The mantra Shri Gurudev Datta is used to call up Dattatreya, who is the conjoined form of the three Hindu gods Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu.

The Dattatreya birth legend

Sage Atri and his wife Anasuya had a son named Dattatreya. Brahma gave birth to Atri. He got Brahma jnana after engaging in stringent penance. Karjam Prajapati’s daughter, Anasuya, was his bride.

She was a devoted wife who had grown quite powerful as a result of her strict penance and virginity. Indra and other gods were frightened as word of her reputation went widely. They believed they would lose control of the universe and that she would steal their celestial riches. They went to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva and asked them to place a stain on Anasuya’s virginity in order to lessen her influence and grandeur.

The trio decided to proceed. They travelled to Atri’s hermitage while assuming the appearance of mendicants. The sage had gone to the river for his regular ablutions when they went in search of alms. They were graciously welcomed inside Anasuya’s modest home and given a warm welcome. She also worshipped them and bathed their feet. However, the beggars claimed to be starving and wanted food. And they didn’t want to wait for Atri.

In order to offer them dinner, Anasuya instructed them to take a seat. But the visitors made an odd request. She was expected to strip off completely and serve them while unclothed. They wouldn’t eat the meal she provided them till after that. If not, they threatened to leave the area. Anasuya faced a challenge. They threatened to depart without eating if she didn’t comply with their demands. This would be like disobeying God as visitors are to be treated like God. She felt confident that she was protected by her husband’s spiritual strength and that her thoughts were pure. She then proceeded to the kitchen after stating that she would comply with their request.

She reflected in the kitchen while considering her spouse. She undressed and proceeded to give meals to the mendicants after that. But all three of them had become infants because of the force of her virginity. To satisfy their appetite, she gave them breast milk. When Atri eventually came back, he was shocked to discover his wife holding three little children. He understood that the three were truly Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva since he possessed heavenly abilities. The three goddesses instructed the couple to request a favour after being moved by the purity and devotion of the marriage. Anasuya said that she wanted all three of them to be her children when Atri requested her to do so. The gods gave her the blessing and then left for their heavenly homes. Later, Atri gave birth to Dattatreya, the merged form of the Hindu trinity of gods.

Meaning of the Shri Gurudev Datta Chant:

A potent Dattatreya Mantra is “Shri Gurudev Datta.” Lord Dattatreya, the Guru of all Gurus, is invoked by chanting this Mantra. It is said that Pitru Dosha or Pitru Shaapam issues can be resolved by chanting Dattatreya’s mantras. Dosha and Shaapam both refer to afflictions or curses. We must cherish and remember the Pitrus, or souls, of our departed forefathers. This guarantees their release and that they will bless us. We risk receiving their curses if we don’t do this or if they reject our offers. This might show itself as issues like postponed marriage, a lack of offspring, children’s health issues, a lack of family peace, etc. One should sing the Mantra in accordance with how serious the issues are. Dattatreya is a highly kind, compassionate, and merciful being. His holy abilities will shield him from these issues when he says his Mantra.

Shri Gurudev Datta mantra benefits include:

The ‘Pitrushapam’ relief (the curse of deceased ancestors)

Domestic tranquilly and harmony

*Relief from suffering

*The welfare of children

*Children’s strong academic achievement

*More assurance and authoritative speaking

Additionally, there is no need to cease worshipping your Ishta Devata, or family god, while reciting this mantra.