Dussehra: Celebrating the Triumph of Good Over Evil
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a colourful and spiritually significant Hindu holiday that is widely observed in India with great excitement and devotion. To provide an in-depth review of the celebrations, this page explains the customs, tales, rituals, and fortunate timing of Dussehra.
| Festival | Dussehra |
| Also, Know that | Vijaydashami or Dasain |
| Start And End date | October 15, 2023, to October 24, 2023 |
| Time | Between 01:58 PM and 02:43 PM |
| Vijaydashami | October 24, 2023 |
How Important Dussehra Is
Good Triumphs Over Evil
Dussehra occurs on the Aparahan Kaal (afternoon) of the Dashami Tithi (tenth date) of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the Ashwin month. It is observed to remember when Lord Rama defeated the demonic monarch Ravana, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. It is also known as Ayudhapuja in some areas..
About Dussehra Muhurat
Determining the Auspicious Time
Dussehra’s timing is crucial, and it is observed during the Aparahan Kaal. Here are some key points to understand the timing of Dussehra:
1. Dussehra is celebrated on the Ashwin Shukla Dashami during Aparahan Kaal, which spans from the tenth Muhurat after sunrise to just before the twelfth Muhurat.
2. If Dashami extends over two days, with Aparahan Kaal falling only on the second day, Dussehra is observed on the second day.
3. Conversely, if Dashami spans both days but does not coincide with Aparahan Kaal on either day, Dussehra is celebrated on the first day.
4. When Dashami extends over two days and Aparahan Kaal occurs only on the first day, but Dashami continues into the first three Muhurats of the second day, and Shravan Nakshatra prevails during the Aparahan Kaal of the second day, then Dussehra is observed on the second day, overriding other conditions related to Shravan Nakshatra.
Dussehra Puja & Celebration
Aparajita Puja Ritual
Aparajita Puja is a significant aspect of Dussehra, performed during Aparahan Kaal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to performing Aparajita Puja:
1. Find a sacred spot in the Northeast direction from your home for the Puja, ideally near a temple or garden. The participation of the entire family is encouraged, but individuals can also perform it.
2. Cleanse the area and create an Ashtadal Chakra (a ring of 8 lotus petals) with Sandalwood paste.
3. Take a Sankalp (vow) to perform the Puja of Goddess Aparajita for the well-being of your family and yourself.
4. Invoke Goddess Aparajita in the center of the Chakra using the mantra: “अपराजिताय नमः” (Aparajitaya Namah).
5. On her right, invoke Goddess Jaya with the mantra: “क्रियाशक्त्यै नमः” (Kriyashaktyai Namah).
6. On her left, invoke Goddess Vijaya with the mantra: “उमायै नमः” (Umayai Namah).
7. Perform Shodashopchar Puja, reciting the respective name mantras: “अपराजिताय नमः,” “जयायै नमः,” “विजयायै नमः” (Aparajitaya Namah, Jayayai Namah, Vijayayai Namah).
8. Conclude the Puja with a prayer, asking Goddess Aparajita to accept your offerings and bless your family.
9. After completing the Puja, offer your respects with a Namaskar.
10. Perform Visarjan (immersion) with the mantra: “हारेण तु विचित्रेण भास्वत्कनकमेखला। अपराजिता भद्ररता करोतु विजयं मम।” (Hareṇa tu vicitreṇa bhāsvat-kanakamekhalā। aparājitā bhadra-ratā karotu vijayaṁ mama।).
Other Dussehra Celebrations
Dussehra is not just about Aparajita Puja; it encompasses various customs and celebrations:
1. Vijaya Muhurat:** As the sun sets and stars begin to appear, the Vijaya Muhurat commences. It is considered an auspicious time to initiate any significant Puja or endeavor. This time is linked to Lord Rama’s victorious journey to Lanka and the Shami tree’s role in protecting his bow.
2. Ayudh Puja:** Warriors and soldiers worship their weapons on Dussehra, known as Ayudh Puja. In ancient times, this festival primarily honored Kshatriyas (royals and warriors).
3. Special Worship:** Other communities perform specific worships on Dussehra. Brahmins venerate Goddess Saraswati, Vaishya community focuses on their ledgers, and various regions have unique customs.
4. Navratri Ramlila:** The nine-day-long Navratri Ramlila, organized in many places, culminates on Dussehra.
5. Effigy Burning:** Dussehra also witnesses the burning of effigies representing Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghanada, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
6. Aparajita Stotra:** Reciting the ‘Aparajita Stotra’ of Bhagwati Jagdamba on Dussehra is considered highly auspicious.
7. Durga Festival in Bengal:** In Bengal, Dussehra concludes the grand Durga festival, adding to the festive fervor.
Dussehra Legend
The Defeat of Ravana
The name “Dussehra” originates from the word “Das Sar,” referring to the ten heads of the demon king Ravana. It was on this day that Lord Rama vanquished Ravana, marking the victory of righteousness over malevolence.
Arjuna’s Bow
Dussehra is also linked to Arjuna’s hiding of his Gandiva bow in a Shami tree during his one-year exile. When the son of the king asked for help in protecting cows, Arjuna retrieved his bow from the Shami tree and emerged victorious.
Lord Rama’s Victory
The event honors Lord Rama’s victory and is marked by the burning of effigies, which stand for the vanquishing of bad powers.
Experience the Grandeur in Mysore
Visit Mysore, known for its amazing Dussehra festival, for an amazing Dussehra experience.
Festival. This time in Mysore is lively and happy as the city prepares for the Diwali holiday beginning with Dussehra.
In simple terms, Dussehra is more than just a holiday; it reflects the victory of good overevil. It’s a time to celebrate traditions, spend time with loved ones, and think back on the ageless ideas of justice and conquering hardship.I hope your Dussehra is joyous, calm, and successful. I hope your Dussehra is joyous, calm, and successful.
