Guru Pratipada is an auspicious day dedicated to Guru Parampara of Datta Sampradaya. In 2026, Guru Pratipada date is February 2. Guru Pratipada is observed with utmost fervor in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra & some other Western and North parts of India.
Guru Pratipada marks the day of incarnation of Sri Nrusimha Saraswati. As per the Datta Sampradaya, Nrisimha Saraswathi is one of the incarnations of Lord Dattatreya.
Guru Pratipada falls on Pratipada in Krishna Paksha of Magh Month as per Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada and Telugu calendars. It coincides with Falgun Krishna Pratipada in North Indian Hindi calendars.
Guru Pratipada also follows the Datta Navratri in many Dattatreya Temples.
Sripada Srivallabha Kshetram in Pithapuram (Andhra Pradesh), Ganagapur Sri Dattatreya Mandir (Gulbarga – Karnataka) and Maniknagar Manik Prabhu Temple in Humnabad (Bidar – Karnataka) are the most famous temples to celebrate Guru Pratipada in grand manner.
Narasimha Saraswati (Nrusimha Saraswati), 2nd Avatara of Dattatreya in Kaliyuga