From December 22, 2026, to January 1, 2027, the Shiva Prem Sagar Ashram (Italy) will host a festive spiritual and educational program dedicated to Dattatreya Jayanti. The main events will be held under the guidance of Guru Swami Vishnudevananda Giri.
The program includes worship services in honor of Bhagavan Dattatreya, readings of sacred texts, a five-day retreat, and a traditional celebration of the New Year.
Celebration of Dattatreya Jayanti
December 23, 2026, will mark the celebration of Dattatreya Jayanti—the day of the manifestation of the holy avadhuta Dattatreya.
Traditionally, a jayanti (Sanskrit: jayantī) is a commemorative day marking the manifestation of a deity, saint, or great teacher. Dattatreya Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon of the month of Margashirsha and includes temple worship, readings of sacred narratives, repetition of Bhagavan’s names, and offerings to the sacred fire.
The program at the Shiva Prem Sagar Ashram will include:
chanting the 1,008 names of Guru Datta;
readings of sacred texts about Dattatreya;
puja—a form of worship prescribed by tradition;
homa—a Vedic-Tantric fire offering;
abhisheka—the ritual bathing of a consecrated image;
prayerful invocation of Dattatreya as the primordial Guru and patron of the avadhuta tradition.
For a follower, this day is a time to strengthen faith and guru bhakti—devotion to the spiritual teacher—and to deepen contemplative practice.
Five-Day Retreat
“Liberation Through Recognition of the Primordial Space: The Seven Stages of Tantric Conduct in the Siddha Tradition”
December 24–28, 2026
The five-day retreat will be held under the guidance of Guru Swami Vishnudevananda Giri. It will focus on a systematic examination of the principles of contemplation, spiritual discernment, and discipline of conduct in the Siddha tradition.
The retreat will follow a focused schedule and include the Guru’s teachings, individual and group practice, study of the principles of Dharma, and living in a community of practitioners. Its purpose is not to withdraw from everyday responsibilities, but to restore discipline, clarify spiritual priorities, and establish a steady practice.
For participants, the end of the calendar year becomes a time to take stock: to assess the regularity of their sadhana, correct any lapses, and determine the future direction of their spiritual life.
Welcoming 2027 with the Guru
December 31, 2026–January 1, 2027
The concluding part of the program is dedicated to welcoming the New Year in the presence of the Guru, in the atmosphere of the ashram and spiritual community.
Participants will be able to formulate a sankalpa (Sanskrit: saṅkalpa)—a conscious and inwardly embraced intention. In traditional ritual culture, a sankalpa is a clear statement of purpose made before beginning a worship service, taking a vow, or entering a period of practice. It is not a wish, but a responsible decision confirmed by subsequent actions.
Welcoming the New Year at the ashram is intended to affirm a sattvic way of life, strengthen one’s connection with the Guru and Dharma, and establish specific spiritual commitments for 2027.
Practical Information
Program dates:
December 22, 2026–January 1, 2027
Location: Shiva Prem Sagar Ashram, Italy
Dattatreya Jayanti: December 23, 2026
Five-day retreat: December 24–28, 2026
New Year celebration: December 31, 2026–January 1, 2027
Organizational matters and registration: Telegram
Guru Swami Vishnudevananda Giri's talk about the holy avadhuta Dattatreya:
