In Datta Peetham, there is a system of worshipping all the deities. Every day's routine starts with ashrama's daily prayers (Nitya Prārthana). Prayer is beyond all barriers like caste, religion, creed, gender and sect. That which is beyond such differentiation is known as prayer. A prayer consisting of 9 shlokas is written 30 years ago such that it will of use to people of all countries. Since that day onwards, not only Datta devotees but also other devotees are chanting it. In these shlokas, the oneness of God is proposed. By learning about oneness, broadmindedness enhances which in turn helps the society. So, let us try to understand the meaning of those 9 shlokas.
In our Indian traditions, we see names of several deities. In fact, all the names and forms immerse in God. The one who is scared of water cannot definitely swim in it at once. Likewise, not everyone can see such oneness at once in this world which is filled with so many differences. Based on the level of the spiritual practice of every individual, respective practices are available. For each and every individual, love develops for some specific deity at some point of time. According to that love, our sages have designed the names and forms of different deities such that the deities become close to the minds. Do these names and forms really exist? This is a necessary question. It is important to know what benefits we reap by looking at the forms and by chanting the names of the deities. When we question, "Is this really required?", we get an answer, "Yes, it is." Let us try to learn about it. Even though there are innumerable names and forms as per the creation of the sages, some names and forms have gained importance since many people worship them. We call those deities as "Panchāyatana deities" (five deities). Along with them Shankarācharya has included Subrahmanya Swamy and hence he became the founder of "Shanmatha". In this context, it is good for us to talk about this prayer. Everyone, everyday has to take the name of some or the other deity, think about it and go ahead with the works with total concentration. We have to finish off whatever duty we have in this manner by evening. Starting from the farmer till the scientist who discovered internet, everyone has to get up with a peaceful mind. One must not wake up in a hurry and run since we carry the same state of mind till the evening. Our elders usually say, "Whatever happens during the period of Yugadi will go on till the end of the year". Hence, the prayer chanted as soon as one gets up acts like sunrise for the mind. So, repeat this - "Siveti shourīti gajānanēti skandēti dēvīti ravīti vāyam! Archanti bhaktyā bhuvi bhāratesmin, tamēka dēvam saranam vrajamaḥ!
Jaya Guru Datta! Sri Guru Datta!