Ancient Indian Historical Tradition c25.11

c25.11

Datta Ātreya, or Dattātreya as he is generally called,³ is always connected in tradition with the great Haihaya king Arjuna Kārtavīrya, who propitiated him and was favoured by him.⁴ He was therefore, from this position, a descendant (not son) of Prabhākara. In late or brahmanical stories however he is wrongly introduced at other times.⁵ He is said to have been placid, beneficent and unblemished,⁶ and is regarded as the fourth incarnation of Viṣṇu;⁷ yet he is sometimes described as addicted to sensual pleasures and spirituous liquor.⁸ It is said he had a son Nimi, who was the first to institute the śrāddha.⁹