Anagha Vrata Jaya Datta Sri Guru Datta The Holy Message of Jagadguru Sri Ganapathi Sachidananda Swamiji Lord had descended on the earth, in order to help the people to attain salvation. Due to the influence of , 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 . 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 , an incarnation of Goddess . 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 . 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 performed this worship. In the next era of Dwaapara was almost extinct and Lord Sri instructed King 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 . Mahesana rupin triguna nayaka| Thaivarnika namasthubhyam thoradeva naghathmaka||

Different types of fruits and pancha Karjaya have to be offered to Lord Anagha , 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 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 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 ! 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 performed (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 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 , 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 . 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 , 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 , 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 , 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 , the demon king. His magnanimity was such that he even offered the entire earth as food to the hungry deity . Oh Dharma Raja! King Kartavirya had become such a powerful ruler, due to the blessings and boons of the Maha24 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 ? 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 of Rig Veda must be chanted. It was stated in the holy scripture Vamsha that the Lord 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 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