Sri Guru welcomed Koundinya, but the Brahmin’s pride was obvious. He bragged about his powers and his knowledge. Sri Guru smiled gently and said, “Your powers are impressive, but they are temporary. True power comes from humility and complete surrender to the divine. The ultimate Guru is Lord Dattatreya, the form of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.”

In the sacred town of Kashi (Varanasi) , there lived a highly learned and austere Brahmin named Koundinya . Through intense penance and mastery of the Vedas and mantras, Koundinya had acquired great siddhis (supernatural powers). He could walk on water, heal the sick, and even materialize objects from thin air. People revered him as a great saint, and over time, Koundinya began to believe he was equal to God himself.

One day, Koundinya heard of the great Guru Sri Dattatreya, who lived on the banks of the River Godavari in the Sahyadri mountains. Despite his pride, curiosity led Koundinya to visit the Guru. Upon arriving, he saw Sri Guru sitting under a tree, surrounded by humble devotees. The Guru appeared as a simple, unassuming householder (or sometimes as an avadhoot).