Dussehra 2024

All the festivals observed in India give the message of victory of good over evil in one form or the other, but, in actuality, the festival that is majorly known for this message is Dussehra. Precisely twenty days before Diwali. According to the Panchag, the Dashami of the Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month is celebrated nationwide as Vijayadashami or Dussehra. Dussehra is one of the pivotal festivals of the Hindus. This festival narrates the story of Lord Sri Rama, who defeated arrogant Ravana in Lanka after the nine days war and got Mother Sita released from his clutches. On the same day, Goddess Durga killed Mahishasura. Hence, it is celebrated as Vijayadashami.

इस पेज को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए “दशहरा” पर क्लिक करें।

Devi Durga is also worshipped. It is said that Lord Sri Rama also worshipped Goddess Durga and asked for strength. In examining Lord Sri Rama, Goddess Durga removed one Lotus flower from the flowers that were kept for the Puja. Sri Rama is known as Rajivanyan, meaning having lotus-like eyes. So, he decided to give away one of his eyes as an offering to the Goddess. The moment he was about to pull out his eye, Goddess Durga was pleased; she came in front of them and blessed him to be victorious. It is believed that after this, on Dashami, Lord Rama killed Ravana. This festival of Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga over Mahishasura is celebrated all over the country as the victory of good over evil and Dharma over Adharma. Different styles of celebrating it have also evolved in other parts of the country. The Dussehra of Kullu is very famous nationwide; Durga Puja is also celebrated on a large scale in many states, including West Bengal, Tripura.

Importance of Vijayadashami/Dussehra

The festival of Vijayadashami / Dussehra is celebrated to mark the victory of good behavior over wrong behavior. Dussehra is observed as a victory celebration, but the beliefs behind the celebrations vary. For example, for farmers, it is the celebration of the arrival of new crops. In ancient times, tools and weapons were worshiped on this day because, in mythological times, people used to consider tools and weapons as victories won in war. Still, the main reason behind all this is the "victory of good over evil." In the present times, it is the symbol of the victory of good over evil. Nowadays, vile can be in any form like anger, lies, hatred, jealousy, sadness, etc. We should celebrate the day of Vijayadashami / Dussehra by destroying the evil inside us so that one day we can rule on all our senses. 

Vijayadashmi: Know What is Written in Ramacharitra Manas

The festival of Vijayadashami celebrated every year should not just be considered a battle of Ram-Ravana. The messages hidden in this festival symbolizing the triumph of good over evil can provide directions to society. MahapanditDashanan himself knew very well that his life was to be saved by Rama. On the other hand, MaryadaPurushottam Ram has also bowed down to the wisdom of Ravana.

While Rama's character is beautifully described in the Ramcharitra Manas, we also see the shadow of pride in Ravana's way of leading his life and wisdom. Ravana was mighty along with being wise, but this pride was crushed by Bali and kept him buried in his Kokh for six months. 

Ravana, who ruled over a small Lanka area, also betrayed his brother Kubera and captured Pushpak Vimana. Due to all these evils, he had to go to Mrityu Lok. We celebrate the festival by burning an ego's effigy every year, but we are not ready to renounce our ego. What kind of Vijayadashami festival is this?

Awakening of the hidden consciousness in us and renouncing issues is the predominant message of the Vijayadashami festival. Today, we are too caught up in the web of problems to offer the right direction to our consciousness and energy. Lord Rama was born only to provide a happy life to the people troubled by Ravana.

We all know that Rama was born in the Kshatriya family. In contrast, Ravana was a Brahmin and was the son of the great Vishwa, the Vedas and Puranas sage. Ravana's grandfather Rishi Pulatsya was also considered as significant as a God. During the Rama-Ravana war, there was sympathy for Ravana somewhere in Rama's heart.

Maryada Purushottam knew that killing a Brahmin is a sinful act. Hence, he made an atonement for killing Brahmins after killing Ravana and prayed that considering his sin was necessary for protecting the ordinary people; God should release him from this sin.

In today's era, it is also worth knowing that Lord Rama himself sent his younger brother Laxman to Ravana to seek knowledge after Ravana's death. Still, Ravana, who was breathing his last breath, did not even look at Laxman. Later, MaryadaPurushottam himself requested to impart knowledge by folding hands at Ravana's feet, and Ravana renounced his ego and imparted his substantial understanding.

Dussehra or Vijayadashami festival is a message to stay away from ten kinds of great sins. This victory festival motivates us to stay away from kaam, anger, greed, Moh, intoxication, matsar, pride, laziness, violence, and theft and stay away from these bad habits. If we burn these ten sins with fire while enthusiastically burning the effigy of Ravana, then our victorious festival can be justified.

Only the cultural programs such as jumping, dancing, singing, fireworks should not be considered symbols of the Vijayadashami festival. The message in the festival's depth should reach the people, and peace and happiness should shower from one house to another. This is the message of this festival. The planets' position has been the dominant reason behind the Dussehra festival's name as Vijaya Dashami.

According to the Shastras, the Muhurt, which occurs at the time of Shukra's rise during the tenth day of Ashwin Shukla Paksha, is called Vijay Muhurt in astrology. If we believe in astrology, then that period of Shukra's elevation is considered to be Sarva Siddhi Dayak. That is why the Dussehra festival is known as Vijay Dashami.

On Dussehra's pure occasion, the tradition of exchanging Son leaf or leaves of Shami tree has been going on for a long time. There is a story hidden behind this tradition. It is believed that when Lord Sri Rama was passing through this tree during the time of Lanka gaman, it was this Shami tree that declared His victory. 

It is said that Arjuna had hidden his bow on this same Shami tree in the fourteenth year of the unknown exile. Even today, at the Dussehra festival, followers of Hindu Dharma request Ravana to impart knowledge by acquiring the leaves of the Shami tree and folding hands at the feet of Ravana.

Whatever may be the reason for celebrating Vijay Dashami, it is sure that this festival seems to destroy pride and provide directions to conduct behavior as per the culture. Adopting good behavior and offering Tilanjali to the evil prevailing in your heart and soul can be called Vijayadashami.

Dussehra Has Huge Importance From Religious Point of View 

It is believed that beginning any auspicious work at this time results in acquiring good results. On the day of Dussehra, weapons are worshiped in the Kshatriya clan with rules and regulations. On this day, Brahmins worship the Devi of knowledge, Goddess Saraswati. On this day, Vaishyas venerate their budget books. Ravana, a symbol of evil, is also burnt in different parts of the country. Lord Rama killed Ravana of Lanka. However, Ravana still exists in society in forms like inflation, corruption, adultery, dishonesty, violence, discrimination, jealousy, environmental pollution, sexual violence, and sexual exploitation. So, on this day, all these evils should also be removed from within the mind. 

Hence, it is known as Vijaya Dashami and Dussehra.

According to the legend, Ravana abducted Mata Sita. When Ravana could abduct the queen Mata Sita, imagine the other women's plight at that time. Lord Rama challenged the unrighteous and unjust Ravana to fight and fought with Ravana for ten days to protect the female fraternity's honor and dignity. On the day of Ashwin Shukla Dashami, Lord Rama killed Ravana with a Divya weapon from mother Durga. The end of Ravana was the end of the ten-headed Ravana. It was celebrated as a celebration of the victory of justice and truth over untruth. Rama was victorious over Ravana. Hence this Tithi was called Vijaya Dashami. With ten heads, Ravana was defeated on this day, so this day is also called Dussehra and Dashara in the common language.

Goddess Durga has made this Tithi as Vijayadashami. 

The middle Charitra of Durga Saptashati tells the story of Goddess Durga and Mahishasura's killing encounter. This demon drove out the gods from heaven also. There was turbulence on the Earth due to his atrocities. The Goddess made the Earth free from the burden of sin by killing Mahishasura on Ashwin Shukla Dashami Tithi. Pleased with the Goddess's victory, the gods worshipped Vijaya Devi, and this Tithi is called Vijaya Dashami.

The victory of truth in the time of Mahabharata 

Before the Mahabharata war, there was another Mahyuddh, which was fought by Arjuna alone. On one side, there was a massive army of Kauravas, and on the other side, Arjuna stood alone. This war is recorded in history with the name of the battle of Virat. In the last days of his unknown condition, Arjuna fought this war for Maharaja Virat, whose kingdom he had spent his exile. This was the victory of the Pandavas' Dharma over the untruth of the Kauravas. Dussehra is also celebrated in the form of Vijayadashami due to the success of the Pandavas. 

Dussehra got its name as Vijaya Dashami because of this Goddess. 

The nine forms of Maa Durga are worshiped during the nine days of Navratri. But the worship of the Goddess is not considered complete without the worship of Yoginis. Therefore, in the Vijaya Nakshatra, the Goddess's Yogini Jaya and Vijaya Ashwin Shukla occur on the Dashami Tithi. These two yoginis are unvanquishable; no one can defeat them, so they are also worshiped as Aparajita Devi. Dussehra is called Vijaya Dashami because of the worship of Vijaya Devi on DashmiTithi. 

Festival is being celebrated since ancient times. 

In ancient times Rajaghana Dussehra used to be celebrated as Vijaya festival. On this day, King prayed to Vijaya Goddess and leave for the Rana Yatra. On the day of Vijayadashami, kings attacked the kings of other countries to extend their rule area.

Importance of the day of Dussehra

It is believed that if you begin a new work on this day, it proves to be beneficial, and it is auspicious to buy vehicles, jewelry, and other items; this increases the house's progress. With this, worship of Lord Shiva offers several benefits manifold, and on this day, the work can be taken forward by praying for victory and success is achieved.

Dussehra Puja Essentials

Dussehra Idol 

Cow Dung, Lime 

Tilak, Mauli, Rice, and Flowers 

Navaratri-grown Barley

Bananas, Radish, Gwarfali, Jaggery 

Kheer, Puri, and your books 

Dussehra Puja Vidhi 

Bath early in the morning, and after that, make a Dussehra idol with wheat or lime. After this, make nine cow dung balls. Now make two bowls from cow dung and keep some coins in one bowl; in the other, keep Roli, rice, fruit, and barley. After this:

Start the Puja with water.

Offer roli, rice, flowers, and barley.

Offer banana, radish, gwarfali, jaggery, and rice to the idol.

After this:

Offer incense and Diya to the idol and offer flowers, barley, roli, and rice to the books too.

After this, remove the coins from the cow dung bowl and keep it in a safe place.

Offer food to Brahmins and poor, offer Dakshina, and after Ravana, Dehan, distribute the Sona leaf and bow down to the elders and the relatives of the house and meet each other. 

Sri Rama Raksha StotraPaath

Suppose you are suffering from any demonic effects. If an unrighteous person is bothering you, then do the path of Sri Rama Raksha Stotra on this day. If there is any fear in your conscious, then perform BanglamukhiAnushthan on the day of Vijayadashami. You will be benefitted. Rama is a Dharmagya. He is Dharamvatsal. Rama is Devakalpa. He lives the Truth of consciousness, speech, and Karma. Rama is Vishnu in might. He is Earth in forgiveness. In truth, he is Sakshat Dharma. Today is his day of worship, and also it is the day of learning from the character of Rama.

Importance of Shastra Puja 

On Vijayadashami, weapons are also worshiped to win over the enemy. Here Shastra is the weapon. Worship your Vedas, Gita, and Ramayana on this day because these are your real weapons that will defeat both your inner enemies and external enemies. Vijayadashami comes immediately after the worship of female power. Its philosophical meaning is that without Naari Puja or the Matra Puja of the Naari, we cannot win over the enemy. Worship Sri Rama on the day of Mahaparava of this Vijayadashami. Get done the Akand Path of Sri Ramacharit Manas. Get done the Akand Kirtan of Sita Rama.

There is also a provision of other pujas on this day, which are mentioned below.

1. When sunset occurs, and some stars start appearing in the sky, this period is called Vijay Muhurta. Performing any puja or work at this time helps in acquiring good results. It is said that Lord Sri Rama started the war to defeat the evil Ravana in this Muhurta only. During this time only, a tree named Shami took the form of a bow called Gandiva of Arjuna. 

2. Dussehra is considered one of the purest days of the year. It is one of the three and a half Muhurats (the most auspicious time of the year - Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, Ashwin Shukla Dashmi, Vaishakh Shukla Tritiya, and Kartik Shukla Pratipada (Aadha Muhurta)). This period is suitable for starting anything. However, some nischchit Muhurta may also be meant for special worship. 

3. Kshatriyas, warriors, and soldiers worship their weapons on this day; This Puja is also known in the form of Ayudh/ Shastra Puja. They, too, do Shami-Pujan on this day. In ancient times, this worship was considered to be the main for the Kshatriyas for the monarchy. In ancient times, for Rajashahi, this Puja was supposed to be pivotal for the Kshatriyas. 

4. Brahmins worship Goddess Saraswati on this day

5. Vaishyas worship their notebook. 

6. The Navaratri Ramleela, which takes place in many places, also ends today. 

7. The victory of Lord Rama is celebrated by burning effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnath.

8. There is a belief that it is considered sacred to chant the aparajita of Mother Bhagwati Jagadamba.

9. In Bengal, the festival of Goddess Durga Puja is celebrated lavishly.

Dussehra is also called Vijayadashami or Ayudhapuja. Dussehra is a very auspicious Tithi. There is SarvakaryaSarvasiddhi Vijaya Muhurt on. That is why there is immense benefit in starting any religious work or new work. At the same time, weapons are also worshipped on Dussehra. Also, many such tasks pave the way for happiness and peace prevailing at home throughout the year, along with massive financial earning. Come, let us know what those works are: 

Worshiping Shami's wood with sweet curd on Dussehra with Aparajita mantras leads to success and progress in the presence of that Siddha Kashth in that pivotal period. The members of the house are blessed with the grace of the gods and goddesses.

You can also make a secret donation after Lanka Dehen on Dussehra. On this day, you can keep a new broom in a temple where no one can see you. This private donation will remove all your money related problems.

You can also make a secret donation after Lanka Dehen on Dussehra. On this day, you can keep a new broom in a temple where no one can see you. This private donation will remove all your money related problems. (This point has been repeated. Please see to this)

It is a belief to worship the Shami tree on Dussehra. On this day, if you worship the Shami tree and burn a Diya of desi ghee beneath it in the evening, then doing this will be auspicious for you. It is believed that this gives success in matters of court and legality. 

On the day of Dussehra, you take a piece of alum and make all the family members touch it. Then take it to the roof of the house and stand on the opposite side of where you wish to throw it. Then throw it while meditating the name of your Ishtadeva. By doing this, the house's negative energy is destroyed, and prosperity arrives; religious beliefs say so. 

After doing Puja on the day of Dussehra, to get success in jobs and business, distribute ten fruits among the poor and chant the Mantra Om VijayaayoNamah. Through this, your wish will get fulfilled. 

According to astrologers, the left-over wood after Ravana Dehen should be brought into the house and kept in a safe place. Through this, negative energy does not enter the house. Also, no performs tantra-mantra at home. On the day of Dussehra, Lord Rama was victorious over Ravana. It is also the end of Navratri, and on this day, the Visarjan of Devi's idol also takes place. On this day, weapons are worshiped, and the victory festival is celebrated. If some special rituals are done on this day, then a lot of wealth can be acquired.

Who should be worshipped on Dussehra, and what will be the benefit?

• On this day, Mahishasurmardini Maa Durga and Lord Rama should be honored.
• Through this, all the obstacles will get destroyed, and victory will be acquired in life.
• Worshipping weapons today will not protect you, and those weapons will not harm you. 
• By worshipping Goddess today, you can start any new work. 
• Dussehra Puja is unique when it comes to keeping the Navagraha in control 

Which Mantra should be chanted for victory?

"SriyamRamam, JayamRamam, DwirjayamRammiryet. 

TrayodashaksharoMantrah, SarvasidhhikarahSthitah. 

Celebrate Dussehra on the culmination of Navaratri 

• First worship the Goddess and then worship Sri Rama
• Chant the mantras of the Goddess and Sri Rama
• If you have kept Kalash, then remove the coconut and consume it as Prasad. 
• Sprinkle water of the Kalash in the entire house so that negativity can get destroyed

You can read similar write-up on relevance of astrology in indian festivals for all other major Indian Festivals.