"Dussehra"- Triumph of Good over Evil

"Dussehra" is derived from two Sanskrit words: 'Dasha' meaning 'ten' & 'Hara' meaning 'annihilation', i.e. 'Dussehra' stands for 'annihilating/ defeating the ten heads of LankaPati Ravana.'

Being one of the awaited Hindu festivals, it falls on the tenth day (Dashami) of the bright fortnight of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashvin as per the Hindu calendar. Hence it's also known by the name "Vijaya Dashami."
According to the Gregorian calendar, it lies in the month of either September or October.

This year, we are celebrating the prosperous occasion of "Dussehra" on the 13th of October ‘24.

As per Drik Panchang, the “tithi” for "Dussehra" in the year ‘24 is as follows:

Vijayadashami on Saturday, 12th of October ‘24

• Dashami Tithi Begins - 10:58 on 12th of October ‘24
• Dashami Tithi Ends - 09:08 on 13th of October ‘24

Significance of 'Dussehra' in Hinduism:

"Dussehra" holds immense significance in Hindu Dharma because of various reasons. Let's have a look at them:

The Hindu festival of "Dussehra" marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
There's a very well-known epic of 'Ramayana' behind the same which mentions that when LankaPati Ravana had abducted Mata Sita, Lord Rama, along with Lakshmana, Hanuman & Vaanar Sena went to Lanka for rescuing Mata Sita. It's believed that Lord Rama took 20 lunar cycles to come back to Ayodhya after his exile of fourteen years.

Many Hindu Shastras mention that on this auspicious day, Lord Rama had performed "Chandi Homa" to receive the blessings of Maa Durga. To this, Maa Durga had provided him with the secret to defeat Ravana.

"Dussehra" also marks the victory of Maa Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. It portrays how she fought with the Asur for the nine days & won over the tenth day, which is celebrated as 'Vijaya Dashami.' Hence, it marks the culmination of the nine days' festival of Maa Shakti.

During that time, the Pandavas hid their weapons under a Shami tree when they had to leave. When they came back, they found their weapons safe under the same tree. To thank the tree for keeping their weapons safe, the Pandavas worshiped it before going into a big battle, and they ended up winning.

It is believed that it was during the prosperous occasion of "Dussehra" that Pandavas returned to their kingdom after exile.

Astrological Importance:

Once, Ravana had imprisoned Lord Shani in his kingdom of Lanka. When Lord Hanuman visited Lanka to meet Sita Mata, he heard the cries of Shani Dev from a dark cell. To this, he went there & rescued Shani Dev.

Being grateful for the same, Lord Shani granted him a boon that he, Lord Shani himself, won't cast an evil eye on the devotees of Lord Hanuman.

Since that day, Hindu Shastras believe that worshiping Lord Hanuman with full devotion can help one escape from the effects of Sadhe Sati or Shani dev’s Drishti.

Rituals & Observances:

To pay homage to all these historical Hindu happenings, people celebrate the divine occasion of "Dussehra"/ "Vijaya Dashami" with fervor and enthusiasm all around the country.

"Dussehra Pujan" is one of the foremost and the most important aspects of this festival. Performing "Dussehra Pujan" during Vijaya Muhurat is auspicious.

As per Drik Panchang,

Vijayadashami on Saturday, 12th of October ‘24

• Vijay Muhurat - 14:08 to 14:56
• Duration - 00 Hours 48 Mins

Additionally, Shami Puja, Aparajita Puja and Seema Avalanghan are also performed on this day.
The Vedic Astrology suggests that performing these rituals during "Aparahna time" is very auspicious.

As per Drik Panchang,

Aparahna Puja Time on

• 12th of October ‘24, Saturday: 13:20 to 15:44
• Duration - 02 Hours 24 Mins

Durga Saptashati Puja is also performed on this day to receive the divine protection of Maa from all the malefic forces.

In some places, people worship Goddess Aprajita which means "undefeated" or "unbeatable." Many Hindu Shastras say that Lord Rama sought her blessings before fighting Ravana. That's why, the devotees also read Aparajita Stotra & Ram Raksha Stotra on this day.

"Shami tree" is also worshiped on "Dussehra" as Pandavas have hid their weapons under the same tree. Therefore, people in the southern part of India consider the Shami tree special and worship it as a symbol of goodness. In the southern states, they call this worship "Shami Puja", also known as "Banni Pooja" and "Jammi Puja." Shami leaves are offered during Shastra Puja. Many also light a lamp near the Shami tree in the evening to get victory in legal works.

On Dussehra, people clean and worship old books, tools, and weapons. They apply Tilak and offer flower garlands to account books, believing it wards off evil eyes. Items like old vehicles and electronics are worshiped to prevent theft or loss, and it's thought that Maa Durga's blessings stay in the house. Some even worship weapons, thinking it helps in better protection.

"Dussehra" is considered the best time to buy something new and to start a new venture.

Performing "Sunderkand Path" on this day also blesses one with mental peace & happiness in life.

In most of the northern & western parts of India, Ram Leela based on the very famous tale Ramcharitmanas is portrayed and performed at fairs.

At many places, the ritual of "Ravana Dahan" is prominent where the effigies (statues) of Ravana along with Meghanatha & Kumbhakaran are burnt to celebrate the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana in Satya Yuga. Usually, the timing of Ravan Dahan is between 5 pm to 7 pm, i.e., evening time.

The festival of "Dussehra" also marks the preparations of the one other most-awaited Hindu occasion of Diwali.

In the Indian state of Kolkata, this day is commemorated with upholding Durga Puja.

This day coincides with a South Indian festival of "Vidyarambham" where the devotees worship Maa Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge and wisdom.

In Mysore, the celebration happens on a large scale where Dussehra honors the Goddess Chamundeshwari (another name of Goddess Durga) of Chamundi Hills, who killed the powerful demon king Mahishasura.

Lessons from this day:

Dussehra, with its symbolic triumph of good over evil, imparts valuable lessons. It teaches us the importance of righteousness, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity.

The epic narratives of Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and the Pandavas' eventual success underscore the significance of staying true to one's principles even in challenging times. The festival encourages us to confront and overcome our inner demons, fostering personal growth and moral strength.

Dussehra, with the ritual of Ravana Dahan, provides a symbolic opportunity to let go of the ten vices associated with Ravana's heads:
envy, pride, anger, false belief, greed, injustice, selfishness, arrogance, hatred & ego.
This symbolic act can be a catalyst for personal transformation and growth.

Additionally, the communal celebrations emphasize unity, harmony, and the shared pursuit of a better, more virtuous world. In essence, Dussehra inspires us to embrace virtues, stand against injustice, and strive for a brighter future with unwavering determination.

|| Happy Vijayadashmi ||