The Dattatreya Upanishad is a minor Upanishad associated with the Vishnu cult, classified among the texts of the Atharva Veda. It is structured into three sections, or khandas, and contains nine mantras, mostly in prose except for one. The Upanishad elaborates on transcendental wisdom and the worship of the deity Dattatreya, an incarnation of Narayana.
Structure and Content
The Upanishad opens with a dialogue where Brahma, the four-faced creator god, approaches Narayana, the Supreme Lord, in the Satyakshetra, a holy region between the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Brahma seeks the knowledge that liberates beings from the cycle of birth and death.
First Khanda:
Instruction by Narayana:
Narayana instructs Brahma to meditate on His Abode of pure
sattva, embodying purity and effulgence.
Narayana reveals that meditating on Him as ‘Datta’ (the
giver of Brahman knowledge) leads to liberation from samsara (the cycle of
birth and rebirth).
Brahma, following Narayana's advice, meditates on Dattatreya
and shares this eternal truth (Sat) with others.
Second Khanda:
Mantras of Dattatreya:
This section details various mantras dedicated to
Dattatreya, categorized by their syllable counts, such as ekakshara
(one-lettered), shadakshara (six-lettered), and others.
The longest mantra in this section is known as the
‘malamantra’.
Third Khanda:
Fruits of Practice:
The final section explains the benefits of practicing this
esoteric knowledge.
It states that the practitioner gains merits equivalent to
chanting the Gayatri mantra or the Maharudramantra one lakh (100,000) times.
Such practice purifies one's lineage, impacting a hundred
predecessors and a hundred descendants.
The practitioner remains untainted by even the gravest sins,
such as killing a cow.
Mastery of all mantras and yogas comes naturally to the
practitioner.
Ultimately, the practitioner attains the state of
jivanmukti, meaning liberation while still alive.
Key Concepts and Themes
Meditation and Sattva: Emphasis on meditation upon Narayana's Abode of pure sattva, signifying purity and light.
Dattatreya as a Symbol: Dattatreya is seen as a giver of divine knowledge (Datta), essential for liberation.
Mantras and Spiritual Practice: Detailed instructions on different types of mantras and their profound spiritual impacts.
Liberation (Jivanmukti): The ultimate goal of the practices outlined in the Upanishad is to achieve liberation while alive, characterized by purity, freedom from sins, and mastery over spiritual knowledge.
Significance
The Dattatreya Upanishad offers profound insights into the
practices and benefits of meditating on Dattatreya and chanting specific
mantras. It reflects the syncretic nature of Hindu spirituality, integrating
elements of Vishnu worship within the broader tapestry of Vedic traditions.
This text serves as a guide for spiritual aspirants seeking liberation through
devotion, meditation, and mantra chanting.