Margashirsha Purnima (Dattatreya Jayanti) मार्गशीर्ष पूर्णिमा (दत्तात्रेय जयन्ती)
Margashirsha • Purnima
Also known as: Datta Jayanti
Story — Significance of Margashirsha Purnima (Dattatreya Jayanti)
Birthday of Lord Dattatreya — the combined incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, son of Atri Rishi and Anasuya. Adi Guru of Yoga and Tantra traditions.
Benefit
Removal of all troubles; balanced wisdom (jnana, vairagya, karma); ascetic guidance
Special Note
Especially observed in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra. Datta temples at Audumbar, Narsobawadi, Ganagapur hold grand celebrations.
Vrat Vidhi (Procedure)
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1
Pre-Sunrise Bath
Wake before sunrise. Take a holy bath — ideally in a sacred river, otherwise add Ganga jal to water. Wear clean white or yellow clothes.
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2
Satyanarayan Vrat (most common)
Setup a kalash, Vishnu/Satyanarayan murti or photo. Offer panchamrit, banana, panchamrit prasad (banana-flour-jaggery-ghee mix). Recite the 5 chapters of Satyanarayan Katha. Distribute prasad.
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3
Day Observance
Maintain saatvik food. No grains in some traditions; others permit one full meal. Visit a temple, give donations, feed Brahmins. Practice Vishnu Sahasranama or naam-japa.
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4
Moonlight Offering
After moonrise, offer arghya (water libation) to the Moon. Place kheer or sweet rice in moonlight to absorb lunar nectar (especially on Sharad Purnima). View the moon with reverence — Purnima is the day to gaze at the Moon as a deity.
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5
Charity
Donate white items: rice, milk, sugar, white cloth, silver. Feed cows. Light lamps in temple — 108 lamps is especially meritorious.
Mantras
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