Sri Datta Darsanam: The Story of Lord Dattatreya

Jaya Guru Datta

Sri Ganapati Saccidananda Avadhuta Datta Pitham is happy to stake available to its English-knowing devotees, particularly those abroad, the English edition of "Sri Datta Darsanam" —a narration of the inexhaustible story of Lord Dattatreya and His divine sports—first given out by Parama Pujya Sri Swamiji in Telugu a decade ago.

"Sri Datta Darsanam" has been translated into several Indian languages to satisfy the demands of the devotees in our multilingual century. Pujya Sri Swamiji’s devotees abroad had been repeatedly requesting him to bring out an English version. By bringing out this book Pujya Sri Swamiji has graciously fulfilled the aspirations of these devotees.

We may mention here that this is an exhaustive commentary by Pujya Sri Swamiji on His minor work, “Dattatreya The Absolute".

We deeply regret the demise of ‘Manager’ Sri M. Krishna Murthy, its translator, who did not survive to see this work published. We pray Prama Pujya Sri Swamiji to shower His blessings on the departed soul and the devotees who co-operated with him in his work.

When the Divine makes a ‘Samkalpa’, it has to be fulfilled sooner or later. No obstacle is insurmountable to the Divine. When Parama Pujya Sri Swami-Dattatreya in disguise—made a Samkalpa in l984 to bring out an English edition of His "Datta Darsanam“’ for the benefit of His English speaking devotees, all knew that it was destined to be fulfilled. But no one knew that it would take so long a period except the Sadguru Himself.

Disregarding scores of scholars of high academic attainments ready to undertake any assignment at a mere nod from Him. How and why Sadguru Pujya Sri Swamiji chose me for the task still baffles my limited understanding. I take it as a token of` His limitless affection for me, a humble sevak.

It is well known that Dattatreya subjects His devotees to severe tests before finally blessing them. Then how can Sadguru Sri Swamiji who is Datta in the present form act otherwise'? Many obstacles came in the way. At one time the work came to a stand still. That was an opportunity for the Sadguru to change the translator if He so desired. But he did not. Instead, He made known His firm resolves to get the work completed by me and me alone though He was seemingly disappointed at the slow pace. lf this is not a sign of` Sadguru Pujya Swamiji boundless compassion. What else can it be'?

By His grace only were all the hurdles overcome and the work was completed. l acknowledge here with gratitude the willing help extended to me throughout by Sri V. Venkatraimaiah, Professor of English and a silent devotee of Sadguru Pujya Sri Swamiji and by my `guru-bhai` Sri (XS. Radhakrishna of the personal staff of the Sadguru. Kumari Gayatri of` Bangalore, another staunch devotee of the Sadguru was instrumental in preparing the final manuscript.

I pray to Sadguru Pujya Sri Swamiji fervently to shower His infinite grace on all of them.

At the time of blessing me with the work of rendering into English "Sri Datta Darsanam", Gurudev Sri Swamiji directed me to abstain from using flowery language and not to attempt at literary embellishment. He instructed me to bear in mind that the book should be capable of being read by Matric students. It has been my constant endeavor to follow His orders faithfully, throughout.

I appeal to the reader to remember always that this book is not an original work. Rather it is translation from a translation. Hence l do not claim any immunity from errors.

I submit my most humble pranams and eternal gratitude to Gurudev Parama Pujya Sri Swamiji for graciously blessing me with this piece of service and pray that He continue to shelter me under the soothing shade of His ever compassionate umbrella.

With a sense of fulfillment of having done what ought to be done. I place most respectfully and humbly the manuscript at the divine lotus feet of the Sadguru.