Guru Dwadashi
Guru Dwadashi is observed on the Krishna Paksha Dwadashi tithi of Karthika masa. This celebration is dedicated to Shri Vallabha, an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya and it is believed that He left his mortal coil on this day for his next avatar of Dattatreya. The day is also referred as Vaghbaras or Govatsa Dwadashi. The important ritual of this day is offering puja to cow and calf as they symbolize sanctity and prosperity.
Guru Dwadashi 2023
Fri , 10th Nov 2023
Significance
The first incarnation of Lord Dattatreya is said to be Sreepada Shri Vallabha. Shri Vallabha was born in Pithapuram located in East Godavari district of Andhra pradesh. According to the legend, He travelled to Kuravapur (kurugadda) situated near Raichur of Karnataka, on the bank of river Krishna. He performed deep penance there and left his mortal coil on this day to progress towards next powerful avatar of Dattatreya. This day is also called " Ashweeja bahula dwadashi " and is a grand celebration in all the kshetras of Lord Dattatreya.
Rituals
Devotees gather in the Ashta Theertham of Dattatreya and organize a grand procession carrying images of Shri Vallabha and Lord Dattatreya. Devotees also start Gurucharitra Parayana on Sripada Vallabha Jayanthi and culminate on Guru Dwadashi day. On this day, devotees perform Guru puja and puja for cow and calf along with reciting sacred hymns from Avadhuta Gita, Jivanmuktha Gita, Datta Prabodh and Datta Mahatmya.
Mantra
Kashaya vastram kara danda dharinam
Kamandalam padma karena shankham
Chakram gadha booshita bhushanadhyam Sripada rajam sharanam prapadye
Meaning: I bow down to Sri Dattatreya who is wearing orange garment and holding a holy stick, a kettle of water, a lotus, a conch, in his hands a discus, a mace as adornments/ornaments, I surrender to you.
Rituals
People in large numbers offer prayers to Dattatreya and recite some sacred hymns from Avadhuta Gita, Jivanmuktha Gita, Datta Prabodh and Datta Mahatmya, which contain stories of his life and teachings. There are also many Dattatreya temples all over the country, especially in Maharashtra, which people visit and worship. They also sing Bhajans (hymns) in his praise.
Benefits
Guru Dwadashi festival dates between 2019 & 2029
Year | Date |
|---|---|
2019 | Friday, 25th of October |
2020 | Thursday, 12th of November |
2021 | Tuesday, 2nd of November |
2022 | Saturday, 22nd of October |
2023 | Friday, 10th of November |
2024 | Tuesday, 29th of October |
2025 | Saturday, 18th of October |
2026 | Friday, 6th of November |
2027 | Tuesday, 26th of October |
2028 | Sunday, 15th of October |
2029 | Saturday, 3rd of November |