Anagha Vrata Kalpa Jaya Guru Datta Sri Guru Datta

The Holy Message of Jagadguru Sri Ganapathi Sachidananda Swamiji

Lord Dattatreya had descended on the earth, in order to help the people to

attain salvation. Due to the influence of Kali, many people ignored the philosophy

propounded by this incarnation. This knowledge was limited to few pundits and the

others were ignorant of the principle of Sadguru. However, the merciful Lord

repeatedly took birth in different forms to bless these helpless people and propagated

the philosophy to protect the devotees. Such incarnations include Sri Padavallabha

and Narasimha Saraswati.

The philosophy and character of Sri Datta Sadguru is very difficult to imagine.

Though, He is known as the Avadhoota (unbounded mendicant), He also appeared in

the form of a house holder (Gruhastha). This lesser known semblance of Lord

Dattatreya, is known as Anagha Swamy. Even scholars are oblivious to this form of

Anagha Swamy, whose consort is Anaghaa Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi.

This couple bestows prosperity on their devotees and fulfills their earthly

desires. The Ashta Siddis1 are the progeny of this holy communion. In the Kruta Yuga

(Era2), the Lord Dattatreya himself explained the procedure of worshipping the Anagha

couple to his beloved devotee, Kaarta Veeryarjuna. These details about worship

procedure are described in Datta Purana, a part of Bhavishyottara Puraana, compiled

by Maharshi Vyasa.

In that era, Kartavirya propagated the worship of the Anagha couple, known as

Anaghaa Vratam through out the world and ensured a golden era. Subsequently, in

the Tretaa Yuga (Era3), King Dasaratdha and Lord Sri Rama performed this worship. In

the next era of Dwaapara was almost extinct and Lord Sri Krishna instructed King

Dharma Raja about this Anagha worship, and it became extant thereafter. In this era of

Kali Yuga, in the present times, it is indeed the fortune of the devotees to know about

this age old Anagha worship. As such, this is the blessing of Lord Datta Sadguru.

1 Eight fulfillments

2 First of the four great epochs of time

3 The second of the four great epochs of time

Sri Swamiji has simplified the Anaghaa Vratam to make it easier for devotees.

This publication contains the entire procedure for conducting the Anagha vrata, in an

easy manner along with the lucid narrative from Puraana.

On the cover page the design of the Anaghaa Yantra/ Peetham (Pedestal) is

depicted. In Ashta Dala Padma (Eight petal Lotus), the names of the deities to be

invoked are inscribed every petal. While conducting this Vratam, the performer may

draw the Ashta Dala Padma with the Rice Flour, Turmeric and Vermillion. On this

decorated pedestal, Respected deities may be invoked onto either a Coconut atop a

Kalasha (Pot) or Betel (Areca) Nut placed on a betel leaf. Before the commencement,In

the final phase, the performer has to entwine three threads of yellow, red and white

colour and a knot shall be tied, exactly in the central portion. (This sacred thread is

called Toram) thora; which has to be placed near the Anagha couple, who are

established in the centre of the altar.

After having completed the worship, the performer has to wear the thora on his

right hand, or he can give it to his close relatives. This enables them to undertake the

vow of this worship. In this manner, two or three thoras can be prepared by the

performer to perform the vrata. While employing the thoras, it is important to chant

the following mantra.

Brahma Vishnu Mahesana rupin triguna nayaka|

Thaivarnika namasthubhyam thoradeva naghathmaka||

Different types of fruits and pancha Karjaya have to be offered to Lord Anagha

Swami, and even the Mahanaivedya4 can be offered to the lord.

Girls who are eligible for marriage and persons who have domestic problems

must worship the goddess Anagha Devi with saffron. This worship grants immediate

results to such persons. In general, anyone can perform this worship.

The Margasirsha Krishnapaksha Astami5 is the most important and auspicious

day for performing this worship. This worship can also be performed on the Ashtami6

of each month, during the Krishna paksha7. Some scholars contend that this vrata

4 The food eaten by the performer in normal course.

5 Eight day of the dark fortnight of the month of Margashira

6 Eight day

7 The dark fortnight before the new moon day

should be performed during the Suddha paksha8. Sri Swamiji recommends that those

who cannot perform this worship in the Krishna paksha can perform it during the

suddha paksha. If for any reason, this worship could not be performed on the ashtami,

it can be performed on any other day in that month, and there should be no omission

of the worship in that month. Even if the worship is conducted once a year, there

should be no omission or deviation.

Agha connotes sin, and the ordinary people, generally, commit sin during work,

speech or even in their thoughts. They commit numerous sins in their daily activities,

which act as barriers to their spiritual progress.

Such sins are eliminated by the Universal Father and Mother. That is why they

are known as the Anagha man and wife or couple.

Therefore, every devotee must perform the Anagha vrata, and thereby get rid of

all their entire sins, which serve to hinder their spiritual advancement. Those who

perform this vrata or worship would become eligible to receive the mercy of Sri Guru

Datta, and their wishes would be granted. The publishers of this book, individuals who

spread information about this worship and all the devotees will always be blessed by

Lord Datta.

Jaya Guru Datta

Yours

Swamiji

8 Bright fortnight

The Story of Anaghaashtami Vrata Introduction:

Maharshi Veda Vyasa had written eighteen Puranas and one of these was the

Bhavishyothara Purana. This Purana contains the procedure for conducting the

Anaghashtami vrata9, which is presented in the form of a discussion between King

Dharma Raja and Lord Sri Krishna. This narratives describe the procedure for

performing the vrata, anecdotes regarding the persons who had performed the vrata

in the past and the advantages gained by them. Lord Krishna instructed the Pandavas

to perform the Anaghashtami vrata to destroy their suffering and difficulties. That

story was told to Deepaka, a disciple, by his Guru.

Part one

Once, Deepaka asked his Guru, “Guru Deva! I had heard that Lord Dattatreya Swami

had eliminated the suffering of the deities, who had been defeated by the demon

Jambhaasura, upon their request. Did the Lord win by waging war against the demon?

Or did he do so by winning over the demon through his yogic powers? I am anxious to

know about this, please describe it to me.”

Thereupon, the Sri Guru explained.

“ Dear boy! In the Dwapara Era10 Lord Sri Krishna had explained this to King

Dharma Raja. Listen to that story in the words of Lord Krishna.”

Lord Sri Krishna explained to Dharma Raja, in the following words.

“Dharma Raja! In the Kruta Era, Maharshi Atri performed tapas (penance) for the Lord

Para Brahma. His wife was the great and noble Anasuya Devi. She was famous for her

righteousness and Swadharma. A long time after their marriage, they had a son who

was born through the characteristics and elements of the (Trinity) Trimurthis11 with

Lord Vishnu as the predominant component. He was the Lord Dattatreya, with whom

none in the three worlds can be compared.

His yoga Shakti12 assumed the form of a woman and became his wife Anagha

Devi. That yoga sakti was a conflagration of Goddess Lakshmi’s essence and was

merciful towards others. The eight siddis of Lord Dattatreya were born as eight sons.

They are: 1. Anima, 2. Laghima, 3. Prapti, 4. Prakamya, 5. Mahima, 6. Esitwa, 7. 9 Religious practice

10 The third of the four great epochs of time

11 Holy Trinity

12 Power of yoga

Vasitwa and 8. Kamavasaita. All the deities, including the deity Indra, had sought the

help of Lord Dattatreya Swami, in times of difficulties.

The Mighty Jambhaasura:

The demon Jambhaasura on receiving boons from the Lord Brahma became very

ferocious. He waged a thousand year war against the capital of the deities, Amaravati.

There was a fierce battle between the demons and deities. In that battle, several races

of demons such as the Daitya13, Danava14 and Rakshasa15, emerged from the nether

world and joined the allied army of the demon Jambhaasura. Ultimately, the coalition

army of the demons emerged victorious over the deities, who fled from their capital.

The demon forces chased the fleeing deities, in order to exterminate them, and

employed various weapons, like arrows, clubs, pestles, and hammers. The demons

also used firearms such as cannons to kill the deities and chased them by riding several

types of animals, with reinforced elation.

Seeking of protection by the deities:

The deities had lost their powers and were desperately seeking the protection of

someone to save them. They came to the place where Lord Dattatreya Swami and his

wife Anagha Devi were residing, in the Vindya Mountains, and prayed to the Lord.

“O! Lord! Jagannatha! You adorn Shankha16, Chakra17 Gadaa18 Instruments in

your hands. We were defeated by the demon Jambhaasura. We have come to seek

your protection. Please save us, we are your devotees. We have no other refuge

except your feet. Bestow thy mercy upon us.” Thus the deities begged for the grace of

Lord Dattatreya for His protection.

Upon listening to their prayers, Lord Dattatreya offered them shelter in His

Ashram. He instructed them to be brave, and made some gestures to Anagha Devi. By

that time, the demons were euphoric with the scent of victory. They lost their senses

on espying the Goddess Anagha devi. They were spell bound by the beauty of the

Goddess and were flabbergasted. In their excitement, they forgot all about the chase

of the deities. In one voice, they shouted “catch hold of this beautiful wife of the

13

Demons who were giants 14

Demons who had been confined to the ocean by the deity Indra 15

Man eating demon 16

Conch 17

Discus 18

Mace

Maharshi. Give her fruits and flowers and make her happy.” In this manner they

followed the Devi19.

Extermination of Jambhaasura:

As the demons were rendered bereft of their senses at the beauty of the

goddess, the Lord Dattatreya extracted their powers by using his Super-natural

powers. However, the demons were oblivious to reduction of their powers. They were

highly excited and blind with lust towards the wife of Maharshi. They started to retreat

to their place. At that time, the deity Indra with other deities came out of their

concealment and summarily dispatched the demons with Trident (Trishula)20, ploughs

and other weapons.

In this manner, the mighty Jambhaasura was summarily executed by the deity

Indra, under the aegis of Lord Dattatreya. The blessing of Datta enabled the deities to

regain their kingdom from the demons.

Part two – The story of Kartaviryarjuna

Lord Sri Krishna continued His narrative.

After the execution of the demon Jambhaasura, the Lord Dattatreya performed

three types of tapas, with the mind, speech and body, in order to restore peace in the

worlds and for the good of all the worlds.

He extended his hands upward and stood like a log-like position to perform the

tapas called Brahmottara. This type of tapas requires the performer to follow several

difficult rites. Lord Dattatreya concentrated on the spot between the two eye-brows

and performed the meditation without any interruption for above three thousand

years. At that time the prince of Mahishmatipura named Arjuna, also called as

Kaartaveerya (son of Krutaveerya) served Datta Swamy. Although, he was physically

handicapped from birth, he offered his services continuously to Dattatreya, day and

night with unfettered dedication.

Pleased with the services and dedication of Kartavirya, Lord Datta offered him

four boons. Due to the first boon, Kartavirya Arjuna received one thousand hands. As

the second boon, he requested Datta Swami that, a righteous people should correct

him, if he failed to follow dharma. For his third boon, he stated his desire to win over

the entire earth, through a pious war and that he should rule it in a righteous manner.

19

Goddess 20

Trident

However, as death is inevitable for anyone, despite victories; Kartavirya requested that

he should die in the hands of a great warrior, as his last boon. Lord Dattatreya granted

all the wishes of Kartavirya. Further, he provided him with extensive knowledge of

yoga, and made him the emperor of the world.

There upon, Kartavirya Arjuna had no worthy opponent in the entire Universe

and he gained all the boons he had requested. He ruled the world righteously with one

thousand hands. With the power of yoga, he would transform into myriad chariots,

elephants, horses and flags during wars. He fought in the wars and emerged victorious

in all of them.

In the seven islands of the earth, he performed ten thousand yajnas21 and paid

high honorarium to the ritviks22, who conducted them. He maintained golden utensils,

jewel embedded stands, and amazing decorations during these yajnas, as a symbol of

unsurpassed wealth. His yajnas were witnessed by celestials like the gandharvas,

Kinnaras, Kimpurushas and Yakshas.

Once, a celestial called Narada acclaimed the grandeur of Kartavirya through

couplets, which described that “in yajnas, donations, tapas, knowledge and valour

Kartavirya arjuna is matchless.” In the kingdom of Kaartavirya, things were never lost

or misplaced. The people in his kingdom never underwent any sort of hardship, and

any lost article was seen to reappear by merely chanting the name of Kartavirya23.

From that point till date, the name and mantra of Kartaveerya are highly popular to

trace lost objects.

In this manner, that great emperor ruled the world for Eighty Five thousand

years. He acted as the protector as well as the ruler of his people, and precipitated

timely rains to maintain the requirements of his subjects. Protecting the kingdom, he

captured the Serpent king Karkotaka, the venomous and Ravana, the demon king. His

magnanimity was such that he even offered the entire earth as food to the hungry

deity Agni.

Oh Dharma Raja! King Kartavirya had become such a powerful ruler, due to the

blessings and boons of the Maha24 yogi Lord Dattatreya.

21

Vedic rituals 22

Priests 23

Even today, to regain lost things and to relief from suffering, people chant the mantra of Kartaviryarjuna and Lord

Dattatreya. 24

Great

Part Three - the procedure for Anagha worship

The yogi Kartaviryarjuna publicised the Anaghashtami worship in the world.

Agha means sin, which is committed through our thoughts, speech and acts. Lord

Dattatreya destroys all such sins. Hence, he is called Anagha.

The eightfold prosperities of Anagha Swamy, are worshipped in the process of

Anagha Vrata. The eight Siddhis of Anagha are Anima, Laghima, Praapti, Praakaamya,

Mahima, Ishitwa, Vashitwa and Kamavasaayita. These virtues bestow ultimately could

lead to emancipation. However, these eight Siddhi deities had acquired the form of

eight sons of the Anagha couple, for the understanding of common deities. By

worshipping Anagha, all sins will be destroyed. He makes the world sinless, which in

fact is my (Vishnu's) trait.

Then king Dharma Raja enquired:

Sri Krishna! What were the governing principles and rules for the king

Kartaviryarjuna to perform the worship? What was the prescribed time for Puja?

Please explain to us.

Lord Sri Krishna replied:

Dharma Raja! This worship is to be undertaken on the eight day of the dark

fortnight of the month of Margasira (Usually December). The performer must prepare

the forms of Anagha swami, Anagha Devi and their sons with holy grass or Darbha.

These grass idols are to be placed at a pedestal with Eight Petal-Lotus design.

Prior to the commencement of the worship, the performer must take a shower

over head. During the worship, the Lord Dattatreya must be identified as the

incarnation of Lord Vishnu and worshipped with flowers and Sandal Paste. To invoke

the deities, the Vishnu Mantras of Rig Veda must be chanted. It was stated in the holy

scripture Hari Vamsha that the Lord Vasudeva is Anagha and the Goddess Lakshmi

Devi is the Anagha Maata. It also stated that Pradyumna and others are the sons of the

holy couple. As such, the performer must worship them accordingly.

People belonging to all the communities, irrespective of their professions,

wealth or class or gender must follow this procedure. In other words, all the people on

earth must follow the procedures. They could offer the seasonal fruits, roots and other

forms of food, to the deities.

After the completion of the worship, one has to provide food to their friends

and relatives. Thereafter, they have to transfer this vow of worship to other people.

Those who have taken this vow, resourceful persons shall continue the worship as per

their ability. It is customary to fast on the day of the worship and eat food only on the

following day. This is called Paarana (completion of the vow). This worship must be

continued throughout the lifetime. If that is not possible, then the worship should be

performed at least for a year. (This is the exhortation of Lord Sri Krishna.)

The performer of the worship must abstain from sleep in the night of the day of

worship, and should offer the service of Songs and Dance to the Lord throughout the

night. In the morning, i.e. on the Navami day, the grass idols must be immersed in

water. Those who perform this worship every year in this manner with absolute

devotion, are absolved of their sins and obtain freedom from earthly bondage.

Moreover, the Lord Vishnu, Himself would provide them with endless prosperity and

protect their family. Such people will be blessed with good health for seven

consecutive births and ultimate moksha eventually.

Dharma Raja! This Anaghashtami worship is the destroyer of all sins. People who

perform this worship with their consciousness concentrated on the worship, could

attain the status similar to Emperor Kartavirya.

Sri Guru said:

Dear Deepaka! - I explained the story of Lord Dattatreya, including the details of

the slaying of demon Jambhaasura, due to the blessings of Lord Datta Swami. Further,

I have explained the greatness of Anaghatwa (Sinlessness), Yoga practice, and the

procedure for conducting the Anaghashtami worship to receive the blessings of Datta

Swami. (This concludes the story of Anaghashtami vrata, which is in the

Bhavishyothara Purana, composed by Maharshi Veda Vyasa.) Jaya Guru Datta