This dhyana mantra is employed for the visualization and awakening of Kundalini in the form of Dattatreya, who is revered as the guru of gurus and an incarnation of the Trimurti—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The mantra's textual origin is found in tantric works such as the Datta Purana and the Guru Charitra, which elaborate on Dattatreya's role as the supreme teacher of yoga and mantra-shastra. The deity Dattatreya is depicted as a three-headed sage, symbolizing the unity of the three cosmic functions: creation, preservation, and dissolution. In this context, Kundalini is envisioned as the serpent power coiled at the base of the spine, and the mantra serves to invoke Dattatreya's grace to guide the practitioner in raising this energy through the chakras.
The beej-akshara (seed syllable) often associated with this mantra is 'Dram' (ड्रां), which is considered the root sound of Dattatreya, representing the fusion of the three gunas. Phonetically, the 'D' stands for dharma, 'r' for rta (cosmic order), and 'am' for the ultimate reality. According to the Mantra Mahodadhi, such dhyana mantras are chanted to purify the mind and prepare the subtle body for higher sadhana. The traditional purpose of this mantra is to attain liberation (moksha) by realizing the non-dual nature of the self, as Dattatreya embodies the unity of the Trimurti.
It is also chanted for spiritual guidance, removal of obstacles in meditation, and awakening of inner wisdom. Recommended chanting context includes early morning (Brahma Muhurta) or during meditation sessions, with a count of 108 repetitions using a rudraksha mala. The ritual setting should be a clean, quiet space with an image or yantra of Dattatreya. Cautions: This mantra involves potent kundalini energy; it should be chanted only under the guidance of a qualified guru, as improper practice may lead to energetic imbalances.
The Devi Mahatmya and Lalita Sahasranama also reference the importance of guru's grace in such practices.
Salutations to Dattatreya and Kundalini, with the seed syllable Drāṁ.
The beej-akshara 'Drāṁ' (ड्रां) is the root sound of Dattatreya. 'D' stands for dharma, 'r' for rta (cosmic order), and 'āṁ' for the ultimate reality. It fuses the three gunas.