Guru Dwadashi 2025 – Rituals, Legends & Datta Kshetra Celebrations

Date in 2025

Guru Dwadashi will be observed on Friday, October 17, 2025, falling on the Krishna Paksha Dwadashi of the Ashwin month in South India and Kartik Masam in North India.

Spiritual Significance

  • Guru Dwadashi marks the disappearance day of Sripada Sri Vallabha, the first incarnation of Lord Dattatreya.
  • He ended His avatar by merging into the Krishna River at Kuravapur (Kurugadda), near Raichur, Karnataka.
  • The day is deeply revered in all Datta Kshetras, especially Pithapuram (His birthplace) and Gangapur (His penance site).

Regional Names & Observances

  • Govatsa Dwadashi / Vyaghra Dwadashi – Pan-India observance focused on cow worship.
  • Vasu Baras – In Maharashtra, it marks the start of Deepavali festivities.
  • Wagh Baras – In Gujarat, associated with financial closure and debt repayment.

Rituals & Traditions

  • Cow Worship:
    • Cows and calves are bathed, adorned with turmeric, kumkum, and garlands.
    • Offerings include gram, moong sprouts, and green fodder.
    • If cows are unavailable, mud idols are worshipped.
  • Datta Devotee Practices:
    • Gurucharitra Parayana begins on Sripada Vallabha Jayanthi and concludes on Guru Dwadashi.
    • At Gangapur Dattatreya Temple, a four-day festival culminates with Ashta Theertha Snanam on Chaturdashi.
    • Devotees perform pujas, bhajans, and annadanam in honor of Sripada Vallabha.

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