Shri Dattatreya Adiguru

Introduction

Shri Dattatreya, a revered historical figure and divine incarnation, holds a central place in the International Nath Order (INO). Celebrated as the Adiguru (first teacher) of the Adinath Sampradaya—the lineage into which Shri Gurudev Mahendranath was initiated—Dattatreya embodies the pinnacle of Indian spiritual wisdom. Within the INO, he is honored as an Avatar, a sage who transcends convention to guide disciples toward liberation.

Dattatreya as a Historical Figure

Shri Gurudev Mahendranath had no doubt that Dattatreya was a historical figure, stating that he was born on Wednesday, the fourteenth day of the full moon in the month of Mrighashīrsha, though the year remains unspecified. Dattatreya left home at an early age to wander naked in search of the Absolute. He spent much of his life wandering in the region spanning North Mysore, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, up to the Narmada River. He attained realization near what is now known as Ganagapur, and his original footprints are believed to be located on a lonely peak at Mount Girnar.

The Tripura-rahasya refers to Dattatreya’s disciple Parasurama finding him meditating on Gandhamadana mountain, further anchoring his historical presence in the Nath tradition’s lore.

Dattatreya as Adiguru

Across India, many traditions, including various Nath sects, recognize Dattatreya as their Adiguru. Other Nath panths may trace their origins to figures like Shiva, Adinath, or Gorakhnath, reflecting the diversity of the Nath stream. Rather than a unified doctrine, the Nath tradition thrives on the transmission of wisdom from Guru to disciple through initiation, instruction, and practice. For the INO, Dattatreya’s role as the foundational teacher underscores the lineage’s commitment to direct experience and spiritual freedom.

In the Natha tradition, Dattatreya is recognized as an incarnation of Lord Shiva and as the Adi-Guru of the Adinath Sampradaya. Initially a “Lord of Yoga” with distinctly Tantric traits, he was later adapted into more devotional cults, where he is approached as a benevolent deity rather than solely a teacher of non-dual wisdom.

Teachings and Texts

The Avadhuta Gita, attributed to Dattatreya, is a profound text within the Nath tradition. Known as the “Song of the Avadhut,” it articulates the perspective of one liberated from worldly bonds. Purportedly recorded by Dattatreya’s disciples, Swami and Kartika, this work distills the essence of non-dual awareness, offering timeless guidance for seekers. Swami Vivekananda held it in high esteem. Originally comprising seven chapters, a controversial eighth chapter, possibly a later addition, introduces elements not aligned with the original text’s spirit.

Another significant work, the Tripura-rahasya (The Secret of the Goddess Tripura), is believed to be an abbreviated version of the original Datta Samhita or Dakshinamurti Samhita, traditionally ascribed to Dattatreya. Summarized by his disciple Paramasura and scribed by Sumedha Haritayana, it is sometimes called the Haritayana Samhita. The text is divided into three parts: the Mahatmya Khanda (on the Goddess Tripura), the Jnana Khanda (on knowledge, consciousness, and liberation), and the Charya Khanda (on conduct, unfortunately lost).

Legends and Symbolism

Dattatreya’s life defies conventional norms, embodying the path of the Avadhuta. The Markandeya Purana recounts how he submerged himself in a lake for years to avoid eager followers, only to emerge naked, accompanied by a beautiful woman—his shakti. Together, they engaged in music, love, and drink, yet the devoted Munis remained steadfast, serving Dattatreya and meditating on his teachings. This narrative highlights his transcendence of societal expectations and his ability to guide others toward moksha.

Dattatreya is often depicted with three heads, symbolizing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—the lords of Creation, Preservation, and Destruction united in one form. This iconography reflects his embodiment of divine unity, as well as the three states of consciousness: waking, dreaming, and dreamless sleep. He is typically portrayed meditating beneath the audumbara (wish-fulfilling) tree, with a fire pit before him and four dogs around him, sometimes said to symbolize the four Vedas.

Dattatreya’s Gurus

In the Bhagavata Purana, Dattatreya names twenty-four gurus from nature and life, including the earth, air, water, fire, animals, a child, a courtesan, and even a wasp. This eclectic list, which varies across sources, illustrates his profound insight: the divine is present in all aspects of existence. By learning from the world around him, Dattatreya awakened to the Absolute, inspiring others to seek wisdom in every experience.

Shri Gurudev Mahendranath on Dattatreya

“Shri Dattatreya was a dropout of an earlier age, than the period when Veda and Tantra merged to become one simple cult. It was men like Dattatreya who helped to make this possible. Three of his close disciples were kings, one an Asura and the other two both belonging to the warrior caste. Dattatreya himself was regarded as an avatar of Maheshwara (Shiva) but later was claimed by Vaishnavites as the avatar of Vishnu. Not such a sectarian claim as it appears; Hindus regard Shiva and Vishnu as the same or as manifestations of the Absolute taking form.”

— Shri Gurudev Mahendranath, The Pathless Path to Immortality

This reflection captures Dattatreya’s universal appeal and his role in bridging spiritual traditions. The Dattatreya Upanisad further illustrates this synthesis, opening by proclaiming Dattatreya’s identity with Vishnu and concluding with the mantra Om Namah Shivaya, identifying him with Shiva.

Dattatreya as a Devotional Deity

While the Nath tradition emphasizes Dattatreya’s Tantric and non-dual teachings, in broader Hindu practice, he is worshipped as a benevolent deity. His image as a meditative figure with three heads, accompanied by his shakti and four dogs, resonates with devotees seeking blessings and spiritual guidance.