Table of Contents
Introduction
The birds continued their tale about Dattatreya. They said, "Jaimini, Sumati continued his narration. He said, 'After sage Garga had spoken to Arjuna, the prince decided to visit Dattatreya.'"
Arjuna Seeks Dattatreya
'He prepared for the journey with humility. Knowing the importance of respect, Arjuna gathered sacred offerings: fresh flowers, fragrant garlands, sandalwood paste, perfumes, water, ripe fruit and other gifts fit for a holy sage.
'At dawn, the prince set out carrying his offerings. The path took him through the western edge of the Vindhya range. As he approached the Sahyadri hills, the landscape changed. The land grew steeper.
Arjuna dismounted. He asked his attendants to wait at a distance and walked the final stretch alone, carrying the offerings himself.'
The Encounter with Dattatreya
'Ahead, beneath the shade of a tree, sat Dattatreya. He was calm. Beside him sat a beautiful woman. In one hand, Dattatreya held a small cup of liquor.
Arjuna paused, surprised. He remembered what sage Garga had told him. He went closer slowly.
He then sat down near the yogi and began his ritual. He washed and gently massaged the sage’s feet. Then, one by one, he presented his offerings. He served the sage food with care, and after the meal, cleaned the leftover offerings.'
The Test of Perception
'Satisfied by the prince’s sincere devotion, Dattatreya spoke, "Listen prince of Mahishmati. I will tell you what I told Indra and the gods earlier. I indulge in liquor and other worldly pleasures. I am polluted. I am not on the path of dharma. This woman is always by my side. She is my constant companion. It is through my association with her that I am bound, and thus I find myself condemned. The pleasures I partake with her are the ties that hold me fast. I am absorbed in her and unable to turn my attention elsewhere. My mind is engaged. In this state, I am powerless to grant you any boon or assistance. Find out someone else who is capable.”'
Arjuna's Understanding and Boon
'Arjuna prostrated himself before Dattatreya and said, "You are the presence beyond all forms and limitations. What appears to be this companion at your side is the eternal goddess herself. She is the sacred fire. None of you bear any impurity.”'
'Hearing these words, Dattatreya smiled. He spoke to Arjuna, "As you have understood me and my true nature, ask me for a boon. You have pleased me your wisdom. You are pure and humble and deserve to be rewarded. Along with me, those who worship and respect Lakshmi are dear to me. There are many who say I have renounced all social norms and sacred ties. They ignore divinity and bring about their ruin.”'
'Arjuna then spoke clearly, "O great one, if you are pleased with me, then grant me supreme prosperity so that I may protect my subjects from harm and prevent the spread of adharma in the world. Grant me knowledge to understand others. Let me be unmatched in battle. I desire one thousand arms so that I may act swiftly and effectively in every circumstance. Let me be able to travel freely across all worlds. Let my death come only at the hands of a man who is greater than me in strength and virtue. Let me be able to demonstrate the right path. Let my hospitality toward guests be praiseworthy. Let my riches be inexhaustible so that I may always provide for the needs of my people and uphold my duties as a just ruler. In my kingdom, let peace and security reign. Let my devotion to you remain constant and unwavering.”'
'Dattatreya smiled and spoke, "Everything you have described will come to pass. You shall become a mighty lord and your reign will spread far and wide.”'
Consecration of Arjuna
'Recognizing the significance of event, the heavens and earth stirred into motion.
From the heavens, messengers were dispatched. Heralds left Mahishmati to invite all sages and rulers to witness and honour the crowning of a great king.
The sages including Vasishtha and his disciples, received the summons and set out.
The rivers, too, led by Ganga arrived at Sahyadri hills. Indra and the other gods arrived there. Gandharvas and apsaras came to grace the occasion.
The nagas, led by the great Vasuki arrived there. Garuda and the other birds also arrived there.
People from all over began to pour in.'
'A sacred fire was kindled. Dattatreya took Arjuna's hand and anointed his forehead. The sages stepped forward. Holding vessels filled with the waters of every holy river and ocean they poured the water in libations, washing over Arjuna's head and shoulders. The Haihaya prince was crowned the king of Mahishmati. By the grace of Dattatreya, he received prosperity. After the consecration ceremony was over, Arjuna addressed his subjects. He said, "Going forward, only I shall take up arms. If anyone else, without permission does that, the person shall face death by my own hand.”'
'So it was that no soldier patrolled the roads. No guards stood at gates. None were needed. Arjuna protected the villages, he protected the fields, he protected the herds and wild creatures he stood guard over the ascetics and he ensured caravans passed safely from kingdom to kingdom.'
The Reign of Kartavirya Arjuna
'As long as Kartavirya ruled, nothing was ever destroyed. Crops were safe, families remained whole, and temples stood undisturbed.
Arjuna also performed grand sacrifices. Gold, cattle, cloth, and gems flowed freely as Dakshina to the brahmanas and the poor. When challenged, he led mighty battles, subduing foes to restore balance where adharma had grown. All this was possible by the grace of Dattatreya, the radiant one, who was Vishnu's incarnation. He is the destroyer of adharma.'
Mahamati had been sitting listening to all this. Sumati said, 'I have told you about Dattatreya. You had asked about Alarka. I will next tell you about who Alarka was.'"
Deeper Insights
Arjuna’s prayer is filled with selflessness (desire to serve his people), wisdom (request for discernment), and detachment (seeking death only at the hands of a superior). His request for 1000 arms is not vanity, but a wish to serve everywhere, reflecting yogic dexterity and omnipresence.
The grand consecration, attended by gods, rivers, birds, sages, and even trees, reflects the sanction of Arjuna’s role. The whole universe affirms a ruler who has pleased the divine through understanding, humility, and purity of intent.
Arjuna’s declaration of monopoly over weapons is not authoritarian but reflects the ideal—where the king assumes full responsibility for security. His role is not domination but protection.
Kartavirya Arjuna is said to have been blessed by Dattatreya and attained siddhis. The Bhagavata Purana echoes similar ideas: “He obtained yogic powers from the Lord in the form of Dattatreya and ruled with dharma.” The Bhagavata Purana also details Kartavirya Arjuna's boons and his eventual death at the hands of Parashurama, an incarnation of Vishnu.
Ashvatthama refers to Kartavirya as a great king who once humbled Ravana, in Mahabharata.
Modern Relevance
In an age dominated by appearances, social media images, and quick judgments, the story of Arjuna and Dattatreya is more relevant than ever. When Arjuna saw Dattatreya sitting with a woman, holding a cup of liquor, most would have walked away, judging what they saw at face value. But Arjuna stayed. He understood that true wisdom often hides behind unconventional forms.
What It Teaches Us Today: Don’t judge by appearances. In the age of curated personas, discernment is a rare gift. Like Arjuna, we must learn to look beyond the surface.
True mentorship isn’t always conventional. Dattatreya’s teachings were hidden in paradox, but those willing to observe deeply were transformed. Great guidance may come from unexpected places.
In a time where leadership is gets associated with dominance and display, Arjuna reminds us that leadership is about integrity, humility, and protection of all beings.
In today’s complex world, seek clarity before judgment. Whether you are a leader, a student, a seeker, or a parent—walk the path of understanding and humility. The greatest transformations begin when we drop ego, respect the wisdom around us, and act with a sense of dharma.
Be Courageous enough to bow before wisdom, even when it defies norms.
Be inspired by Dattatreya and try to be Detached from labels, rooted in truth.
Serve like Kartavirya: With purpose, compassion, and strength.
The story reflects how truth wears the simplest masks. In a noisy world, we need Arjuna’s clarity, Dattatreya’s stillness, and a commitment to lead with dharma.
In every field—from politics to parenting, from startups to spirituality—the lesson is timeless; True power flows from devotion, understanding, and unwavering service to the greater good.
Let’s lead, not with fear or force, but with awareness and compassion—just as Arjuna did, under the grace of Dattatreya.
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