SNIPPETS OF INFORMATION
HINDU GOD - Vishnu
* 11 Aug 2021
Lord Dattatreya
Shri Guru Dattatreya or Shri Datta Guru is Hindu deity (Ishta
Devata) encompassing the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva,
collectively known as Trimurti. The name Dattatreya can be divided into
two words - "Datta" (meaning given) and "Atreya" means, in Sanskrit,
"son of Athri". Athri is one of the 7 seers / principles of creation.
Athri also means in Sanskrit "not three". The one who came down from
that which is not three is called Athreya. Dattatreya is also a
combination of “Datta” and “treya” - Treya being the trinity – Bramha
(creator), Vishnu (preserver) and Shiva (destroyer).
In the Nath tradition Dattatreya is recognized as an Avatar or
incarnation of the Lord Vishnu and as the Adi-Guru (first teacher) of
the Adinath Sampradaya of the Naths. Dattatreya is primal manifestation
in the Guru tradition (Supreme Guru principal). Dattatreya is considered
to be the presiding deity (Ishta Devata) for the path of yoga –
therefore called as "Lord of Yoga".
Shri Dattatreya is also known by another equally popular name of
‘Avadhut’. Avadhut is one who washes away the temperamental defects i.e.
the three qualities or Trigunas – Sattva (Purity and Knowledge) Raja
(Activity and Passion), Tama (Ignorance and Inertia). He destroys
Trigunas. He bestows the spiritual experience of the unmanifest
principle. Shri Datta Guru is the ideal of the Guru principle and a
proponent of Yoga.
Source: thekundaliniyoga.org
As per Datta Puran written by Maharishi Veda Vyas, Datta is one of the
incarnations of Lord Vishnu. There are so many Incarnations of
Vishnu like Mohini Avatar, Datta Avatar which are not as popular as the
Dasa(10) avatars. Lord Datta is an embodiment of Gnana (knowledge). Here
Gnana does not merely mean simple knowledge or common sense. Here it
means Brahma Gnana or knowledge about the ultimate truth or of
Parabrahman. Datta avatar’s main purpose of being on earth is to impart
Brahma Gnana to everyone who seek to obtain it. The name Dattatreya
symbolises the idea of unity in diversity, connects the people of
different creeds and synthesises various differences found in the
society. Dattatreya is described as an ocean of knowledge and bestower
of joy. Sandilyopanishad gives Maheshwara and Dattatreya as synonyms of
Brahman, and is the Adhidevatha the principal and supreme deity of Yoga
as Yoganath, and of Gnaana as Gnaana pradhaatha and Guruparampara as
Jagatguru. Just reciting Datta’s name is sufficient to sanctify and
enlighten minds and purify hearts. Datta is the Lord of Love, compassion
and mercy. It is most certain that those who sing Datta’s name,
meditate upon him and worship him will be blessed with both Bhakthi in
abundance and Mukthi in the end. DATTA means God given to the world
in human form.
According to Datta Puran , Atri maharshi Is one of the seven sons of
Lord Brahma and born of pure will. Anasuya is the daughter of Maharshi
Kardama. Both of them were Highly knowledgeble in spirituality and were
profound devotees of God. Atri Maharishi did a great penance for
Parabrahman on the mountain called Rushika and impressed by his long
penance Trinity appeared before him and said that they gave themselves
to him. After that Atri and Anasuya ma were blessed with three sons.
Chandra was born with power of Brahma, Durvasa with the power of Shiva
and Datta with power of Vishnu. Chandra and Durvasa left their
amsa (powers) to Datta and left for their respective places. Lord Datta
remains on this earth since then for the sake of devotees.
Source: sreedattavaibhavam.org
* July 2021
Dwadasa Nama of Lord Vishnu are Keshava, Narayana, Madhava, Govinda,
Vishnu, Madhusudhana, Trivikrama, Vamana, Sridhara, Hrishikesha,
Padmanabha and Damodhara.
* July 2021
RAMA - ARA + UMA, Siva & his Sakthi
Chanting the namam RAMA is considered beneficical, because it is a complete namam.
* Jul 2021
Narasimhar idols
An idol of Narasimhar carved out of a single stone with a seshnag hood can be seen in Hampi opposite the Spataswara mandapam.
Bhavana Narasimhar idol can be seen at a temple about 6 kms from Mel
Ahobilam. The Moolavar - Lakshmi Narasimhar is seen seated on the
Adiseshan. In his upper arms he holds the changu & chakram, the
lower right hand is in abhaya mudra while he is seen holding Lakshmi
seated on his lap with his left hand.
References: Gopura Darisanam Deepavali Malar 2006
* Avatarams / Avatars
Avataram refers to "an embodiment, a bodily manifestation of the
Divine." The literal Sanskrit meaning is "the descent of God" or
"incarnation." Lord Vishnu is said to descend to earth in order to
restore balance on earth. These births of Lord Vishnu are called
avatarams. The Dasavatarams of Lord Vishnu follow the theory of
evolution as understood by us today. There is a gradual development in
the complexity of form taken by the Lord - fish in Matsyavataram ;
tortoise in Kurmavataram ; boar in Varahavataram ; half man half lion in
Narasimhavataram ; a dwarf in Vaamanavataram ; an angry man unable to
control his anger in Parasuramavataram ; the ideal human being in
Ramavataram ; a man with occupational skills in Balaramavataram
(sometimes Buddha is considered one among the 10 avatarams) ; friend,
philosopher and guide (Geethobadesam) in Krishnavataram. In Kalki
avataram he is slated to destroy the world when evil becomes
uncontrollable and thus establish the rule of dharma.
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