Dattatreya Ashtottara Shatanamavali — Benefits & How to Chant
दत्तात्रेय अष्टोत्तर शतनामावली
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting Dattatreya Ashtottara Shatanamavali
Chanting the 108 names of Dattatreya invokes the grace of the Guru of gurus and bestows true wisdom.
As the union of the Trimurti, his names grant creation's strength, sustenance and the dissolution of ego.
Each name is offered as an archana for spiritual progress, detachment (vairagya) and inner peace.
Removes obstacles, fears and difficulties and is revered for relief in times of acute distress.
Bestows mastery in yoga and meditation, for Dattatreya is the lord of yoga (Yogiraja).
Most auspicious on Thursdays and Datta Jayanti; suitable for daily recitation with devotion.
How to Chant Dattatreya Ashtottara Shatanamavali
Instructions
Bathe and sit before an image of Lord Dattatreya, ideally after lighting a lamp and incense. Recite each of the 108 names beginning with 'Om' (ॐ) and ending with 'namaha' (नमः), offering a flower or a bilva/tulsi leaf for each name (archana). Thursday, the day of the Guru, and Datta Jayanti are most auspicious. The litany is often recited together with the Dattatreya Stotram and meditation upon the Guru, with deep faith and a settled, quiet mind.
Spiritual Significance
It is told that Dattatreya, the eternal Avadhuta, still wanders the earth bathing at Kashi, dining at Kolhapur and resting upon the Sahyadri hills, appearing in many guises to those who long for him; and devotees of the Datta Sampradaya hold that the sincere recitation of his 108 names swiftly draws the unfailing grace of the Guru in times of deepest distress.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional (Datta Sampradaya; sanskritdocuments.org)
Author: Traditional
Lord Dattatreya was born as the son of the sage Atri and his supremely chaste wife Anasuya, when Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, won over by Anasuya's virtue, granted themselves to her as her child — hence 'Datta' ('the given') 'Atreya' ('son of Atri'). He is the foremost Avadhuta and the Adi Guru of the Datta Sampradaya, ever wandering, ever free, the lord of yoga and dharma. This garland of his 108 names is recited within that tradition to invoke the grace of the Guru and the wisdom of the liberated.