Updated: 05-07-2026; Author: Sangati Jogwar (experienced content writer on Spirituality, Motivation and Wellness) , and E.Pavan Kumar ( Wellness Writer)
Dattatreya Jayanti will be celebrated on December 4th this year. In the Datta Prabhu lineage, it is considered the most important day to revere and take blessings from Lord Dattatreya.
Explore from here how to read Guru Charitra: Rules, Benefits & Parayan Guide, follow and start parayana (reading)
During the Datta Saptah, reading the Guru Charitra is a common practice among Datta devotees, which is also a very sacred way to obtain his blessings.
How to Read Guru Charitra: Rules, Benefits & Parayan Guide
What is Guru Charitra parayan
The Guru Charitra narrates in detail the entire life and teachings of Lord Dattatreya.
It also reveals various incarnations of Lord Datta Prabhu, especially his second avatar, Sri Narasimha Saraswati.
All the devotees of Lord Dattatreya believe it to be a living text and, on reading with devotion, blesses the reader with unlimited knowledge and spiritual growth.
Why should I read the Gurucharitra parayan
✓ To get Lord Dattatreya’s blessings
✓ Reading Gurucharitra is believed to remove bad karma
✓ Improves Gurubhakthi in elders, gurus, parents and human beings
✓ Devotees believe Gurucharitra Parayana removes obstacles
Guru Charitra Reading Rules
1. Inner and outer purity is a must
Taking a bath and wearing clean clothes is a must before starting to read the Guru Charitra. More emphasis should be given to both inner and outer purity.
3. Choose a sacred space.
The Guru Charitra should be read in a sacred place. It must be a clean and quiet place inside your home where you can read in full concentration without any disturbance.
The place can be your Puja ghar or a special corner where an idol or picture of Lord Dattatreya is placed, a diya is lighted, and decorated with flowers.
4. Take a sankalpa before starting to read Guru Charitra
The Guru Charitra is known to fulfil the wishes of those who read it with great devotion. That is why, before starting Guru Charitra Saptah, you must take a Sankalpa or state your intention for reading the Guru Charitra.
You can make a Sankalpa for getting blessings, spiritual progress, or even to overcome your existing difficulties.
How should you read Guru Charitra?
The best way to read Guru Charitra is either 7 days or 3 days. Each day, a particular section or Adhyay of the revered book is read to complete the parayan.
The Guru Charitra is available in many Indian languages and can be easily found at stores that sell religious books.
Guru Charitra Parayan Duration :
7 Days – Sapathaha
3 Days – Tridinatmaka Parayan
1 Day – Eka Dina Parayan
How to read Gurucharitra in 7 days?
More often, it is read for 7 days or a saptah, and each day some specific chapters are read. The exact division of chapters may differ sometimes, but in general, the structure is as follows:
Day 1
Mangalacharan, introduction, and Guru’s greatness (Chapters 1-9).
Day 2
All about Sri Narasimha Saraswati Swami Maharaj – from early life to miracles (Chapters 10 to 21).
Day 3
How Sri Guru travelled, met his devotees, and offered boons. (Chapters 22 to 29).
Day 4
About karma, bhakti, and Jnana teachings and more miracles (Chapters 30 to 37).
Day 5
More teachings, emphasis on the significance of the Guru and message on spirituality (Chapters 38 to 43).
Day 6
Devotional stories emphasising how the Guru’s grace can change life (Chapters 44 to 48).
Day 7
Real intention behind the mission of Sri Guru, Palkhi celebration, and the benefits of reading the Guru Charitra (Chapters 49 to 53).
Guru Charitra Parayan rules
✓ Parayan is a Sanskrit word; its meaning in English is Reading
- The Guru Charitra should be read with deep devotion, concentration, and faith. Simultaneously, the reader must try to understand the hidden meanings behind the teachings.
- Start Gurucharitra reading on any auspicious day or Thursday
- The pronunciation should be correct when reading loudly.
- Purity in both deed and thought is expected throughout the saptah,
- Eat satvik food
- You can take breaks between the chapters if sitting at a stretch for long hours is not possible, but efforts should be made to read all the designated chapters on the same day.
- Every day after completing all the chapters, you can offer flowers and naivedyam ( sweets or fruits) in gratitude.
Every day ritual on completion of Parayan
- Aarti should be performed every day after completing the designated chapters, followed by offering naivedyam to Lord Dattatreya and then distributing it as Prasad among everyone present.
- Brahmin-bhoj can be organised on completion of the Guru Charitra Parayan, or dakshina can be offered in the temple or to a Brahmin.
- The parayan should end with deep gratitude and thankfulness to Lord Dattatreya.
- On completion of the parayan, keep on reflecting on the teachings from the Guru Charitra and think about how those can be inculcated in your life.
Benefits of Reading Guru Charitra
1. Those who have great faith in the Guru Charitra are blessed with lots of blessings and even get divine experiences after completing the parayan.
2. Many people find that their desires have been fulfilled, or any obstacle or difficulty they have been facing has been removed.
3. One of the greatest benefits of reading the Guru Charitra is peace of mind and spiritual growth.
4. Other benefits may include liberation from negative influences, healing of mind and body, and reaching another milestone of wisdom and knowledge.
Important FAQs on Reading Guru Charitra
Can I read Gurucharitra Daily?
Yes, you can read. You can read one chapter (adhyaya) from Gurucharitra daily. If you read it daily, it takes 1 chapter to complete the whole book in 53 days.
Can I read Gurucharitra in 3 days?
Yes, you can read Gurucharitra in 3 days, with a proper schedule. Divide 53 chapters into days. The Gurucharitra book contains information on the Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 Chapters to read.
What are the chapters(adyayas) to read in Guru Charitra 3 days parayan
✓ Day 1: 1 – 24 chapters
✓ Day 2: 25 to 37 chapters
✓ Day 3: 38 to 53 chapters
Can I read Guru Charitra in one day
Yes, you can read. It depends on selecting the book type based on the number of pages.
A small book (contains fewer pages) can easily parayan Guru Charitra in one day.
Can women read Guru Charitra?
Yes, Women also can read Gurucharitra and follow Guru Charitra Parayan Guidelines.
Final Words About Guru Charitra :
This holy book explains to us the importance of guru bhakti and increases our real knowledge (gnanam).
Reading Guru Charitra improves calmness, reduces stress and increases real happiness with these slokas (hymns) and Lord Dattatreya’s journey in Kaliyuga.
Thanks for reading How to Read Guru Charitra: Rules, Benefits & Parayan Guide
Know the Guru Charitra Parayana Conditions: WhatsApp: +91 9398601060 (E.Pavan Kumar- Dattatreya Devotee)
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