Divine words that came out of Sri Swamiji’s heart during the installation ceremony of Kalagni Shamana Dattatreya Temple in Datta Peetham in Mysore in the year 1978 are still ringing in our ears. "This is the Datta Temple. That is, a Mandir of Guru. Every seeker can see his Guru here. Everyone can find peace here" – these were the words.

They were not only words. Sri Swamiji had translated them into action during the weeklong festivities celebrated in connection with the installation ceremonies. Religious heads of different faiths were invited to speak on each day.

Even in 1984, when the Universal Prayer Hall was inaugurated, Sri Swamiji had arranged for a weeklong celebration. To mark this big occasion, discourses by various religious leaders were arranged. Datta Peetham resonated with the message of Universal brotherhood.

Sri Swamiji has, till date, traveled throughout the globe 50 times to spread the same message, etching the mantra of harmony in the hearts of people.

On 10-12-2000, to commemorate the successful completion of Sri Swamiji’ 50th tour abroad, a huge Dattatreya Idol was consecrated near the old Hanumaddwara in Datta Peetha. Speaking on the occasion, Sri Kuppa Krishna Murthy, the Vidyadhikari of Datta Peetham explained the purpose and utility of Sri Swamiji’s tours, said:

"Today, there is progress in science and technology. There is decline in compassion. We are churning out scientists. Noble men are becoming a rarity. We need men of kind heart; we need men with hearts that can understand feelings. Only when mankind understands about the basis of the Vedic Dharma, which stands on the triad of Truth-Love-Sacrifice, can people make a meaningful journey towards peace. If we think that the Vedas are a cult or an institution, we will only be able to hate them. Therefore, keeping in mind the triad of the Vedas, namely, Truth-Love-Sacrifice, Sri Swamiji has been undertaking world tours. He has never tried to spread Hinduism. We often hear Sri Swamiji reiterating this fact. He often says "mine is the religion of humanity", "music is my language". "I help people progress in their own religion" etc.

Keeping these principles as His central theme, Sri Swamiji has successfully completed 50 tours abroad and on the occasion of the dawn of the new millennium, He has made a strong vow to enrich humanity with values.

The scientific revolutions that dominated the 18th and the 19th centuries in a way encouraged mankind into indulging in two great wars. Towards the end of the 20th century, technology has progressed so much that it boasts about its ability of reducing out planet to ashes within seconds. As a mark of His divine effort to ward off this dangerous tendency, Sri Swamiji especially undertook a tour to Tonga and performed Surya Homa and offered Arghya to Sun God during dawn on 1-1-2000.

At a time when the second millennium was about to say goodbye to mankind and the first the third millennium was preparing to enter, Datta Jayanti approached. Lord Dattatreya is the originator of all traditions. During the Datta Jayanti Celebrations of 1998, Sri Swamiji explaining the concept of Dattatreya, had said "Datta will decide what preaching is necessary for which era, and after the utility is over, will modify them to suit the next era. In this universe of infinite diversity, He treats all religions and traditions equally without any discrimination".

To drive home this message deeper in to the hearts of mankind, Sri Swamiji wished to hold in Datta Peetham, prayers by followers of different faiths. They included Islamic, Jain, Buddhist, Jewish and Christian prayer meetings by the heads of those religions living in and around Mysore. What is more, Sri Swamiji joined them in their prayers, thereby indicating that the essence of all religions is one and the same and that one must respect all religions, even as one practices one’s own religion. What Sri Swamiji initiated in 1978 during the installation of Kalagni Shamana Dattatreya continues even today.
In the Gregorian calendar, which is much like the Solar Calendar followed in India, the month of December is very special. The Datta Jayanti (celebration of Dattatreya’s incarnation day) generally falls in this month. The month of Dhanurmasa, considered very auspicious by Vaishnavaits (devotees of Vishnu) also coincides with December. Ardrabhisheka, a special ritual performed by the devotees of Lord Shiva usually falls in this month. Ramzan, the sacred month of Muslims also generally falls in December. So does Christmas. Aptly, Sri Swamiji decided to hold a programme signifying the unity of all faiths during this sacred month.

Bhakti Mala is happy to report the success of these prayer meetings conceived by Poojya Sri Swamiji.

Editor.