Dattatreya Temple Bhaktapur

Lord Dattatreya is the unique embodiment of the holy trinity Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara in a single body. The temple of Dattatreya is located at Dattatreya square, an important heritage site located in the eastern part of Bhaktapur in Nepal.

The temple was built in 1427 A. D. by the king Yaksa Malla but the present structure is from time of the King Vishwa Malla, 1458 A.D. A figure of Lord Dattatreya is placed inside the inner sanctum of the temple. Like the legend of Kasthamandap in Kathmandu the belief is the wood for the temple came from a single tree trunk.

This unique temple is three-storied high and is built upon a base made of brick and terracotta which extends into the foundation. This base is decorated with numerous carvings in wood and gilded metal. These carvings however are made depicting erotic scenes from the old ages. The stairs leading inside the temple have two enormous carved statues of Malla wrestlers that are believed to be guardians of the temple.

In front of the Dattatraya temple, one can observe a tall pillar upon which an idol of Garuda (vehicle of Lord Vishnu) is bidding Namaste towards the temple.Outside the temple, a gigantic trident, a Shiva emblem, is also displayed.

Lord Dattatreya’s birth is the subject of a fascinating legend. Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara, following the advice of their wives, went to the ashram of Sage Atri to test the chastity of Mother Anusuya. The gods asked her for alms and told her to serve them food naked. But to fulfill their request, Anusuya had to abandon her modesty. Since Sage Atri was not present, Anusuya invoked the Tridev, and they transformed into a baby, whom she then breastfed. When the goddesses (wives of Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara) came looking for their husbands, they apologized to Anusuya, who restored the baby back into the Tridev. In gratitude, the Tridev asked Anusuya for a boon, and she requested them to remain in the same form as her child. This form of the Tridev is known as Lord Dattatreya.

Throughout the year, the Dattatreya Temple is adorned with vibrant festivities and celebrations. The auspicious occasion of Dattatreya Jayanti, marking Lord Dattatreya’s birth anniversary, is celebrated with great fervor. Devotees gather to participate in religious processions, devotional singing, and chanting of hymns, creating an atmosphere charged with devotion and spirituality.