Significance of Datta

Datta is a significant figure across various Indian religious contexts. In Jainism, he is recognized as Kalkin's son, a fifth founder, a fasting ascetic, a towering black Vasudeva, and noted within Ara’s congregation. In Vaishnavism, Datta is described as a sage associated with key historical events. The Purana refers to him in terms of linguistic addition, while in Dharmashastra, he is identified as an adopted son. Furthermore, in Theravada, Datta relates to Visakha’s granddaughter, whose death leads to profound grief and interaction with the Buddha.1
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In German: Datta; In Finnish: Datta; In Spanish: Datos; In Dutch: Gegevens

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Datta'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Datta symbolizes the deep grief experienced by Visakha over her granddaughter's death, illustrating themes of loss and the search for understanding through interaction with the Buddha.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) Visakha’s son’s daughter who died, prompting Visakha's grief and subsequent interaction with the Buddha.[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Datta'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Datta signifies a notable sage present during important events, represents an adopted son given away by parents, adds meaning to contexts, and embodies the concept of absorption within spiritual narratives.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) This word means 'given', indicating that Uddhava has been granted authority by the Lord.[2] (2) A sage included in the group of eminent personalities present during the significant event described in the verse.[3]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) absorbed[4]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Gautami Mahatmya

(1) The son of Atri, brother of Durvasas, an expert in sciences and learning, who sought to realize the Brahman and eulogized Shankara.[5]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) It means ‘given’ (adopted), it is one of the twelve kinds of sons, as indicated in the verses.[6] (2) Another term for an adopted son, coming from a context where he is given away by his parents.[7]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Jain concept of 'Datta'

Jainism Books

Datta in Jainism represents a multifaceted figure, serving as a symbolic leader in Ara's congregation, the son of Kalkin, a notable Vasudeva, an ascetic achieving spiritual milestones, and a founder among the seven.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) Datta, chief of the ganabhrits, to whom enlightenment had been given, delivered a sermon to the people at the end of the Lord’s sermon.[8] (2) Another ascetic who observed fasting to reach the second terrace of Ashtapada.[9] (3) Kalkin's son who is taught the religion of the Arhats and succeeds him as king.[10] (4) The fifth founder listed among the seven.[11] (5) One of the specific figures mentioned within Ara’s congregation, assigned a symbolic or historical significance.[12]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.