Oudumbara Dattagurudeva Deeksha

Oudumbara DattagurudevaDattatreya Deeksha Vivarana

-Prepared by Shreeram Balijepalli (Group Owner of Smarthrugaami-Dattavaibhavam online group)

Dedication… Dedicated to my parents--Sri Balijepalli Devendra Shankar Garu and Srimathy Balijepalli Vidhyavathy Garu-They suffered a lot to make my life happy. They mean Datta to me!

---Shreeram Balijepalli

Om Shree Ganeshaya Namaha!!

Every human has an influence of Navagrahas and Lord Shani is the devotee

of both Shiva and Narayana.Guru is the Nayakatwam for Lord Shani.

Abhishekas, Poojas and Archanas give super-benefit for those suffering from the malefic effects of Shani.

Any astrological feature, any star or any malefic placement (ranging from

Sapthavaarshika Shani('Elanaati shani', Sade'saath-shani, Kantaka Shani,

Ashtami Shani) can be avoided by sincere pleas to Sri Guru deva Dattatreya. Deeksha means a period of sincere austerity toward a particular deity by

concentrating all vital energies only for that deity. In Kaliyuga it is not possible to

worship all time so the purpose of such deekshas become all the more important in rejuvenating one's spiritual aura and energy levels and also provides fantastic

benefits without taking too much time. Deeksha is the transfer of the Sacred

Golden Energy of Divine Grace, which descends and initiates the journey into

higher states of consciousness. Deeksha can also be seen as Divine surgery for brain where there is a process of transformation in the parietal lobes and an

activation of the frontal lobes which results in the experience of non-separation, the experience of unconditional love, joy, and peace which will eventually lead to

enlightenment and Oneness. Deeksha does not belong to any religion, or any particular belief or spiritual path.

The parietal lobes host what some neuroscientists call the orientation association

area or OAA. The function of the OAA is to give us orientation in space. You

may take it for granted that you can tie your shoelaces and walk through a door, but this is only possible due to furious neurological activity in the rear part of the

parietal lobes. However in the human brain, the OAA is chronically overactive. If the OAA which is designed to create a perception of distinction and separation to a useful degree is hyperactive, the conclusion is that we are fundamentally,

existentially separate from anything else. Neuroscience has shown that in deep

meditation or prayer, the OAA in the parietal lobe is temporarily blocked from

neurological input. However, we are still "conditioned" by the deep subconscious programming within our minds that keeps us separate from external reality,

separated from directly experiencing the world with the running commentary of our thoughts.

There are many types of Deekshas 1. Iyyappa Deeksha 2. Basara Gnana Saraswathy Deeksha 3. Bhavani Deeksha 4. Hanumantha Deeksha 5. Sundarakanda Parayana Deeksha

(Fig Tree laden with fig-fruits)

The Oudumbara Vruksha (ficus glomerata) or Cluster fig tree is a variety of

fig-tree held sacred in India. It is said to flower at intervals of long centuries. It is a large tree that provides dense shade and edible fruit. Devotees of Lord

Dattatreya, preferably observe their penance (Reading of sacred books,

meditation, etc.) under this tree. Dried twigs of this tree are used in Homasacrifices. Its leaves are commonly used as cattle fodder.

(Dattatreya and His five principal avataras all in an Oudumbara Vruksha)

Oudumbara tree which is the favourite of Lord Dattatreya is used for the

deeksha. Oudumbara Deeksha is a Mukthi-deeksha. Mukti Deeksha, in Hindu

philosophy, is said to be a transfer of divine energy given by a Guru to a disciple.

The purpose of deeksha is to intiate a neurobiological change so that the receiver can experience reality without the interference of the mind.

We cannot through effort empty out our minds any more than a bucket can

empty out an ocean. Enlightenment happens by grace in the recognition that it is our natural preconditioned state.The way this state is to be delivered is through the Divine Grace known as Deeksha.

Deeksha delivers a "shock" to our comfort zones and relaxed and complacent

way of living and induces the necessary discipline to receive Lord Datta's energy abundantly and become drawn more to the Lord.

The following is an excerpt of Chapter 19 of Guru-Charitra which describes the glory of Audumbara:

Greatness of Audumbar: Ganganuj's Poverty wiped off.

Namdharak: "Leaving other holy trees why Shri Guru lived under the Audumber tree? Greatness of Ashwattha is described even in the Vedas, Why then he preferred Audumbar?"

Siddha: "Shri Vishnu took Narasimhawatar to kill the demon Hranyakashipu. He

tore the belly of the demon by his nails, took out the intestines and put them around his neck as a wreath. Narsinha's nails were filled with strong poison and so caused

great heat in his body. Shri Lakshmi took Audumbar fruits and thrust Narsinha's

nails in them. The poison and the heat of the body subsided and Lakshmi Devi and Narsimha Swamy were pleased. So they blessed the Audumbar tree, `You shall

always bear fruits and people will worship you as the Kalpataru. Strong poisons will be subsided even by your sight and sterile women will get issues if they worship you with devotion.'

Audumbar is a Kalpa-Taru in Kaliyug, hence Shri Guru lived under it Brahma,

Vishnu and Mahesh live here in the form of shri Dattatraya. When Shri Guru lived here, 64 yoginis used to come to him at midday and take Shri Guru to their place

under the waters of the river, worshipped and offered him delicious food and Shri Guru would return to his place under the Audumbar.

Brahmins wondered how this sanyasi lived along under the Audumbar, as he did

not go in the town to anybody for alms. Some Brahmins kept a watch but at midday they got frightened and so they gave up the idea.

Ganganuj was a farmer who had his field at the river side. At midday he saw that 64 yoginis came out of the river, bowed to Shri Guru and took him to the river. A

passage was created for him by the bifurcation of the river water. After some time

Shri Guru returned by the same passage. Next day Ganganuj also followed Shri Guru when he was being taken by the yoginis. He saw that there was a nice place

with buildings of precious stones, and there was a high and well decorated throne.

Shri Guru was seated on the throne. He was duly worshipped, had Arati and was Shri Guru saw Ganganuj. Shri Guru asked him. `How did you come here?' He

replied, `I came here to see Thy holy self.' Saying so, he bowed to Shri Guru, who said to him, `Your miseries are wiped off. Your desires will be fulfilled. Do not

disclose to anyone whatever you have seen here. Else you will lose all instantly.'

Then Shri Guru came to the Audumbar with him. Ganganuj came to his fields and found a treasure. He got knowledge also. He served Shri Guru with his wife and children with more devotion thereafter.

On Magh Poornima Ganganuj said to Shri Guru `It is said that bath at Kashi and Prayag is very virtuous. How can this be possible for me?

Shri Guru said, `Panch Ganga Sangam is like Prayag, Jugul is Kashi and

Kolhapur is like Gaya. If you wish to see Kashi-Prayag I shall show it to you.'

Shri Guru was sitting on a tiger skin. He asked Ganganuj to shut his eyes and to hold the hind part of the skin firmly and they instantly reached Prayag in the

morning. After having bath they went to Kashi at midday. They had darshan of Kashivishweshwar and went to Gaya in the afternoon. They returned to Audumbar by the same evening.

Shri Guru now thought of leaving the place. 64 Yoginis requested him, Why are you leaving us? All our miseries are wiped off when we see you.'

Shri Guru smiled and said, `I am always at this Audumbar. You live here happily.

Amarpur is also my dwelling place. Those who worship you, this Audumbar and the Padukas here, all their desires will be fulfilled, and they will get four purusharthas. One who takes bath at Papvinashi, Kanya and Siddha Tirthas, worships the

Audumbar and these Padukas for seven days, even if his wife is 60 years old and sterile. If one recites a mantra, under this Audumbar with a pure mind, it will be a

great virtue. One lakh rounds of this tree will wipe off leprosy and one's body would be bright as gold. Such is the significance of this place.'

Saying this, Shri Guru came to Gangapur on the bank of Bhima.

(Buddha's head in a wild Audumbara tree in Thailand!)

(8 hands of Lord Shiva represent Ashtasiddhis and it is said that they do nitya abhisheka to the Lord Himself)

Oudumabara Deeksha gives Ashtasiddhi. Devotees from

Karthaveeryaarjuna to Bhaktha Prahalada and even Lord Rama's father Sri

Dasharatha also did this Oudumbara deeksha at various periods for different reasons.

1. Karthaveeraarjuna--Because of intense Bhakthi for Lord Dattatreya 2. Prahalada--Considering Lord Dattatreya as Vishnu Swaroopa 3. Dasharatha--To overcome Shani-prabhava (malifeic placement of Shani)

(Oudumbara Tree at Kurugadda-Dattakshetra)

Significant practice aspects of this Deeksha Who can do it? This deeksha can be done by anyone irrespective of Caste, Creed, religion, sex or age.

Which day? And it can be started any day though a Thursday is generally preferred because

of its association with Lord Dattatreya.Normally many Datattreya devotees start on Dattatreya Jayathi (or end it that day)

Duration? One of the six durations: 1. 3 Days 2. 7 Days 3. 14 Days 4. 16 Days 5. 21 Days 6. 40 Days 40 Days deeksha is called "Mahadeeksha" and many try to do more than 3 days. It is also believed and testimonialized by many devotees that one who takes up this Mahadeeksha for 16 years will get the Darshan of Dattatreya at the end of the 16th year.

One point to note here: If one decides on a particular duration, one must stick to it and not change as it is a holy promise.

What about women? Women can do the Deeksha too unlike Iyyappa swamy Deeksha which can be

done only by men. But during the five days when nature works for them they have to abstain from this deeksha and then again carry on with the deeksha(if they have

taken 40 day deeksha sankalpa).Women generally do two 16 day deekshas per year to avoid this problem.

Deeksha Vastram Deeksha Vastram means the dress to be worn during the deeksha period. Wearing a Deeksha Vastra has the following benefits:

1. A particular sense of belonging to the Lord 2. Healing effect of the colour. 3. Grace of the presiding lord appreciating the devotee's efforts to please Him/Her.

4. Discipline and Austerity.

Deeksha vastram for Oudumbara Deeksha is green. The significance of the

colour is that it is the colour of the leaf of the Oudumbara Tree.

Green being a healing colour and a colour of abundance is most conducive for both spiritual and material progress.Green also has disinfectant and purifying

properties. Green is midway within the color spectrum; therefore, it is the color of

balance and harmony. It is also the color of the soul, reflecting the fact that the soul is the liaison between the spirit and the earthly/bodily personality. Because green is midway in the color spectrum, it can very easily be "influenced" by higher and

lower aspects of the person. When green is "dragged down" within the aura and appears murky, it indicates a person who is rather jealous of what others have,

possessive, selfish, cunning, and manipulative. "Green with envy" is a truism, based

on the aura. A very murky green indicates chronic depression. When illumined from above, it denotes a person who seeks to expand his or her own, as well as the general, sense of individuality; one who is well balanced, sympathetic, and compassionate.

Therefore the colour to be worn for Dattatreya Deeksha is Light green (leaf colour) and the material must be a simple cotton or linen (not silk or synthetic).

Men: Should wear Green colour dhothi and green shirt or Angavastra (Rojuvaari) and even if a shirt is worn a green cotton shawl must be worn with a Mudupu.

Women: Should wear all green too-saree, blouse and inner garments too along with a Mudupu too.Mudupu means "a tie" in Telugu/Tamil/Kannada and even Malayalam.

One's desires must be tied in a "Mudupu" and it is normally done to plead the Lord

to fulfill those desires and make one's mind free of desires.Here a difference should be made between wants and needs. God satisfies only needs not wants. One may want even the Moon for oneself but God sees whether there is any need for such desires and whether they will make the human more evolved spiritually.

The materials to be kept in Mudupu are: 1. Number of coins for the number of days-preferably in different rupas--Leaving thoughts of money behind

2. Kalkand (not the Kalakhand sweet of north India but sugarcandy crystallized)-

Big Sugar Candy/Patika Bellam/Crystal sugar of big size-Leaving thoughts of hunger and taste behind

3. Ghee (small packet)-Leaving thoughts of Deha-poshana (feeding the body) behind

4. Dry coconunt (copra)-Leaving egoistical thoughts behind (Copra is significant of human head and head is where ego-center is spiritually)

5. Some offer even uncooked rice (symbolizing extreme renunciation of even abundance of any sort and just sticking to Datta-Nama)

These should be offered as 'Mahaprasadam' to the Lord at the end of the Deeksha period.

These materials will then be sanctified and blessed by Lord Dattatreya form his

spiritual plane and then when they are imbibed by the devotee and his/her family, all desires (needs) are fulfilled.

Important Niyamas for the Deekshas

"Niyamas' means the rules for the union of soul to the Lord. 1. Men and women should not indulge in Khsura karmas of any kind. Kshurakarma means "removing hair, nails,etc".The spiritual energies flow to the extremities and thus removing them will impede the flow and divert one's mind to thoughts of beautification of one's body and hence ego too.

2. Brahmacharyam must be practiced by both the sexes. 3. Tobacco and allied products should not be taken (not to mention any other modern narcotic or addictive drugs unless presrcibed by doctor for medicinal purposes).

4. The houses where there is a death/birth become not viable for the performance of this Deeksha.If one takes Deeksha and then, the above events occur then the deeksha must be left immidiately.

(Satguru Sant Keshavananda doing Dattapooja)

5. Dattatreya puja must be done with either Sahasranama valli (1008)or Ashottarashatanamavali(108)

 Puja can be done with different flowers and leaves (if possible with Audumbara leaves also).

 It must be done twice (morning and evening) minimum.

 The number of days the deeksha , so many wicks of lamp must be kept in the pooja lamp whereever possible.(For example if the deeksha duration is 40

days then a big 40 wicked lamp must be placed and 40 wicks must be lighted to give full benefit of the "Mahadeeksha")  One must take bath on head daily.  One may wear slippers on one's feet but if possible (according to place and circumstance) one can leave that or atleast one should wear non-leather slippers/shoes.

 One need not wear any Mala but generally Datatreya devotees wear a

combination of Tulsi and Rudraksha Mala(Even ladies can wear it during deeksha samayam)or if possible Oudumbara Poosa Mala(Oudumbara Beads mala)

 A small branch of the fig tree(Oudumbara vruksha) is always kept near to

one's body in any manner to represent renunciation(temporary) from worldy activities(some even tie the mudupu to this branch)

 One must sleep on floor(Bhooshayanam) either on bare floor (which is most beneficial)or just a simple white cloth near the pooja mandiram in the house away from bedroom.(And sleeping on right side to control erotic dreams)

 Ekabhojanam-Having full-meals just once per day(those who have medical complaints can take something twice per day but it must be limited to fruits and milk)

 Bathing twice a day in cold water(not even warm tepid water unless one has serious medical complaints)

 Deeksha Guru if present will be most apt but one may start the deeksha

considering some human figure as their deeksha guru and placing his/her photo with faiht and devotion in the puja altar.

 There must be solid determination to refrain from consumption of wine, nonvegetarian food, eggs, onions, garlic, chillies, tobacco and other narcotic drugs, salt, sour items, spicy items etc.

 One should not consume smoked,roasted,boiled vegetables like potatoes, Khanda,etc.(tubers in general)

 Some fruits might have some charecteristics which are in the above list like Sourness, saltiness, etc-They can be taken as "Datta-prasadam.

 When going to any Marriage reception or Bhojanam one must refrain from

consuming the above items and can restrict oneslef to a simple deit there too.

 As far as possisble one should avoid hotels and dining out.  Datta-stavam or Datta stotra or any other Malamantra or Vajra kavacha

must be chanted 9 or 27 times every day during deekshaduration.(Those who are unable to do this must atleast listen to the chant atleast 9 times when it is being read by someone)

 Datta Moola Mantra initiation must be had form a Dattaguru or atleast

Srigurudeva Datta~~~ Jaya Gurudeva Datta-Sri Gurudeva Datta! must be chanted for all the days atleast 108 times (sitting).

 Sriguru charitra Parayana must be completed during this period-This is

essential(it can be in any language)

 Datta-Homam in a Shastriac manner with Ksheera Tarpana (milk offering) is done at the end of the Deeksha Duration.

 Pleaseant manners and sweet speech during the deeksha period and one should address everyone as Datta(when addressing gents) or Dattama/Datta-Amma(when addressing ladies)

 If anyone abuses the deeksha devotee, the devotee must refrain from retorting back and must quickly vacate that place and chant

"Jayagurudeva Datta~Sree gurudeva Datta" and must forgive that person

wholeheartedly.If one cannot do this then the whole purpose of the deeksha is frustrated.

Deeksha Viramam-Successful completion of the Deeksha and finishing touches:  The Mudupu which was tied in the beginning of the deeksha must be poured as Ahuthi in the Homakunda where Datta-Homam is being conducted.This

is called Poornahuthi and is done at the end of the Homam(conducted either by the devotee himself/herself or by a priest using the Dattatreya Moola Mantram)

 On the last day till the Mudupu is given to the priest or put into the Poornahuthi, one should fast(Uposhanam)

 After the Deeksha Viramam one visits any Dattatreya temple and then

places all the malas in a bag and prays wholeheartedly and then wears a fresh Mala or simply remains contendedly (some wear a fresh Oudumbarapoosa mala from their Guru again)

Miscellaneous matters 

Full faith in Lord Dattatreya and intense desire to experience Datta-Yoga as described in Shrimad Avadhutha Geeta



Permission from elderly persons/Guru (parents, especially mother) must be obtained.



Concurrence between husband-wife as Brahma-charya must be practiced

during the period of Deeksha(total abstinence from sex-Thought,word and deed) 

Full faith in the fact that "I" and Datta-shakthi are one.



Ladies in the house (who are not doing the deeksha) to observe rules during their menstruation for five days by not mingling in the house and not cooking

the food till they are free form impurity and Shuddhi is done on the fifth day with Panchagavyam also. 

If one is blessed with Deeksha from a Guru, he/she must do it according the guidelines prescribed by the Guru.



Those who do Sandhyavandana and other Nimmitta and nitya Karmas must continue those in additon to Datta-Japa and Datta-Puja



Generally Deeksha is started and ended in a Datta-kshetra but it is not a rule.

References 1. Dattatreya Sarvasvam, Vidyasagarsharma 2. Sri Ganapathy Satchidananda Swamy artcles in Magazines 3. Sri Swaprakashananda Athivarna Avadhutha Theetrtha-my Father's DattaGuru

4. Sri Balijepalli Devendra Shankar-Datta Mahoupasaka, my dear father. 5. Sri Subramanyam Bharathula of Markapuram- Ardent Dattatreya devotee 6. Dattatreya Kalpam 7. Sri Gurucharitra by various authors. 8. Navanatha charitra 9. Datta-upasakas of Karnataka and Andhra who prefer to remain anonymous. 10.. Lord Dattatreya Himself who has guided certain aspects of this write-up. 11. Goddess Rajarajeshwari Devi who has also guided a few aspects of this. 12. My own God-given intution and Athma! Prepared by Shreeram Balijepalli