Who Is Lord Dattatreya?
Lord Dattatreya is a unique deity who unites the Trimurti - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva) in one form. He is shown with three heads and six arms, accompanied by four dogs (the Vedas) and a cow (the Earth and Kamadhenu).
The son of sage Atri and the devoted Anasuya, Dattatreya is revered as the Adi Guru - the first teacher and the lord of all gurus. He represents the union of knowledge, devotion and detachment, and is especially dear to those on the path of guru bhakti.
Dattatreya Jayanti 2026 - Date & Muhurat
📅 Tithi: Margashirsha Purnima 🗓️ Date: Wednesday, 23 December 2026
Dattatreya is believed to have appeared at dusk (pradosh kaal) on the full-moon day of Margashirsha. Evening puja is therefore considered especially auspicious. Confirm the Purnima tithi window in your local panchang.
The 24 Gurus of Dattatreya
One of the most beautiful teachings of Dattatreya is that he took 24 gurus from nature - the earth, the wind, the sky, water, fire, the moon, the sun, a honeybee, an elephant, a deer, a fish, a child, an arrow-maker and more.
From each he learned one virtue: patience from the earth, non-attachment from the wind, purity from water, the danger of greed from the honeybee, the danger of the senses from the deer and the fish. His example teaches that the whole world is a teacher to one who watches with humility, and that wisdom can be gathered from every creature and circumstance.
Puja Vidhi & Mantra
1. Bathe early, wear clean clothes and worship in the evening, the hour of his appearance. 2. Puja: Offer flowers, incense, fruit and a ghee lamp before an image of Dattatreya. Feeding dogs and a cow is considered very auspicious, as they accompany him. 3. Mantra: Chant Om Dram Dattatreyaya Namah or Shri Gurudev Datta 108 times with a rudraksha mala. 4. Read: The Guru Charitra or Avadhuta Gita is traditionally read by devotees, especially in Maharashtra and Karnataka. 5. Conclude with aarti and distribute prasad. Many keep a light fast through the day.
Common Questions From Devotees
When is Dattatreya Jayanti in 2026?+
Dattatreya Jayanti 2026 falls on Margashirsha Purnima, Wednesday 23 December. Evening (pradosh kaal) puja is considered most auspicious. Confirm the Purnima timing in your local panchang.
Why does Dattatreya have three heads?+
The three heads represent Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva). Lord Dattatreya unites the creative, sustaining and transforming powers of the Trimurti in one divine form.
What is the simplest Dattatreya mantra?+
The simplest and most popular is 'Shri Gurudev Datta'. The mantra 'Om Dram Dattatreyaya Namah' is also widely chanted, ideally 108 times with a rudraksha mala.
Why are dogs and a cow shown with Dattatreya?+
The four dogs symbolise the four Vedas, walking behind the Lord, and the cow represents Mother Earth and Kamadhenu, the wish-fulfilling cow. Together they show that all knowledge and nourishment follow the Guru.
About the author
Pandit Mahesh Trivedi · Festival Traditions & Panchang
Pandit Mahesh leads the festival-date and Panchang content on Vandnaa. He cross-references multiple regional panchangs (Drik, Vaishnava, Bengali, Marathi) for every festival date published on the site.
Meet the Vandnaa editorial team →
