The Power of Dattatreya Japa and Homa – The Redemption of Srinivasan, a South Indian Priest
1. Introduction: The Silent Power of Avadhuta Datta
The mystic path of Lord Dattatreya often begins where all else fails. Unlike conventional prayers, His path is one of fire, silence, and unshakable surrender. This is the story of Srinivasan, a Telugu Brahmin priest from Kurnool, whose life transformed through the unorthodox path of Dattatreya japa and homa.
2. The Fall of a Lineage
Srinivasan belonged to a proud lineage of Shiva worshippers. Once caretakers of a powerful temple, his family had fallen into karmic decline. The temple was demolished, ancestral property lost, and the family entered a long phase of obscurity and hardship. Though well-versed in rituals, Srinivasan battled ego, financial instability, and inner restlessness.
3. The Turning Point: Mahalaya Amavasya
During Mahalaya Amavasya, he saw a mysterious beggar whisper near a cremation ground: “When nothing works, only Avadhuta Datta will burn the karmic threads… do His japa with fire. Fire. Fire.” This cryptic message pierced his soul.
4. The Upadesha and Initiation
Srinivasan discovered an old palm-leaf manuscript bearing the mantra:
Om Shri Guru Dattatreyaya Namah
He later received diksha from a wandering avadhuta in Srisailam. The only instruction was: “Do 108×108 japa and offer tilahuti in fire for 41 days. Then visit Narasobawadi.”
5. The Sadhana Begins
- Duration: 41 days
- Japa: 108 x 108 = 11,664 daily repetitions
- Homa: 108 sesame, bilva, and ghee ahutis nightly
He experienced intense heat, tremors, and visions. Crows gathered outside. His wife grew frightened. He calmly said: “Let the karma burn. Datta is here.”
6. The Miracles Unfold
- Day 24: A 20-year land dispute resolved miraculously.
- Day 33: A sick neighbor dreamt of a 3-headed yogi healing her with ashes.
- Day 41: During the final homa, a dog entered, circled the fire, licked the ash, and sat in padmasana. It then left. Srinivasan wept in recognition—Datta’s leela as Shvanavahana (His dog companion).
7. Darshan at Narasobawadi
Carrying sacred ash from his last homa, Srinivasan visited Narasobawadi. A tall man in torn clothes appeared, saying, “Why did you delay so long? I was waiting for 5 janmas.” That night, Lord Dattatreya appeared in his dream surrounded by siddhas and said:
“Your tapas has reversed your next 3 janmas of suffering. Now serve others. I live in fire and in silence.”
8. The Sacred Aftermath
Today, Srinivasan conducts Datta japa and homa retreats every Amavasya. He charges no fee, saying:
“Give ghee. Give sesame. And give your ego.”
His house has become a healing space where miracles are common:
- Scorpion bites healed by vibhuti
- Black magic dispelled through homa
- Childless couples blessed after sankalpa japa
9. Spiritual Insights from the Sadhana
- Dattatreya Japa with fire (homa) is a karmic purifier.
- Dogs, crows, and silent wanderers may be Datta’s forms.
- True grace arises when ego burns in tapas.
- Datta’s blessings come not from perfection, but from surrender.
10. Conclusion: Call Him with Fire and Faith
This story is not just Srinivasan’s redemption—it is a reminder. When mantras, rituals, and remedies fail, and the soul cries from its core, Dattatreya listens. Call Him with fire. Call Him with silence. And He shall walk into your life.
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