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Introduction: This chapter narrates the divine birth of Lord Dattatreya and describes rare spiritual experiences from the Himalayan Anusaya Ashram. Dattatreya is considered the original Guru of the entire universe.

When Brahma created the universe, he formed:

* fourteen cosmic realms * ten directions * time, mind, intellect, speech * desire and other inner forces

He also created seven mind-born sons, including Atri Rishi, whose wife was Anasuya, known for her extraordinary purity and devotion.

Her devotion was so intense that even the sun softened its heat and the wind blew gently for her comfort. Seeing her spiritual power, the gods became fearful.

Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva decided to test her. They arrived at Atri’s hermitage disguised as wandering monks while Atri was away.

They said:

“We are hungry and have heard of your generosity.”

Anasuya welcomed them and prepared food. But they added one condition:

“We will eat only if you serve us while you are unclothed.”

This was a direct test of her purity.

Anasuya understood their divine intention. Holding the thought, *“A guest is like a child,”* she entered the kitchen, disrobed, and returned with food.

When she stepped out, the three monks had transformed into three infant babies, crying on the seat.

She fed them with maternal affection and placed them in a cradle.

When Atri returned, she explained everything. Through divine insight, he recognised that the babies were the Trinity themselves.

The gods appeared in their original form and offered her a boon.

Atri and Anasuya asked:

“May you remain as our sons in your infant forms.”

They agreed.

The children were named:

* Chandra – Brahma’s form * Durvasa – Shiva’s form * Dattatreya – Vishnu’s form

Durvasa later left for pilgrimage; Chandra rose to the heavens; Dattatreya stayed to serve Atri and Anasuya.

Thus began the Guru lineage of Dattatreya.

The author and 25 disciples of the Nath Shakti Peeth travelled to the Himalayan Anusaya Ashram— the very place where Dattatreya incarnated.

Nearby was Atri’s ancient cave. They stayed there for a month, performing intense spiritual practice. Many experienced profound, mystical states.

In the Nath tradition, they performed two sacred fire rituals (havan). One was especially miraculous.

The way to the cave was extremely challenging:

* A river with waist-deep icy water * A steep rock wall requiring chains to climb * A slanted, slippery stone ridge with a 1,000-foot drop * A narrow footpath leading to a huge cave large enough for 1,000 people * A twisting corridor with water falling from the mountain above

Here, they meditated and performed rituals.

Local people asked:

“Maharaj, will you stop the rain this time also?”

The author replied:

“This time rain will come… but when it falls directly into our fire-pit, we will stop it.”

A nearby newspaper published:

“Narenranath Maharaj will stop falling rain.”

People from nearby villages rushed to witness it—some on horses, some in palanquins.

The temple priest wept with emotion:

“Maharaj, everything you predicted has come true today.”

Rain began as the fire ritual started. Soon the rain strengthened and water began falling directly into the sacred fire-pit.

Everyone thought the ritual would fail.

Then the author lifted a handful of blessed ash and threw it toward the sky. He gestured with his hand to one side.

Instantly:

The falling rain shifted sideways— as if a sliding window had been moved. The rain fell only on the nearby mountain, not on the fire-pit.

People were astonished.

Foreign visitors filmed it; locals bowed in awe.

After the ritual, 35 village households united for a community feast—something unheard of. A monk named Master Baba requested:

“Please permit us to build a temple for Vyankatnath Maharaj here.”

Another monk offered his entire ashram. A Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha Speaker Balaswami) was also present.

As the group departed, people cried just like the people of Gokul cried when Krishna left.

Master Baba said:

“Anasuya Mata has told us— You will one day build a unique temple where gods themselves will reside.”

He gave them sacred Himalayan herbs.

Three years later, the Nath Shakti Peeth was founded. A realised sage from the Himalayas later came to Akola only to meet the author.

The birthplace of Dattatreya remains a living field of divine power. Here:

* nature obeys spiritual command * past and present meet * miracles occur naturally * seekers receive deep inner transformation

Dattatreya is not just a deity— He is the eternal Guru principle, guiding all who seek truth.