Vijayadashami or Dussehra

Auspicious Hindu Festival Vijayadashami or Dussehra – Celebration of Victory

Auspicious Hindu Festival Vijayadashami or Dussehra is the most sacred Hindu festival celebrated as a tribute to victory over evil forces. The widespread popularity of this festival is largely attributed to the fact that it teaches lessons of truth, kindness, love, fervor, and passion among people, as well as portrays the victory over evil. This festival is also celebrated to honor the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu as Rama and his ideals as a human being, which are truly inspirational to emulate.

Vijayadashami/Dussehra has been spreading the message of brotherhood and bravery since time immemorial. Just as the advent of autumn makes every water resource pure and sacred, in the same way, Maryada Purushottam Shri Rama quelled the increasing tyranny of monsters on earth, like killing the tyrant Ravana and gaining victory over the kingdom of Lanka. As a result of this epic victory, the festival of Dussehra is celebrated with great pomp and show.

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Spiritual Significance of Dussehra or Vijayadashami Festival 

The festival is known both as Vijayadashami and Dussehra. The number 10 holds utmost importance during this occasion because victory over injustice happened on the tenth day. Therefore, learned scholars and pandits have said that this festival is the giver of victory, also known as Vijayadashami. This was the day when the tyrant Ravana was killed, the ten-headed oppressor was defeated, and the evils ingrained in each of his heads were destroyed.

Lord Rama attained victory over Ravana, thus marking the occasion as Dussehra. It is celebrated on Dashami Tithi of Shukla Paksha during the Ashwin month every year, also known colloquially as the month of Quar. People of the Hindu religion worship their armors/weapons on this day and learn the arts of war. Mata Jagdamba killed the devil Mahishasura on this day, permanently ending the evil of monsters on earth and ensuring the emancipation of Gods and saints. Like every year, the festival of Dussehra will be celebrated on Shukla Paksha.

Vijayadashami Vrat and Puja Methods

Devotees who want to perform Vijayadashami Vrat and Puja should behave religiously by following rules, rituals, and celibacy. They should worship Mata Aadi Shakti Jagdamba with great devotion and reverence. On the day of Vijayadashami, wake up early in the morning, finish your daily routine like attending the washroom, and wear new clothes and jewelry, looking attractive and religious. Keep all the essential things regarding puja in front of Mata Durga and Shri Rama, wherever you have placed them, or arrange all the collected puja items in front of the deity’s statue at home.

Now sit on a clean object meant for puja and make sure your face is eastbound or northbound. Sprinkle holy water on your body, sanctify your sitting place, light a diya, and take Sankalp of your vrat. Begin the puja of Maa Jagdamba according to the Shodashopchar method. Also, worship divine figures such as Lord Rama, Mata Sita, Laxman, and Lord Hanuman as depicted in the courtyard images. You can also have the puja performed by a Brahman priest to ensure no mistake occurs during worship. However, you may also conduct the puja on your own. For any mistake that may happen, beg pardon from the Lord and convey your desire by praying: “O Lord! Rid me of all sufferings and bless me with wisdom. May I be in forever accumulation of fame and prosperity.” Now, praying like this, offer your worship to the Lord.

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Vijayadashami and Lord Rama – Significance and Teachings

Vijayadashami and Lord Rama hold immense importance in Hindu tradition. There are countless religious texts dedicated to the life of Lord Rama. Popular among them are the Ramayana composed by Valmiki and Shri Ramcharitmanas composed by Shri Goswami Tulsidas. So enormous is the kindness and generosity of Lord Rama and His stories that their gravity can’t be assessed even by Shesha, Mahesha, Ganesha, and Mata Sharda, the mother of knowledge. Now imagine how the wisdom of mere humans could assess the enormity of the divine almighty Lord Rama?

Vijayadashami and Lord Rama – The Divine Incarnation

Mentioned in the Ramcharitmanas written by Goswami Tulsidas is that – “The reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, Lord Rama, has countless reasons behind his birth, each surpassing one another in significance.” When the tyranny of Ravana increased unbridled on earth, all the divine beings, including Mother Earth, went to Lord Vishnu, praying to Him, “O Lord! Destroy the evil force on earth and establish righteousness there. Saints and subjects are all crying out due to the intolerable tyranny pressed upon them by Ravana.”

And then Lord Vishnu incarnated as the son of King Dasharatha and entertained the king and queen Mata Kausalya. Later, He destroyed the evil force that gripped the earth and proved His incarnation by eliminating wickedness ingrained in domestic life and society worldwide. He defeated many undefeated warriors, killed tyrants, and spread the message of righteousness across the world. Endowed with omnipotence, Lord Rama never overstepped His accountability, a virtue that made Him Maryada Purushottam Rama. Today, His name is taken with utmost reverence by Hindu devotees who have etched His name onto their hearts and souls.

Dussehra or Vijayadashami Festival and Its Importance in Religion and Society

The festival of Vijayadashami and its importance is superior and special on various counts, which are very useful and important from the standpoint of religion. It is also very important from the standpoint of our family and domestic aspects of our lives. It also holds significance from the viewpoint of social, economic, and political spheres. This festival teaches humanity diverse aspects, including spreading the message of how to fight against evil and tyranny. This is because the tyranny of Ravana caused excruciating pains to the saints, rishis, and subjects, tormenting the soul of humanity, including people on earth, who were at the receiving end of the cruelty vented by the demon king Ravana.

The power of Ravana was overbearing, so much so that it defeated even Gods, and he was extending his widespread superiority across the universe. Under such circumstances, no human or God had the power or courage to face Ravana directly, as he was attempting to destroy the balance of nature. He had created an atmosphere of terror and dictatorship on earth. Thus, by defeating all types of evil and tyranny, the Divine Almighty finally gave the message that evil forces, however mighty like Ravana who was endowed with limitless power, ultimately taste defeat in the end. Savior of goodness and religion, the Divine Almighty conquers such evil forces and establishes religious harmony.

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Vijayadashami and Its Importance in Rituals and Blessings

In this way, the festival of Vijayadashami conveys the message of solving different types of issues and maintaining harmonious adjustment. This is an auspicious festival that teaches the victory of good over evil, truth over injustice, and the triumph of religion and humanity over demons of tyranny. According to Muhurta Chintamani, the occasion of Vijayadashami, celebrated on Dashami of Ashwin month, is indicative of the stars rising in the sky, symbolizing the day of victory.

Therefore, those who take bath on this day and participate in puja, havan, japa, and Aayudh Pujan receive divine favor in their lives. Bathing at pilgrimages like Prayag and Ganga, together with giving alms and conducting Pitri Tarpan during this day, can destroy all ten doshas. This helps devotees get respite from all sufferings and continuously progress on the path of prosperity.

Vijayadashami Festival And Its Tales

Divine Accounts of Vijayadashami

Our religious texts and mythological books contain different accounts or tales associated with Shri Vijayadashami or Dussehra (दशहरा) festival. According to them, Lord Vishnu took reincarnation of his divine form in Treta Yuga as Rama, and the purpose behind it was to annihilate evil forces running rampant all over the earth and universe. Even after the lapse of so many eons since the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu happened, the freshness of the divine story is still intact as it was in those times. As mythology narrates, in Treta Yuga, Lord Shri Vishnu reincarnated as Rama, along with His other divine forms, like Laxman, Bharat, and Shatrughna. There was immense love and respect among the four brothers. They were born to destroy the demonic tyranny.

In fact, God had to reincarnate on earth because He could not refuse the beseeching of the saints to grant them respite from the demons. To appease their request, Lord Shri Rama took birth on earth along with His other divine forms. Accounts of these details are described at length in epics like Shri Valmiki Ramayana and Shri Ramcharitmanas.

Tales of Rama and Ravana in Vijayadashami

This festival is known as an occasion being celebrated for ten days in continuance, starting from Pratipada to Dashami tithi. Another story indicates that Ravana wanted salvation from the hands of Lord Rama, thus explaining his mean conduct of unleashing injustice and tyranny. He kidnapped Mata Sita under the guise of a saint, regardless of the fact that he was a great scholar. Later, the tyrant Ravana was killed by Lord Shri Rama, who gained victory on Dashami.

Mahishasura and Historical Values of Vijayadashami

There is another tale associated with Mata Jagdamba, that a demon named Mahishasura performed hard meditation for eons to please Lord Brahma and gain from him the boon of immortality. Pleased with his meditation, Lord Brahma said to him that the boon of immortality could not be granted, but his death could be caused through means impossible to devise. However, as Lord Brahma said, “You will be killed because of a lady as a result of your own tyranny and pride.” Thereafter, the divine lady Mata Durga reincarnated along with other divine forms and killed the demon on this very day called Vijayadashami.

Mata Durga was then called Mahishasura-mardini (killer of Mahishasura). The day of Vijayadashami also holds ancient values, in which King Shivaji did a clarion call to fight against Aurangzeb, as he understood the virtue of protecting the Hindu religion and dignity from tyrant Mughals, and subsequently defeated the Mughal armies.

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Vijayadashami Festival and Its Beliefs

Vijayadashami is associated with many beliefs. One of the most important is that it ends at least ten sins of the devotees if they worship the deity Durga with staunch devotion and adhere to all rituals. It is also believed that someone should see the bird called Nilkanth, as doing so is said to give the pious result equal to ten times bathing in the Ganga River, along with peaceful solutions to mental agony and sufferings.

Rituals and Symbolism of Vijayadashami

Another belief about Vijayadashami suggests sacrificing and worshiping, besides offering prayer to Ayudh (weapons). It is also said that if you want to achieve victory, it pays off religiously well if you worship Mata Durga, Shri Rama, and the Shami tree. This is because both Mata Durga and Shri Rama symbolize energy and power, while Shami, on the other hand, is symbolic of fire. There is also a gathering of people around a designated spot where effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarana, and others are burnt. The harmonious meeting of people during this day is another belief associated with the festival.

Historical and Cultural Beliefs of Dussehra or Vijayadashami Festival

It is believed that Lord Shri Rama killed Ravana on this day, thereby ridding the earth of tyranny and giving people and saints great respite, while reinstating the flag of religion once again. This day also witnesses the burning of gigantic effigies symbolizing demonic forces. It is believed that starting new work on this day leads to effective results. In other words, any new activity initiated during this time is believed to bring a good outcome. In ancient times, kings and emperors used to worship their armaments and chariots in order to gain victory over other kingdoms during war—a custom still in practice. Thus, there are many beliefs associated with the festival of Vijayadashami, which continue to exist even today.

Vijayadashami Symbolizing Brotherhood

The Festival of Vijayadashami spreads the message of brotherhood and unity, not only in India but all over the world. On the other hand, it is also the giver of the evil-destroying divine force. It gives the message of eradicating social and domestic menaces and instituting religion while ensuring its protection. Injustice and despotism, no matter how powerful they are, must be destroyed at any cost. This festival inculcates the sense of brotherhood among Indians by forgetting their respective grudges. People hug each other by putting aside their personal grudges and envy, and they congratulate one another. They touch the feet of their elders and take blessings. Also, the festival spreads the message of sanitation around the neighborhood to keep the environment neat and clean. This ensures the dawn of thought that paves the path for mutual cooperation, respect, and maintaining sanitation so that people live in a prosperous way.

The Splendor of Vijayadashami Festival

The festival of Vijayadashami is so popular that it is celebrated in different places in India with great splendor and enthusiasm by devotees. People take out processions on a large scale in villages and towns, displaying eye-catching effigies of Rama, Laxman, Shatrughna, Ravana, and Kumbhkarana. Participating in the procession are children, adults, and older people. Stages for Ram-Leela are beautifully organized at several places. Artists are dressed in such fine attire that they resemble the divine forms of Lord Shri Rama and Mata Janaki, as if they are taking part in the procession or Shobha Yatra.

Celebration of Vijayadashami Across India

The festival of Dussehra is celebrated with great pomp and show in different places in India, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Mysore, Kullu (Himachal Pradesh), Punjab, Bengal, Odisha, Gujarat, Kashmir, and other states, including the capital city of Delhi. The festival celebrated in these places portrays a divine charm. People offer prayers to their ancestor Gods and Goddesses. They play a variety of musical instruments to showcase dances and other beautiful programs. Worship dedicated to different divine lords is organized during this day. Shops are decorated beautifully, where people engage in sales and shopping. People take delight in sweets. Therefore, the festival of Dussehra is such a charm all over the world, but in India, it draws special attention. On this day, people worship the effigy of Mata Durga ensconced in a big Pandal and offer Her special prayers.

Rituals and Symbolism of Vijayadashami

Pious women offer ingredients of sixteen adornments to Mata Durga with great devotion. They adorn the deity with various fineries such as sindoor, bracelets, bangles, Mahavar, and nose rings. Women apply the sindoor and distribute it among each other. Men smear colors (Gulal) on one another, shower flowers, and celebrate the festival enthusiastically. The next day, on Ekadashi tithi, immersion of Mata Durga takes place. Devotees observing fast/vrat since the first day of Dussehra break it on the exact tenth day, the concluding day of the festival. On this day, symbolizing the killing of Ravana by Lanka-winner Shri Rama and his arrival at Ayodhya, people hug each other and show unity. They touch the feet of their elders and take blessings. Thus, the festival of Vijayadashami is celebrated for ten days in great splendor by devotees. The festival is truly a symbol of victory and prosperity.

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FAQs on Dussehra or Vijayadashami Festival

Question: Why is Vijayadashami or Dussehra celebrated?
Answer: It is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and the triumph of good over evil.

Question: When is Vijayadashami celebrated?
Answer: It is observed on the Dashami Tithi of Shukla Paksha during the Ashwin month every year.

Question: What rituals are performed on Vijayadashami?
Answer: Devotees perform puja of Maa Durga, Lord Rama, and weapons, along with prayers, havan, and Sankalp.

Question: What is the spiritual significance of Vijayadashami?
Answer: It symbolizes victory over negativity, destruction of ten evils, and blessings of wisdom, prosperity, and peace.

Question: How is Vijayadashami celebrated in India?
Answer: The festival is celebrated with processions, Ram-Leela, burning of Ravana’s effigies, worship, cultural programs, and spreading messages of unity and brotherhood.

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