Dattatreya Chalisa
दत्तात्रेय चालीसा
40-verse hymn to Lord Dattatreya — the triple-formed (tri-murti) avatar combining Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva in a single body, son of Sage Atri and the chaste Anasuya. Depicted with three faces, six arms (holding kamandalu, japamala, damaru, trishula, shankha, and chakra), accompanied by four dogs (representing the four Vedas) and a cow (the wish-fulfilling Kamadhenu, symbol of the Earth-Mother).
Significance
Dattatreya is venerated as the Adi Guru — the original teacher — and the founder of the guru-shishya parampara. His chalisa is the foundational invocation of every disciple of the Datta sampradaya, including the lineages of Sripada Sri Vallabha (the first historical Datta avatar of Kali Yuga, 1320-1350 CE in Pithapuram, Andhra Pradesh), Sri Nrisimha Saraswati (the second Datta avatar of Kali Yuga, 1378-1458 CE at Ganagapur, Karnataka), and Sai Baba of Shirdi (regarded by many as a Datta avatar). Recited extensively at the three principal Datta kshetras: Audumbar (Maharashtra), Narsobawadi (Maharashtra-Karnataka border), and Ganagapur (Karnataka).
When recited: Datta Jayanti (Margashirsha Purnima — December full moon), Thursdays (Guru Vaar — most auspicious day for guru-tattva), during the 7-day Gurucharitra parayana (Saptaha Parayan), at Ganagapur, Audumbar, and Narsobawadi (the three principal Datta sthanas), before commencing any spiritual sadhana
Benefits
- Spiritual progress through the awakening of guru-tattva within the seeker
- Removal of confusion regarding sadhana — Datta sends a guru when the disciple is ready
- Healing of mental illness, anxiety, and psychiatric afflictions (Datta is the patron of mental health)
- Liberation from chronic karmic patterns spanning multiple lifetimes
- Detachment, dispassion, and the awakening of avadhuta vairagya
- Protection while travelling (Datta is the wandering avadhuta par excellence)
Opening verses
First 6 verses of the Dattatreya Chalisa — the most-recited opening section.
जय गुरुदेव दत्तात्रेय, अत्रि अनसूया के तेय॥
त्रिमुख षड्भुज शोभा पाओ, चार वेद श्वान सँग आओ॥
कामधेनु संग वन में फिरते, अवधूत वेश में दर्शन देते॥
गाणगापुर औदुम्बर वासा, नृसिंह सरस्वती पधारी ख्यासा॥
गुरुवार को जो चालीसा गाता, गुरु तत्व उसके मन में आता॥
दिगम्बर दत्त गुरु महाराज की जय, श्रीपाद वल्लभ की जय॥
Meaning
Victory to Guru Dattatreya, born of the radiance of Atri and Anasuya. With three faces and six arms you shine, the four Vedas (as dogs) walk beside you. With Kamadhenu you wander the forests, granting darshan in the avadhuta's guise. Your abodes are Ganagapur and Audumbar; the great Nrisimha Saraswati incarnated to spread your fame. Whoever sings this chalisa on a Thursday — guru-tattva awakens within his heart. Victory to the sky-clad Datta Guru Maharaj, victory to Sripada Sri Vallabha. Recited every Thursday by Datta devotees, daily during the 7-day Gurucharitra parayana, and at the three principal Datta sthanas.
For complete authoritative text
Refer to printed editions from these sources for the full 40-verse chalisa with traditional pronunciation guides: