The old city of Akola is not only a center of historical grandeur but also a place that preserves spirituality, devotion, and practice. Among its sacred traditions, the Shri Datta Jayanti Festival, celebrated every year with great enthusiasm, is considered the largest religious event in Akola.
The 2025 festival promises to be special, with the entire temple complex resonating with devotional fervor, chants of Datta Nama, and a continuous flow of spiritual joy. The Jayanti of Lord Datta is not merely a birthday celebration—it is a day to remember “Knowledge – Service – Devotion – Guru-Shishya Tradition.”
Lord Dattatreya is revered in Hindu tradition as the Guru of Gurus, the inner inspiration in devotees’ lives, and the protector on the seeker’s path. On his Jayanti: * Peace of mind is attained, * Burdens and hardships are alleviated, * Positivity flows into life, * And the lamp of devotion shines brighter.
For the people of Akola, this festival is not just an event but a celebration of spiritual upliftment and unity.
During the annual Shri Datta Jayanti festival, a wide array of spiritual, cultural, and religious programs is organized for devotees. Each event aims to provide spiritual practice, contemplation, and inner peace.
1) Collective Reading of Shri Gurucharitra Devotees gather to perform group reading of Shri Gurucharitra. This practice:
2) Continuous Gurucharitra Recitation The temple hosts a non-stop reading of Gurucharitra, creating a divine vibration throughout the temple premises.
3) Gurucharitra Saptashati Recitation for Women A special recitation is organized to acknowledge women’s spiritual power. This enhances peace at home, health, and family harmony.
4) Continuous Chanting of Datta Nama In front of Lord Datta’s idol, devotees perform uninterrupted chanting of “Shri Gurudev Datta”. Such pure and potent Nama Jap is rare and spiritually powerful.
5) Shri Laghurudra Abhishek – Special Opportunity Devotees have a unique chance to perform Rudrabhishek dedicated to Lord Datta in front of the deity. This act is considered the most auspicious service of the year.
6) Discourses and Nardiya Kirtans Renowned speakers, kirtankars, and saints from across the country come to deliver religious discourses and kirtans, providing:
7) Datta Birthday Celebrations, Kirtan, and Mahaprasad On the main day, the temple hosts kirtans of Lord Datta’s birth, processions, lamp-lighting, and Mahaprasad for all devotees. The temple complex glows with devotion, divine light, and sacred sound on this auspicious occasion.