This day holds special importance for devotees of Lord Dattatreya and his incarnations, particularly Shri Vallabha, also known as Sripada Srivallabha, who is believed to be the first incarnation of Lord Dattatreya in the Kali Yuga.
Spiritual Significance of Guru Dwadashi
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Commemoration of Shri Vallabha’s Disappearance:
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It is believed that Shri Vallabha concluded his earthly sojourn (mahasamadhi) on this day by merging into the divine waters of the Krishna River at Kuravapur (in modern-day Telangana).
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His departure is seen not as death but as a return to the source, reflecting the yogic ideal of consciously leaving the physical body.
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Symbolism of Guru Dwadashi:
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The term “Guru” represents the divine teacher who dispels ignorance.
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“Dwadashi”, being the 12th lunar day, is symbolically associated with completion and spiritual fulfillment.
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The union of the two signifies completion of the spiritual path under the guidance of the guru.
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Who is Shri Vallabha / Sripada Srivallabha?
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Regarded as the first incarnation of Lord Dattatreya in Kali Yuga, Sripada Srivallabha was born in Pithapuram (Andhra Pradesh) in the 14th century.
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His teachings emphasized selfless service, dharma (righteous living), and devotion.
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He is also closely associated with miracles and is said to have blessed numerous devotees who approached him with sincere faith.
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After a brief yet impactful life, he walked into the Krishna River and disappeared, signaling the end of his earthly mission on Guru Dwadashi.
Rituals and Observances on Guru Dwadashi
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Fasting and Prayer:
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Devotees often observe a vrat (fast) and spend the day in prayer, meditation, and chanting Dattatreya mantras.
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The Dattatreya Stotra or Sripada Vallabha Charitamrutam is read by followers.
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Visiting Dattatreya Temples:
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Special pujas are conducted at temples dedicated to Lord Dattatreya, such as in Ganagapur, Kuravapur, and Narasobawadi.
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Kuravapur (Kurugaddi) is particularly important, as it is the site of his Mahasamadhi.
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Guru Puja:
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On this day, spiritual gurus are honored, acknowledging their role in guiding souls towards liberation.
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It reinforces the guru-shishya (teacher-disciple) relationship in spiritual traditions.
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Symbolism and Inner Meaning
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Water (Krishna River): Symbolizes consciousness and divine flow. Sripada’s merging with water reflects returning to the universal Self.
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Dwadashi (12): In Vedic numerology, 12 represents the solar cycle (12 Adityas) and the completion of the material cycle, hence it is auspicious for spiritual transitions.
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Guru Principle: Guru Dwadashi is a time to reflect on the inner guru, the intuitive divine guidance present in every being.
Mantras and Chants for Guru Dwadashi
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Dattatreya Mantra:
Om Dram Dattatreyaya Namah
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Sripada Srivallabha Gayatri:
Om Sripadavallabhaya Vidmahe, Dattatreyaya Dheemahi, Tanno Guru Prachodayat.
Cultural and Regional Importance
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In Maharashtra and Karnataka, Dattatreya sampradayas observe Guru Dwadashi with pilgrimages, bhajans, and satsangs.
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Devotees of the Nath tradition, which also reveres Dattatreya, consider this day significant for remembering the entire guru lineage.
Related Texts and Literature
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"Sripada Srivallabha Charitamrutam": A sacred biography that details the life and miracles of Shri Vallabha.
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Guru Charitra: A spiritual text that discusses the lives of Dattatreya’s incarnations including Sripada Srivallabha, Narsimha Saraswati, and others.
Sri Pada Srivallabha: Life and Teachings in a Nutshell
Divine Childhood and Early Years
Sripada manifested as holy and special from birth, possessing omniscience and omnipotence without formal education. By age seven, he completed his studies of Vedas and Shastras. After his Upanayana (sacred thread ceremony), he began delivering lectures on sacred texts.
Revelation to Parents and Departure
At age 16, when his parents planned his marriage, Sri Pada revealed the purpose of his incarnation:
- His father Appala Raja Sharma was Vishnu Datta in his previous birth
- His mother Sumathi was Susheela in her previous life
- As devotees, they had asked Lord Dattatreya to visit their home as a guest
- Unable to utilize that opportunity, Lord Dattatreya gave them a second chance by taking birth as their son.
After explaining this divine truth, he took their permission and left home.
Sacred Pilgrimages and Eternal Youth
Sripada Vallabha journeyed to:
- Badari and Kedara - Sacred Himalayan shrines
- Mount Sanjeevani - Where he spent several days
- Sphatika Parvatha (Crystal Mountain) - Here he drank pure water that halted his aging process, remaining eternally sixteen years old
Spiritual Missions
He then traveled to:
- Gokarna Kshetra - Stayed for 3 years
- Srisaila Kshetra - Major pilgrimage site
- Surya Mandala and Saptarishi Mandala - Where he taught Divya Gnana Yoga to celestial saints
Establishment at Kuruvapur
Sripada Vallabha finally settled at Kuravpur on the banks of River Krishna, where he remained for the rest of his earthly incarnation.
The Divine Durbar (Court) Schedule
Weekly Teachings
- Monday: Discussed epics (Puranas)
- Tuesday: Taught Upanishads
- Wednesday: Explained Vedas and their meanings
- Thursday: Detailed the Guru Tattva (principle of the Guru)
- Thursday/Friday: Durbar held at Kurumgedda or Panchadeva Pahaad
- Friday: Taught Srividya; distributed turmeric rhizomes to all
- Saturday: Described Shiva worship
- Sunday: Taught Yogavidya (science of Yoga)
Compassionate Service
During durbar sessions:
- Meals were arranged for all attendees
- Sri Pada personally served devotees with great affection
- He ensured everyone ate to their heart's content
- Sweet dishes were mandatory on Thursdays
- He declared: "My treasury is always full. There is no dearth of either food or money"
Simple Living Despite Abundance
While providing abundant food to devotees, Sripada himself consumed very little - just a handful of rice, jowar, or a ball of ragi. He told devotees: "If your stomachs are filled, so is mine."
His love surpassed that of "countless mothers," according to his devotees.
Importance of Datta Purana
Sripada constantly encouraged devotees to read the Datta Purana, stating that its recitation (Parayana) bestows Lord Datta's grace.
Divine Departure and Eternal Presence
On Ashweeja Bahula Dwadashi (1350 CE) - also known as Guru Dwadashi - when the Sun was at Mrigashira nakshatra, Sripada walked into River Krishna and disappeared from physical form.
Continued Divine Presence
Though invisible to ordinary eyes, Sri Pada continues to live at Kuruvapur in his heavenly form:
- Blessing disciples
- Protecting devotees
- Guiding those who believe in and worship him
- Manifesting in various forms for devotees' welfare
Mantra Chanted On The Day
Kaashaaya vastram kara danda
dhaarinam||
Kamandalam padma karena shankham||
Chakram gadaa bhooshitha bhooshanaadhyam||
Shree paada raajam sharanam prapadhye||