya at once welcomed the guests. She got food ready for them and requested them to have a meal. Then they said that they would eat only on one condition. The strange condition was that Anasuya should serve them the food without any clothes on. Anasuya was dumbfounded. But in a trice she thought of a solution, and by the power of her mind she turned the three guests into small babies. The babies began to cry. She kept them in a cradle and with great love she began to rock them. There was a commotion in heaven. The three wives of the gods. Sarasvati, Laxmi and Parvati became distressed. "If the three great gods become small babies, who will take the responsibility of the universe?" Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh were sorry and asked for Anasuya's forgiveness. The form of three babies kept a particle of their being in the house of that faithful wife and they returned to heaven. Anasuya named the three babies, Som, Datta, and Durvas. When they grew up Som went to the moon, and Durvas went to the jungle to do penance. Before leaving both of them kept their particle of being with Datta. Thus Datta became the combined avatar of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Dattatreya Datta being the mental son of Anasuya, he was also the mental son of Atri, and therefore his name became Dattatreya. Dattatreya learned the Vedas and then began to teach them. Anasuya wanted him to get married. But Dattatreya was pleased with the celibate state. So after instructing her on Brahmavidya (doctrine of Brahma) he obtained her permission and left home. Dattatreya's Avatars Shri Guru Dattatreya is believed to have had many avatars. Among them Shripad Shrivallabh is well known. One day Shripad was taking bath in the river. He saw at some distance a brahmin widow who was about to commit suicide with her son. He called her and asked, "Why are you throwing into the water this precious body which God has given you? If I know the cause of your sorrow I shall try to help you." The poor widow replied, "Maharaj! do not come in our way. It is no longer possible for me to live with this unintelligent child." Then the people who had gathered on that spot, told the swami the whole story of that unfortunate family. The widow's name was Ambika. Her husband had been a very learned brahmin. But their son had remained mentally retarded. So they became poor and felt dishonoured. After hearing this Shripadraja told Ambika, "Don't feel sorry. Tell me, what is your desire?" "What can my desire be? Maharaj, I wish I had a bright son like you. But since this is not possible in this present life, I am now leaving this world. Whatever you can give us, please, give it in the next birth. Now let us go our way," the woman said. "Why should it be so?" the swami said. "Your desire of a son will definitely be fulfilled in the next life. But the body of this present life you must not destroy. The main reason why you want to end your life is your son's lack of intelligence, isn't it? By the will of God this cause of your sorrow will be destroyed. Don't worry at all." Then swami gave Ambika this advice, "For the rest of your life keep always the "Pradesh" vow (observance in honour of Shiva to be kept on the evening of the 13th lunar day). In this way god Shankar will be pleased on you. And I too give you my blessing. By keeping this vow you will have a son like me in your next birth." Then the swami called the boy and with great tenderness told him, "Come, my child, don't get disgusted with life. Everything occurs according to the merits or demerits accumulated before. But your bad luck is now ended. Come nearer and sit down." Then placing his bountiful hand on the child's head, immediately he bestowed on him all the knowledge of wisdom. The boy in gratitude put his head on the feet of the swami. Then giving his blessing the swami said, "Now, Ambika, go home and be happy." In this way removing people's sorrow and leading them by the right path, Shridatta finished the work for which he had taken avatar as Shrivallabh. Then Shripad disappeared in the forest of Kardali. But he is believed to have made his permanent abode in an invisible way in Kuravpur for the sake of his devotees. It is most auspicious to read or listen Sri Guru charitra on Sri Datta Jayanthi .Please click the link below to read Sri Guru charitra in English : http://www.saibaba.ws/avatar/sreegurucharitra/sgc00.htm Om Sai Ram
