Symbolism of Dattatreya

Brahmarishi Mohanji’s message on the Dattatreya symbology:

Dattatreya is predominantly nature. When people asked Him who He is, He said, ‘I’m just a worshipper of nature.‘ So, He learned from nature. His Gurus were all from nature. He represents nature. Secondly, He is Supreme Consciousness. Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma are together in him. That means he is Supreme Consciousness, and therefore undefinable.

In the beginning, Datta idols had only one face. Eventually, people decided that if there is only one face, people will mistake him for Maha Vishnu because He resembles Maha Vishnu. So, they decided to create three faces. The cow and four dogs that are usually seen with him are also very important because the four dogs represent the four Vedas: Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, and Atharva Veda. The cow signifies our link to the celestial. The cow was supposedly created when Sage Vashishta prayed for a celestial being to come on earth to help us evolve higher, get pure material, and reach the Higher Realms.

Brahma asked this question: ‘A cow cannot protect itself; will you protect the cow?‘ That was the promise, which human beings had given that we would take care of the cow, and the cow will provide us with our nourishment like a mother.

Hence, we have a big responsibility for this animal – the cow. We cannot really call it an animal. It is as important as a human, or probably even more. And it’s a sign of a contract that we have to protect the cow. So Datta standing next to a cow also has its significance. It is a celestial cow. If you see the celestial picture of a cow, various deities exist in different parts of its body. That also signifies that it has multiple roles to play and everything that comes out of a cow is usable. Therefore, Datta’s presence and every symbol of Dattatreya are very significant. This is what I feel. 

Lots of Love. Jai Guru Datta