🐕 Dattatreya Jayanti (Margashirsha Purnima) Vrat Katha
The story
The chastity of Anasuya, wife of sage Atri, was spoken of in all three worlds. Lakshmi, Parvati and Saraswati grew jealous; they sent Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh to test Anasuya. The three came to the ashram as sadhus and begged for food — on the condition that Anasuya serve them unclothed.
With the water of her husband's feet Anasuya turned the three into six-month-old infants and nursed them like a mother. The goddesses came to take their husbands back and asked forgiveness; by Anasuya's boon the three gods became one and were born as her son — three faces, six arms — this is Dattatreya ('Datta' = given, 'Atreya' = son of Atri). The birth was in Pradosh Kaal on Margashirsha Purnima.
Dattatreya made 24 gurus — patience from the earth, detachment from the wind, coolness from water, the fault of hoarding from the bee, the fault of lust from the elephant, contentment from the python, depth from the ocean, innocence from a child… — the lesson that the Guru is everywhere, one only needs the eyes. The Annapurna story: in Kashi, when Shiva called food 'maya', Parvati withdrew food from creation; Shiva, tormented by hunger, begged alms from Parvati as Annapurna in Kashi — food is not maya, it is Brahman.
Why this katha — the significance
Dattatreya symbolises the unity of the three gods and is the 'Avadhoot' who learnt from 24 gurus (the earth, wind, water, the bee, the elephant…) — the day carries the spirit of remembering the Guru, humility in learning and respect for food. In Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat it is the biggest day of the Datta tradition.
Annapurna Jayanti — Annapurna Devi of Kashi, from whom Shiva begged alms; women of the house worship the kitchen and hearth on this day and vow that no one leaves the home hungry. Giving grain is the greatest charity of the day.
The Purnima fast, moon arghya and the Satyanarayan katha also fall on this day; the Purnima of Margashirsha with Mrigashira nakshatra is specially auspicious (the month is named after this nakshatra).
How the katha is heard
- Hear or read the katha after the puja, before the aarti — the whole family sits together.
- The one keeping the vrat should listen with a calm mind; keep a lamp lit and a little akshat-flowers in hand.
- At the end, offer the flowers at the deity's feet and bow; share the prasad with everyone.
📿 Dattatreya Jayanti (Margashirsha Purnima) puja vidhi (step by step) →
Frequently asked questions
When is Dattatreya Jayanti in {Y}?
The date at the top is this year's Margashirsha Purnima — from panchang calculations; the Delhi times for Pradosh (the hour of birth) and moonrise are shown too. Datta Jayanti is the day on which the Purnima tithi is present in Pradosh.
Who is Dattatreya and why the dogs and cow with him?
The combined form of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, son of Atri and Anasuya, the Adi Guru/Avadhoot; the four dogs symbolise the four Vedas and the cow the earth/dharma — hence feeding dogs and cows on this day.
What is Annapurna Jayanti?
The manifestation day of Mata Annapurna (goddess of food, Kashi) on this same Margashirsha Purnima; women of the house worship the kitchen and hearth, give grain in charity and vow that no one leaves the home hungry.
What is the Gurucharitra parayana?
In Maharashtra-Karnataka, Datta devotees begin reading the 'Shri Gurucharitra' (52 chapters) seven days before Datta Jayanti and complete it on the day; one chapter or the Datta Bavani at home is enough.
Can the Satyanarayan katha be held on this day?
Yes — as on every Purnima; with the Datta puja in Pradosh Kaal or before it. Prasad of panjiri, panchamrit and banana.
🏠 Dattatreya Jayanti (Margashirsha Purnima) 2026 — date, muhurat, full page · All vrat & festivals