Anaghashtami Vratam

ANAGHASHTAMI VRATAM

DATTATREYA

Dattatreya or Datta is a Hindu deity encompassing the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, collectively known as Trimurti and is known as Adi Guru (First Guru). The path of Dattatreya embraces all spiritual paths and is the source of all other traditions. Anyone can be His follower, regardless of caste, creed, status, be they a student, a householder, a recluse or a renunciate. No matter what sect or religion the true seeker follows, eventually He comes under the guidance of Lord Dattatreya, the Eternal Spiritual Guide of all mankind, who takes many forms to help devotees.

ANAGHA SWAMI AND ANAGHA MATA

For the role that Lord Dattatreya plays as the householder, He is known as Anagha Swami and His wife, who is the incarnation of Lakshmi Devi is known as Anagha Devi. Sadguru Datta gave the initiation of Anagha puja to Karthaviryarjuna way back in Krita Yuga. Anagha puja was performed by one and all.

DR. SRI SRI SRI GANAPATHY SACHCHIDANANDA SWAMIJI

Now, in this Kali Yuga, people have almost lost sight of this prominent puja.
In recent days, by the grace of Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, pontiff of the Avadhoota Datta Peetham at Mysore, this prominent worship is now being popularized extensively and many devotees are performing this vratham and getting the blessings of Lord Dattatreya.
In the introduction to the book Sri Datta Darshanam Sri Swamiji has stated that,
“By performing this worship not only is one relieved of all worldly difficulties and miseries, but one is blessed with prosperity, fulfilment of worldly desires, attainment of spiritual knowledge and ultimately, liberation. It gives peace to oneself and to the world. This ritual’s results are uniquely beneficial”.
By worshipping Dattatreya, absolute knowledge of the self will set in. However by worshipping Dattatreya along with Anagha, even the worldly difficulties will be removed and eventually Atma Jnana will set in. Agha is sin. Anagha is one who removes sin. The sins that we commit throughout the day and night by thought, word and deed obstruct our path to progress. Anagha Vratam effectively eradicates our sins.

WHEN CAN THIS BE PERFORMED?

Anagha Vratham can be performed on Bahula Ashtami of any month. But the most auspicious day for this vratham is Margashirsha Krishna paksa Ashtami – the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Margashirsha (takes place in December).

Datta Yoga Centre, New Zealand last performed Anaghashtami Vratam on December 26th 2022.

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