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.