The Dattatreya Tantra is a minor yet intriguing text within
the Vamachara tradition of Tantric literature. This scripture comprises 24
chapters, known as patalas, and includes a total of 395 verses. It addresses
various esoteric practices and mystical rites, each with its specific purpose
and method. Below is an expanded overview of the key topics covered in the
Dattatreya Tantra:
Marana: This practice involves rituals aimed at causing the
death of an enemy or undesirable person. It is considered one of the most
extreme forms of Tantric rites.
Mohana: These are techniques designed to delude or enchant
an individual, bending their will to the practitioner’s desires.
Stambhana: This category includes methods to arrest the
movement of living beings or inanimate objects, such as stopping a person in
their tracks or extinguishing a fire through mystical means.
Vidveshana: These rites are intended to create enmity
between people who are otherwise amicable or friendly, sowing discord and
conflict.
Uccatana: Practices under this heading focus on driving a
person away from a particular place, effectively evicting them through
supernatural influence.
Sarvajanavashikarana: This involves controlling the minds of
all individuals, rendering them susceptible to the practitioner’s influence.
Akarshana: Techniques for attracting someone towards
oneself, often used for love or desire.
Indrajala: This encompasses a variety of magical practices
and illusions, often akin to what might be considered stage magic or
supernatural feats.
Yakshinisadhana: These rites are dedicated to appeasing the
14 Yakshinis, minor goddesses in Hindu mythology, for various boons and favors.
Rasayanaprayoga: The science of alchemy is explored here,
with methods for converting base metals into gold.
Kalajnana: Techniques for predicting the exact time of death
for oneself or others, tapping into profound prophetic abilities.
Anahara-Yoga: This involves specially prepared medicines
that allow one to overcome hunger and thirst, sustaining the body without
regular food intake.
Nidhidarshana: Practices aimed at discovering hidden wealth
through psychic insight and supernatural means.
Vandhyaputravatikaranam: These are specific potions prepared
to help barren women conceive, promising fertility where there was none.
Mritavatsajivana: Rites that help a woman who has been
losing children (through miscarriage or infant mortality) to give birth to
long-living offspring.
Jayasanvada: Techniques that ensure victory in debates,
providing the practitioner with unparalleled persuasive power.
Vajikarana: Practices meant to increase virility and sexual
potency, enhancing physical prowess.
Bhutagrahadinivarana: Methods to drive away evil spirits and
protect oneself from malevolent supernatural influences.
The Dattatreya Tantra meticulously outlines the mantras
required for each of these rites, alongside detailed instructions on their
execution. However, readers are cautioned against attempting any of these
practices without the guidance of a knowledgeable expert. The potential dangers
and ethical considerations associated with these powerful rituals necessitate a
deep understanding and respect for their potency and impact.
