The Incarnation of Shripad Shri Vallabha

The birth and incarnation of Shripad Shri Vallabha teach one essential truth: When divine grace descends, God can set aside a person’s past karma, accumulated actions, and even their destiny, and grant a life filled with peace and wellbeing. God can also send into the world a soul born with complete grace. Likewise, those suffering due to hardship or karmic difficulties can have their pain removed instantly through the resolve (sankalpa) of a true Sadguru. Their life becomes filled with prosperity and happiness purely through the compassion of Shripad Shri Vallabha.

God has the power to change anyone’s fate. But such divine intervention comes only through the Guru, through the Guru’s blessings. Shripad Shri Vallabha is the *avatāra* of Lord Dattatreya, and He performed the sacred work of a Sadguru. Hence the saying: “Even if God becomes displeased, the Guru will still protect you.” This means that even the most difficult karmic defects — childlessness, repeated setbacks, suffering due to destiny — can be removed by the Guru’s mere intention.

Shripad Shri Vallabha incarnated on Earth to show the importance of pilgrimage, annadān, worship, spiritual practice, and austerity, and to uplift beings from deep suffering.

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The following prayer expresses full surrender:

*O divine Lord Shripad Shri Vallabha, You are eternal, formless, pure, and beyond all change. You are the very form of Lord Dattatreya. Accept our prayers and take us under your protection. Remove all our pain, sorrow, and suffering.*

*We worship You, chant Your name, and sing Your praises. Lift us from our difficulties. You are our mother, father, friend, and protector. You alone maintain our wellbeing.*

*O Lord of the Universe, show us mercy. Remove our sins, diseases, poverty, and fear of life and death. No one else can do this — only You, O Sadguru.*

*Grant us good company, devotion to dharma, and love for God. After completing our worldly duties, grant us liberation. May our mind rest forever at Your feet.*

This sacred Shripad Shri Vallabha Stotra is known as the *Prayer for Deliverance from Great Suffering*. According to Shri Vasudevananda Saraswati Swami, anyone who recites this daily with devotion becomes dear to Lord Dattatreya.

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In Andhra Pradesh, in the town of Pithapuram, lived a devoted Brahmin couple, Appalaraja and Sumati. They followed their dharma sincerely. Appalaraja performed Vedic rituals, while Sumati lovingly served guests as prescribed in the Gṛhastha (householder) tradition. One day, on the new-moon day of ancestral rites (*śrāddha*), a guest approached calling: *“Om Bhavati Bhiksham Dehi”* — *Mother, please give alms.* Even though it was the middle of the sacred rite, Sumati immediately offered food, remembering that Lord Dattatreya often appears at noon in any form to receive alms. As soon as she served the food, the guest revealed His true form — He was Lord Dattatreya Himself. Seeing her devotion, He said:

“Mother, you are troubled. Ask for a blessing; it shall be granted.” Sumati replied: *“Many sons were born to me, O Lord, but none survived. Those who live are blind or crippled. Grant me a worthy, intelligent son — not for pride, but so he may uplift our family.”* Lord Dattatreya blessed her: “You will have a son like Me. He will remove the suffering of many people. But he will not remain with you always.” The Lord then disappeared. Sumati told her husband everything. Being learned, Appalaraja said: “If Lord Vishnu Himself has accepted our offering, then our ancestors are surely satisfied. This is a great blessing.”

Later, Sumati conceived and gave birth to a divine child. Astrologers examined His chart and declared: “This child will be a great ascetic, a world-teacher, and a spiritual master.”

At age seven, His sacred-thread ceremony was performed. He mastered the Gayatri Mantra, and soon the four Vedas and six Shastras, astonishing eminent scholars. By age sixteen, His fame had spread everywhere.

When His parents suggested marriage, He replied: “My name *Shripad Shri Vallabha* means one who belongs only to the Supreme. I will remain a celibate.” His parents felt sad, saying: *“All our other sons cannot support themselves. We hoped you would care for us.”* Shripad Shri Vallabha then cast a merciful glance on His brothers, instantly transforming them into capable, learned, and prosperous men. He told His parents: “Your suffering is over. These sons will care for you. Now bless Me, for I must go on pilgrimage and uplift many souls.” With that, Shripad Shri Vallabha left swiftly for Gokarna, beginning His divine mission. Thus began the life of the second incarnation of Lord Dattatreya — Shripad Shri Vallabha**, revered and worshipped even today.