Shodash (Sixteen) Avatars
Bhagwan Shree Dattatreya is known as avinashi (non-destroyable), Siddharaj, Yogiraj etc. He has been ever advising and guiding his devotees in worldly and spiritual affairs, yogasadhana and devotion to God. He has had many Avatars from Vedic times to date. Of these, sixteen Avatars are regarded as the chief ones. ‘Shree Gurucharitra’ is a great volume in Marathi in ovi form, which depicts the life-mission of Shreepad ShreeVallabha and Shree Narsimha Saraswati, the two Avatars of Datta which took place in kaliyug. In the fourth chapter of this volume, the account of the birth of Shree Datta under the parentage of Atri-Anasuya in krityug has been given. This is the third Avatar amongst the above mentioned sixteen Avatars. The celebration of the jayantis of the sixteen Avatars of Shree Datta has been introduced at the Shree Gurudev Datta Mandir, Vakola.
1. Yogiraj
After the creation of this universe the living beings had to suffer from miseries as per their past actions. This made Brahmadeva anxious and so he surrendered to Shree Vishnu, the Lord of the universe saying,“Dattoham Dattoham” (I give myself). Shree Vishnu appeared before Brahmadeo and advised him to practise yoga and know the eternal principle whereby he was relieved of the miseries, and had the peace of mind. Those who recite “Dattoham Dattoham”, will also gain the same fruit. This Avatar took place on Kartik Shuddha 15, Krittika Nakshatra, Wednesday, first prahar at sun-rise.
This Avatar propagated yoga, hence it is known as ‘Yogeshwar’ or ‘Yogiraj’. He looked most charming, delicate and snow white in colour. Like Shree Krishna, he had one head and four hands.
This Avatar propagated yoga, hence it is known as ‘Yogeshwar’ or ‘Yogiraj’. He looked most charming, delicate and snow white in colour. Like Shree Krishna, he had one head and four hands.
2. Atrivarad
When Atri lived as a grihastha, he had many sons. They were learned and erudite; but he longed to have a son, who would be famous in all the three lokas and would guide the people to attain the highest goal of life. He, therefore, observed severe penance on the Riksha Mountain. Due to the lustre of his penance, the three lokas suffered from heat and all the creatures and birds became uneasy. All the devas and rishi-munis approached Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Then Brahma, riding on hans, Vishnu on garuda and Mahesh on nandi appeared before Atri and roused him from his meditation. Atri bowed to them and said, “I adored only one God then who are you three?” The three Gods said, “We are the same whom you aimed at. We appear in three forms; but we are one. Maya (illusion) is threefold - sattwa, raja and tama. Raja creates, sattwa protects and tama destroys. These three powers are prominent. Parmatma possesses all these three powers.” Atri was blessed with a son by the three Gods as desired. Hence this Avatar is known as ‘Atrivarad’. He had lustre like hot gold and a smiling face. This Avatar appeared on Kartik Vadya Pratipada, Rohini Nakshatra, Thursday, first prahar and first muhurta. He had three heads and held Brahma’s garland and kamandalu in the lower two hands, Shiva’s drum and trishul in the middle two hands and Vishnu’s shankha and chakra in the upper two hands.
3. Dattatreya
Bhagwan Shree Hari appeared before Atri as a boy on the Kartik Vadya 2, Mrug Nakshatra, Friday at sun-rise on the first muhurta. He looked bluish as Indranil in colour. His face was pleasant like the moon, his four hands possessed shankha, chakra, gada and padma. Vibhuti was applied on his body and he had locks of hair on his head. He appeared saying, “Dattoham”. Atri and Anasuya said, “We shall not be content till you take birth from us.” Being pleased with them, he entered in the heart of Atri as a spark of lightning and afterwards took birth as a son of Anasuya.
4. Kalagnishaman
Amongst the sixteen Avatars of Shree Datta, this fourth Avatar is regarded as the most prominent. Due to the hard penance at the Riksha hill, Atri looked very bright and his body became too hot. Bhagwan Shree Hari came to Atri to cool down his heat. Due to this achievement this Avatar is known as ‘Kalagnishaman’. When Atri opened his eyes, he saw before him the most loving Anasuya. The bright lustre of his eyes entered in the body of Anasuya on Margshirsh Shuddha 7 and nine months period was completed in 9 days and the Divine Form appeared before Anasuya on Kartik 15. She entreated the God in humility saying, “I shall not be content until you take birth as a human being from my womb.” Subsequently Shree Hari appeared as a newly born baby and lay on her bedstead. At this time it was Mrug Nakshatra and the moon was just rising. Durwas and Chandra also were born at the same time.
5. Yogijan Vallabha
When Shree Dattatreya appeared at Anasuya’s ashram, Indra followed by the Gods, Rishi-munis, Gandharvas, Charanas, Yogis and saints came to see him. Knowing their eagerness, Shree Datta appeared as a boy and advised them about yoga. He said, “I have no body, no time. I am devoid of birth and death. I take various forms to bless the devotees. Though these acts are transitory this does not affect my tattvic state.” This Avatar is known for the propagation of yoga and for removing the obstacles coming in the way and blessing the followers of yoga. This Avatar is, therefore, known as ‘Yogijan Vallabha’.
6. Leela Vishwambhar
The love for children and intense mercifulness of Shree Datta are observed in this Avatar. There was a great famine in the country. Animals could not get food and water. So they were reduced to bony skeletons. Thieves and dacoits looted the public. Rishi-munis could not perform their rites and sacrifices were stopped. Rishi-munis, Brahmins etc. surrendered to Shree Datta, who was lying in the laps of Anasuya and feeding on her breast. Hearing the prayers of the people, Shree Datta appeared as Leela Vishwambhar before them and offered to them food, clothes and provisions and satisfied them all. This was achieved easily and hence he is known as ‘Leela Vishwambhar’. One day Shree Datta addressed the devotees as follows, “This life is like a vast forest. Ahankar is like a big mountain surrounded by big trees, creepers and plants. Kama i.e. cupid is a fierce lion, krodha (anger) is an enraged serpent, vasana (desires) are great lakes. Those, who cannot swim in the water, get drowned.” Shree Datta then changed this scene. The devotees, therefore, asked, “Where is the fierce forest ?” Shree Datta replied smilingly, “It has immersed whence it was created. It comes into existence due to ignorance and when it is wiped off, it vanishes. Those, who remember me, get rid of the family miseries. This entire physical world is destroyable and atma, which is at the root, is only lasting.” The devotees enquired, “How is the atma ?” Shree Datta replied, “I am that atma. I am known by good action and intense devotion.”
7. Siddharaj
Shree Datta Guru appeared as a boy named Vishwambhar in the Badri forest, where several siddhas were observing penance of different sorts. Some had achieved siddhis and were enjoying many pleasures. Some believed in God, while some did not. Vishwambhar sat in a corner in the assembly of the siddhas. Seeing the lustrous boy, the siddhas asked him, “Who are you ?”
“Shree Datta.” I am not discernible.
Q. “Which is your abode?”
A. “I have no abode. No one is my master.”
Q. “Which is your yoga? What is the mode of your study?”
A. “Mine is Chitra yoga and there is no special mode of my study.”
Q. “Which is your mudra?”
A. “Mine is a compassionate niranjani mudra.”
Q. “What do you see in this mudra?”
A. “I see what is beyond meditation. My aim is that principle which is beyond the threefold meditations, meditator and the object of meditation.”
Q. “Which is your path?”
A. “My path is that which gives realisation of the Shivatattva (eternal principle).”
While this dialogue was going on, 11 Rudras, 12 Adityas, 49 Rudraganas, Rishis, Munis, Sadhyadeo, Gandharva, Yaksha, Kinnar etc. were passing through the sky. Their motion being hindered, they all came down on the floor of Badrivan. Each siddha said that because of his penace, their motion was hindered and they came down on the earth.
Shree Datta, in the body-form, said, “Why do you struggle? One, who can remove the hindrance of their motion and allow them to go through the sky, will be the best siddha.’’ All agreed to this and each one came forward and said one after another, “I have removed the obstacle in your movement. You can go to your places.’’ But none of them could move a bit.
Then Shree Datta said, “Oh you Rishi-munis and others, you may please go to your places as the hindrance in your movement has since been removed.” Hearing this, all those who had descended, bowed to Shree Datta and flew away in the sky. Seeing this, all the siddhas realised that the boy Yogi was the Parmatma. They, therefore, gave up their vanity and surrendered to him.
The boy Yogi, Shree Datta, said, “I am ‘Siddharaj’, ‘Yogiraj’. I am called ‘Hari’ being Kalagnishaman and remover of miseries. While thinking about Atma and in order to attain me, one should study mantras. I am Mantraraj, undestroyable and Parabrahma. All the universe is under my control; but I am controlled by mantras. All mantras, studied as per due procedure, give siddhi (power of doing certain things) to sadhak.” Saying this, he further told them some mantras and their procedure. This is known as ‘Siddha Rajagam’. Shree Datta told this again, about 500 years ago, to his great favourite devotee Dasopant of Ambejogai (Maharashtra), who has preserved it in a written script. The publication of ‘Siddha Rajagam’ will be truly most valuable and appreciable.
This Avatar took place on Magh Shuddha 15 on Magh Nakshatra in the morning when it is the time of the cows.
“Shree Datta.” I am not discernible.
Q. “Which is your abode?”
A. “I have no abode. No one is my master.”
Q. “Which is your yoga? What is the mode of your study?”
A. “Mine is Chitra yoga and there is no special mode of my study.”
Q. “Which is your mudra?”
A. “Mine is a compassionate niranjani mudra.”
Q. “What do you see in this mudra?”
A. “I see what is beyond meditation. My aim is that principle which is beyond the threefold meditations, meditator and the object of meditation.”
Q. “Which is your path?”
A. “My path is that which gives realisation of the Shivatattva (eternal principle).”
While this dialogue was going on, 11 Rudras, 12 Adityas, 49 Rudraganas, Rishis, Munis, Sadhyadeo, Gandharva, Yaksha, Kinnar etc. were passing through the sky. Their motion being hindered, they all came down on the floor of Badrivan. Each siddha said that because of his penace, their motion was hindered and they came down on the earth.
Shree Datta, in the body-form, said, “Why do you struggle? One, who can remove the hindrance of their motion and allow them to go through the sky, will be the best siddha.’’ All agreed to this and each one came forward and said one after another, “I have removed the obstacle in your movement. You can go to your places.’’ But none of them could move a bit.
Then Shree Datta said, “Oh you Rishi-munis and others, you may please go to your places as the hindrance in your movement has since been removed.” Hearing this, all those who had descended, bowed to Shree Datta and flew away in the sky. Seeing this, all the siddhas realised that the boy Yogi was the Parmatma. They, therefore, gave up their vanity and surrendered to him.
The boy Yogi, Shree Datta, said, “I am ‘Siddharaj’, ‘Yogiraj’. I am called ‘Hari’ being Kalagnishaman and remover of miseries. While thinking about Atma and in order to attain me, one should study mantras. I am Mantraraj, undestroyable and Parabrahma. All the universe is under my control; but I am controlled by mantras. All mantras, studied as per due procedure, give siddhi (power of doing certain things) to sadhak.” Saying this, he further told them some mantras and their procedure. This is known as ‘Siddha Rajagam’. Shree Datta told this again, about 500 years ago, to his great favourite devotee Dasopant of Ambejogai (Maharashtra), who has preserved it in a written script. The publication of ‘Siddha Rajagam’ will be truly most valuable and appreciable.
This Avatar took place on Magh Shuddha 15 on Magh Nakshatra in the morning when it is the time of the cows.
8. Dnyansagar
Bhagwan Shree Dattatreya once contemplated, “These persons have achieved yoga siddhis etc. Still, until kaam, krodha, lobha etc. are not conquered by them, they would not have real peace of mind and they will have no pleasure. Kaam i.e. desire, is at the root of all the miseries and everyone is struggling in his life to get one’s desires fulfilled. Krodha i.e. anger, follows desires. The entire world is engrossed in this struggle and is suffering from threefold miseries viz. physical, metaphysical and mental. Therefore, all the people should be above the bondage of kaam, krodha, lobha etc. then they will gain knowledge and attain my place.’’
So, Shree Datta appeared in the form of a Kumar known as ‘Dnyansagar’. This Avatar appeared in air at the height of a man, on Falgun Shuddha 10, Sunday, Punarvasu Nakshatra at sunrise.The siddhas tried to bring this Kumar on the ground; but they could not do so. They, therefore, realised that he was Parmatma and surrendered to him and began to praise him.
Shree Datta then said, “Kaam begets anger, anger begets delusion of intellect and untoward actions take place. Those, who go after siddhis, do not get my place and consequently they do not get pleasure.
Therefore, you should adore me, recite mantras and know the eternal principle and lead a moral life. You cannot gain me by intellect or logic. So, one should win over kaam, krodha etc. and continue my devotion.
The siddhas thereafter followed the path, shown by Shree Datta and attained the bliss. This Avatar took place in Badrivan for the well-being of the siddhas, who were staying there.
So, Shree Datta appeared in the form of a Kumar known as ‘Dnyansagar’. This Avatar appeared in air at the height of a man, on Falgun Shuddha 10, Sunday, Punarvasu Nakshatra at sunrise.The siddhas tried to bring this Kumar on the ground; but they could not do so. They, therefore, realised that he was Parmatma and surrendered to him and began to praise him.
Shree Datta then said, “Kaam begets anger, anger begets delusion of intellect and untoward actions take place. Those, who go after siddhis, do not get my place and consequently they do not get pleasure.
Therefore, you should adore me, recite mantras and know the eternal principle and lead a moral life. You cannot gain me by intellect or logic. So, one should win over kaam, krodha etc. and continue my devotion.
The siddhas thereafter followed the path, shown by Shree Datta and attained the bliss. This Avatar took place in Badrivan for the well-being of the siddhas, who were staying there.
9. Vishwambhar Avadhoot
With a view to test the siddhas and see how far they have progressed, Shree Datta assumed the dirty form of a mlenchha. His face was robust. He had black string round his neck, a zigzag stick in his hand and a black dog followed him. He saw that some siddhas were meditating, while some were enjoying the jokes and some others suffering from miseries.
This Avatar appeared on Chaitra Shuddha Poornima, Tuesday, Chitra Nakshatra, in the second prahar. The siddhas asked him questions as before and he replied in the same style. Then realising him to be Shree Datta, they surrendered to him and began to praise him. Shree Datta then appeared before them in his usual lovely form and advised them to give up doubts and concentrate their minds on him.
This Avatar appeared on Chaitra Shuddha Poornima, Tuesday, Chitra Nakshatra, in the second prahar. The siddhas asked him questions as before and he replied in the same style. Then realising him to be Shree Datta, they surrendered to him and began to praise him. Shree Datta then appeared before them in his usual lovely form and advised them to give up doubts and concentrate their minds on him.
10. Mayamukta Avadhoot
Shree Datta appeared on Vaishakh Shuddha 14, mid-day, in the form of a mendicant (bairagi) at the house of one pious devotee, named Sheel. He was performing the anniversary rites and brahmins were invited. He looked handsome and had golden lustre. He had a pot in one hand for the alms and a stick in the right hand. There was a wreath of rudrakshas round his neck. The brahmins, who were invited, got enraged to see the bairagi. They asked him, “Who are you ?”
The bairagi said, “I am undiscernible, all pervading Avadhoot.” Hearing this, Sheel knew that he was Siddhraj Dynansagar of former times. To remove his doubt, he asked, “What is your abode (ashraya) and who is your master ?” The reply was, “I have no abode and no master. I am the master of all the three lokas.” Realising him to be his Sadguru, he prostrated before him, seated him with due regard, duly worshipped him and offered him good delicious food. Seeing this, the brahmins scolded Sheel, saying that he acted impiously.
The mendicant then asked the brahmins, “What is Brahman?” The brahmins said, “Om is Parabrahma and it has assumed the form of Vedas. You are unpious and irreligious and so you are not eligible even to hear Vedas.” The mendicant said, “I am above Maya and hence not bound by rules and regulations. Vedas and their acts are of three qualities and this world is also three-fold and it is with me in the form of a black dog. This dog is well-versed in Vedas and shastras. He will satisfy you.” Saying so, he asked the dog to say Vedas. Like a learned pandit the dog began to chant the Vedas. The brahmins were simply stunned to see this miracle.
Shree Avadhoot called the forefathers of Sheel and in the presence of all assimilated them in himself. The vanity of the brahmins was wiped off and they surrendered to Shree Datta, who advised them to have devotion for him. This pleased them all. They prayed to him to bestow on them the lasting well-being of their families.
The bairagi said, “I am undiscernible, all pervading Avadhoot.” Hearing this, Sheel knew that he was Siddhraj Dynansagar of former times. To remove his doubt, he asked, “What is your abode (ashraya) and who is your master ?” The reply was, “I have no abode and no master. I am the master of all the three lokas.” Realising him to be his Sadguru, he prostrated before him, seated him with due regard, duly worshipped him and offered him good delicious food. Seeing this, the brahmins scolded Sheel, saying that he acted impiously.
The mendicant then asked the brahmins, “What is Brahman?” The brahmins said, “Om is Parabrahma and it has assumed the form of Vedas. You are unpious and irreligious and so you are not eligible even to hear Vedas.” The mendicant said, “I am above Maya and hence not bound by rules and regulations. Vedas and their acts are of three qualities and this world is also three-fold and it is with me in the form of a black dog. This dog is well-versed in Vedas and shastras. He will satisfy you.” Saying so, he asked the dog to say Vedas. Like a learned pandit the dog began to chant the Vedas. The brahmins were simply stunned to see this miracle.
Shree Avadhoot called the forefathers of Sheel and in the presence of all assimilated them in himself. The vanity of the brahmins was wiped off and they surrendered to Shree Datta, who advised them to have devotion for him. This pleased them all. They prayed to him to bestow on them the lasting well-being of their families.
11. Mayayukta Avadhoot
This Avatar took place on Jeshth Shuddha 13, Friday, Swati Nakshatra, at sunrise.
This Avatar appeared in a young meditating pose, having a beautiful young woman on his left lap. Knowing them as Lakshmi-Narayan, all narrated their family shortcomings; but none showed a liking for the spiritual matters. Shree Datta began to sing and dance with the young woman. People thought that Shree Datta was playing with Maya and they did not leave him. Shree Datta then brought forward flesh, wine and similar impious articles and said, “I am enjoying all these things, so I have no power and ability to fulfil your desires.” Hearing this, many persons forsook him and only few remained there. Shree Datta then told them, “Faith, devotion, meditation, practising rules of sam, dam and by conquering the desires the human beings can get rid of the family bondages.”
Then Mayayuktavadhoot roamed in the region from the south of Narmada to the Mahur hills.
The Gods (harassed by Jambasur), Kartavirya Sahasrarjun and Parashuram met Shree Datta in this region. Shree Datta advised ‘Tripura Rahasya’ to Parashuram in order to get rid of the effects of his sins of wars against the kshatriyas and to attain the peace of mind.
This Avatar appeared in a young meditating pose, having a beautiful young woman on his left lap. Knowing them as Lakshmi-Narayan, all narrated their family shortcomings; but none showed a liking for the spiritual matters. Shree Datta began to sing and dance with the young woman. People thought that Shree Datta was playing with Maya and they did not leave him. Shree Datta then brought forward flesh, wine and similar impious articles and said, “I am enjoying all these things, so I have no power and ability to fulfil your desires.” Hearing this, many persons forsook him and only few remained there. Shree Datta then told them, “Faith, devotion, meditation, practising rules of sam, dam and by conquering the desires the human beings can get rid of the family bondages.”
Then Mayayuktavadhoot roamed in the region from the south of Narmada to the Mahur hills.
The Gods (harassed by Jambasur), Kartavirya Sahasrarjun and Parashuram met Shree Datta in this region. Shree Datta advised ‘Tripura Rahasya’ to Parashuram in order to get rid of the effects of his sins of wars against the kshatriyas and to attain the peace of mind.
12. Adiguru
Shree Datta advised Alark, the son of Madalsa. While ruling as a king, Alark was engrossed in the worldly pleasures. Dnyani Subahu, his elder brother, thought that Alark was wasting away his life as dogs and cats do in enjoyment of passions. He intended to awaken him spiritually. He, therefore, came to his city and asked for his share in the kingdom. When it was refused, he sought the help of Kashi Raja and attacked and besieged his city. Consequently the provisions coming in the city were stopped. Due to this, the subjects could not get food grains and they began to suffer from hunger. Alark was dejected to see this. His mother, Madalsa, had told him to see her letter of advice, placed in the box in times of calamity. He left the city, entered a forest and next morning opened the box and saw his dear mother’s letter.
Shree Adiguru Dattatreya, master of yoga, with his disciple Alarka.
It was said in it that in times of adversity, one should forsake all and have the company of a saint and think of salvation. He should go to Shree Datta at Mahurgad for spiritual guidance. This Avatar appeared on Ashadh Shuddha 15 on Tuesday, in the first prahar, on first muhurt.Alark went to Mahur, surrendered to Shree Datta and narrated his misery. Shree Datta placed his palm on his head and asked, “Where is your misery? Just think who you are.” Only due to this one question, Alark began to think of himself. His ignorance was wiped off and his ego and greed also vanished. The feeling of enmity was extinct.
13. Shivrup
Pingalnag, a pious brahmin knowing Vedashastra lived at Mahur. He saw a lustrous youth under a black awala tree. The youth had a naked young woman. He knew Vedas. Pingalnag asked him, “Who are you ? You do not look to be pious; but you say Vedas. You have not the ‘dand’ of a brahmachari or the agnihotra of a grihastha. Your age is not due for becoming a sannyasin. Then which is your ashram?” The youth said, “All the universe is Atmaroop. Mine is the fifth ashram, who sees Atma everywhere.”
Pingalnag recognised him as Shree Dattatreya, the son of Anasuya and so bowed to him humbly and prayed to bless him and give proper advice. This Avatar appeared on Shravan Shuddha 8, Monday.
Pingalnag recognised him as Shree Dattatreya, the son of Anasuya and so bowed to him humbly and prayed to bless him and give proper advice. This Avatar appeared on Shravan Shuddha 8, Monday.
14. Devdev
Shree Datta roamed from the south of Narmada to Mahur in the forest. He bathed in rivers, lakes, at holy places and gave darshan to Rushi-munis. This region was full of black awala trees and so it was called ‘Krishnamalaki Tirth’. The Gods, Brahmadeo, Shatanand, son of Goutam had come and seen Shree Datta here.
This Avatar appeared on Bhadrapad Shuddha 14, Friday, Shatatarka Nakshatra in the first prahar of the day.
This Avatar appeared on Bhadrapad Shuddha 14, Friday, Shatatarka Nakshatra in the first prahar of the day.
15. Digambar
This Avatar took place on Ashwin Shuddha Poornima, Wednesday, Ashwini Nakshatra, at sunrise. In this Avatar Shree Datta blessed Yadu of Somvansh and Pralhad, son of Kayadhu.
When Yadu Raja was wandering in the forest in the Kaveri region, he saw a Digambar Avadhoot. He prostrated before him and said, “You are young, lustrous and healthy and then why do you stay in such a desolate forest and yet you are joyful and carefree.” Digambar Avadhoot said, “I have acquired 24 Gurus from nature and learnt lessons of different types from them. Thus I have acquired vivek, vairagya, peace of mind and contentment.
Yadu prostrated before Shree Datta. The dynasty of Yadu prospered and in later times Shree Krishna, a purna-avatar of Shree Vishnu, was born in this dynasty. Pralhad was also blessed by Shree Datta in this Avatar. After the death of Hiranyakashyapu, Pralhad’s thread ceremony was performed by Shukra and he was enthroned as Raja. He ruled his country for thousands of years very efficiently as a most popular king; but he could not have peace of mind being void of Brahmadnyan. So, he roamed in the Kavery regions in a dejected mood. He perceived a lustrous Avadhoot, lying on the ground. His body was covered by dust. Pralhad bowed to him and said, “How can you live in such a dense forest quite hail and hearty and contented.” Shree Datta told about some of the 24 Gurus and the lessons learnt from them. Pralhad was fully satisfied and got enlightened.
When Yadu Raja was wandering in the forest in the Kaveri region, he saw a Digambar Avadhoot. He prostrated before him and said, “You are young, lustrous and healthy and then why do you stay in such a desolate forest and yet you are joyful and carefree.” Digambar Avadhoot said, “I have acquired 24 Gurus from nature and learnt lessons of different types from them. Thus I have acquired vivek, vairagya, peace of mind and contentment.
Yadu prostrated before Shree Datta. The dynasty of Yadu prospered and in later times Shree Krishna, a purna-avatar of Shree Vishnu, was born in this dynasty. Pralhad was also blessed by Shree Datta in this Avatar. After the death of Hiranyakashyapu, Pralhad’s thread ceremony was performed by Shukra and he was enthroned as Raja. He ruled his country for thousands of years very efficiently as a most popular king; but he could not have peace of mind being void of Brahmadnyan. So, he roamed in the Kavery regions in a dejected mood. He perceived a lustrous Avadhoot, lying on the ground. His body was covered by dust. Pralhad bowed to him and said, “How can you live in such a dense forest quite hail and hearty and contented.” Shree Datta told about some of the 24 Gurus and the lessons learnt from them. Pralhad was fully satisfied and got enlightened.
16. Shyamkamalnayan
This Avatar took place on Kartik Shuddha 12, Wednesday, Revati Nakshatra at sunrise. Shree Datta had different Avatars as Yogiraj, Atrivarad etc. and advised his devotees with dnyan, bhakti, vairagya, eight fold yoga sadhana etc. Bhagwan Shree Datta was lying on the bed of dnyan and was engrossed in yoga. At that time, some devotees and disciples came to see him. Shree Datta appeared pleasant and in the form of Sat Chit (lasting and lustrous). Shree Datta said, “Having studied all the shastras, I will tell you the real essence. Practising it you will soon get salvation. Vedic dharma is ever lasting. Veda is at its root; hence dharma has prominence and lasting status. I am ‘Datta’ not only for Atri, but I give myself to all those who have unprejudiced devotion for me. I give sayujyata (i.e. immersion in myself) to such devotees.”