ॐ Dashami: Dusshera | Vijayadashami 2024: The Triumph of Good Over Evil: Navratri

ॐ Dashami: Dusshera | Vijayadashami 2024: The Triumph of Good Over Evil: Navratri

Explore the rich traditions and spiritual significance of Dusshera | Vijayadashami 2024. Discover the origin stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata, unique celebrations across India, rituals like Ravana effigy burning, and insights from Hindu Vedas. Learn why this festival marks the triumph of good over evil after Navratri and how to celebrate with pujas, rituals, and more.

Dashami: Dusshera | Vijayadashami 2024: Burning of Ravana during Dussehra, capturing the vibrant celebration and fiery scene. Marking the Triumph of Good Over Evil

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu calendar, celebrated to mark the triumph of good over evil. It embodies the essence of righteousness (dharma) prevailing over immorality (adharma), a message that resonates deeply with devotees. As a culmination of the Navratri festival, Dusshera has its roots in ancient scriptures and is observed across India with great zeal and devotion.

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Dusshera and Vijayadashami 2024 Muhurat and Timings: Vijaya Muhurta

• Dashami Tithi (10th day): October 12, 2024, at 10:58 AM
• Vijaya Muhurta for Puja: 01:30 PM to 02:17 PM and 02:03 PM to 02:49 PM

What is the Origin Story of Dusshera?

The origins of Dusshera are tied to two major Hindu epics—Ramayana and Mahabharata.

• Ramayana Connection: The most popular story associated with Dusshera is the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. According to the Ramayana, Ravana, the king of Lanka, had abducted Sita, Lord Rama’s wife. After a fierce battle, Rama killed Ravana on the tenth day of Ashwin (Hindu calendar), which is celebrated as Vijayadashami. The burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhakarna symbolizes the end of evil forces.
• Mahabharata Connection: In the Mahabharata, Dusshera marks the day when the Pandavas completed their year of exile in disguise and retrieved their weapons hidden under a Shami tree. The festival symbolizes their victory and the re-emergence of their rightful path.

What is the Spiritual Significance of Vijayadashami?

Vijayadashami is a celebration of victory in the spiritual and moral sense. It represents the journey of the soul towards enlightenment, as it conquers inner demons like anger, greed, and pride. In the context of Goddess Durga, Vijayadashami marks her victory over Mahishasura, signifying the destruction of ignorance and the rise of divine wisdom.

It also signifies the completion of the transformative nine days of Navratri, where devotees undergo spiritual cleansing and emerge victorious over their inner weaknesses.

Why is Dusshera Still Celebrated?

Dusshera is celebrated to reinforce the belief that good will always triumph over evil, no matter how powerful or entrenched evil may seem. It serves as a reminder for people to uphold moral and ethical values in their daily lives and strive toward righteousness. It is a collective cultural affirmation of values like justice, virtue, and compassion.

Dashami: Dusshera | Vijayadashami 2024: the epic battle between Lord Rama and the demon lord Ravana. Marking the Triumph of Good Over Evil

Rituals and Traditions: How to Celebrate Vijayadashami?

1. Performing Ayudha Puja: People worship tools, weapons, and vehicles, a tradition known as Ayudha Puja, to thank the divine for prosperity and protection. This is especially popular in southern India.
2. Burning of Effigies: In northern India, massive effigies of Ravana, along with Meghnath and Kumbhakarna, are burnt to signify the end of evil forces.
3. Shami Puja: In some regions, the Shami tree is worshipped as part of the Dusshera celebrations, commemorating the Pandavas’ return from exile.
4. Cultural Programs and Ramlila: Plays reenacting the Ramayana, known as Ramlila, are staged across the country. Communities gather to watch these performances and participate in the symbolic destruction of evil.
5. Rituals and Feasting: Families come together to offer prayers, perform rituals, and enjoy festive meals, emphasizing the importance of togetherness and gratitude.

How Do Different States of India Celebrate Dusshera and Vijayadashami?

• North India (Ramlila and Ravana Dahan): States like Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Bihar celebrate with grand Ramlila performances and the burning of Ravana effigies, symbolizing the destruction of evil.
• West Bengal (Durga Puja): Elaborate pandals (temporary structures) are set up to house idols of Goddess Durga. On Vijayadashami, the idols are immersed in water bodies.
• Mysore (Karnataka): The Mysore Dusshera is famous for its royal processions, elephant parades, and grand celebrations centred around the Chamundeshwari Temple.
• Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh (Ayudha Puja): These states focus on Ayudha Puja, where tools and weapons are worshipped for their role in sustaining life and livelihoods.
• Maharashtra (Shami Puja): In Maharashtra, people exchange leaves from the Shami tree as a symbol of goodwill and prosperity.
• Gujarat: Garba and Dandiya Raas, traditional dance forms, are performed during the nine nights preceding Dussehra.
• South India: Golu, a display of dolls and figurines, is arranged in homes. Ayudha Puja is performed, where tools and instruments are worshipped.
• Guwahati: In Guwahati, Assam, Dusshera is celebrated with great pomp and show. The city is adorned with colourful decorations, and people participate in various cultural events.
• Varanasi: In Varanasi, Dussehra is celebrated with religious fervour. People take a dip in the holy Ganges River and perform puja at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Connection of Dussehra and Vijayadashami with Navratri

Dussehra is celebrated immediately after the nine-night festival of Navratri. This connection has deep roots in Hindu mythology:

• Nine Nights of Battle: According to the Devi Mahatmya, Goddess Durga fought with the demon Mahishasura for nine nights and defeated him on the tenth day.
• Worship of Divine Feminine: Navratri is dedicated to the worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, culminating in Vijayadashami.
• Preparation for Victory: The nine nights of Navratri are seen as a period of spiritual preparation, leading to the final victory celebrated on Dussehra.

Why is Dussehra or Vijayadashami Celebrated After Navratri?

Dussehra is celebrated after Navratri to symbolize the culmination of the nine days of worship and spiritual practices dedicated to the Divine Feminine, followed by the victory of good over evil. According to Hindu Vedic scriptures and ancient texts like the Markandeya Purana and Ramayana, this sequence holds deep spiritual significance.

During Navratri, devotees honour the Nine Forms of Goddess Durga, representing different aspects of strength, wisdom, and protection. The nine days are believed to purify the soul, prepare the mind, and harness divine energy for overcoming internal and external obstacles. The tenth day, Vijayadashami (Dussehra), marks the moment of victory—"Vijaya" meaning victory and "Dashami" meaning the tenth day—commemorating Lord Rama's triumph over the demon king Ravana in the Ramayana, symbolizing the destruction of evil after a period of spiritual awakening.

The Devi Mahatmya from the Markandeya Purana also narrates the story of Goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura on Vijayadashami. This victory celebrates the vanquishing of negative forces and is a testament to the strength of righteousness that Navratri invokes in devotees.

How Did Dusshera and Vijayadashami Get Their Names?

1. Dusshera comes from two Sanskrit words, "Dasha" (ten) and "Hara" (defeat), symbolizing the defeat of Ravana on the tenth day.
2. Vijayadashami combines "Vijaya" (victory) and "Dashami" (tenth day), marking the victorious tenth day.

What Do Hindu Vedas and Scriptures Tell About Dusshera and Vijayadashami's Stories and Traditions?

Hindu Vedic literature and Puranas like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Devi Bhagavata Purana contain several references to the victory of good over evil, a key theme of Dusshera.

1. The Ramayana tells the story of Lord Rama's victory over Ravana.
2. The Mahabharata details the Pandavas retrieving their weapons on Vijayadashami after their exile.
3. Devi Bhagavata Purana describes the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.

The Skanda Purana and Vishnu Purana also provide narratives that reinforce the symbolism of divine justice prevailing over adharma.

According to Hindu Vedas and Scriptures, How Should One Celebrate Dusshera and Vijayadashami?

1. Performing Shami Puja: The Shami tree is highly revered in Vedic traditions. Performing Shami Puja on Vijayadashami is believed to bring victory and prosperity.
2. Ayudha Puja: Offer prayers to tools and weapons, acknowledging their role in sustaining life.
3. Reciting the Ramayana: Reading or listening to the Ramayana is a tradition on Dusshera, to remind oneself of Rama's virtues.
4. Burning Effigies: In line with symbolic traditions, burning the effigies of Ravana is believed to cleanse the environment of negative energies.

How or when did the tradition of Effigy (Idols/ Putlas) Burning of Ravan start?

The tradition of burning effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhakarna during Dussehra has its roots in the Ramayana. While the epic itself doesn't mention effigy burning, the practice symbolizes Lord Rama's victory over Ravana, representing the triumph of good over evil. The fire used to burn the effigies signifies purification and the destruction of negative forces.

During the medieval period, the custom evolved through Ramlila performances, which reenacted Rama's life story. These performances, especially popular from the 15th century, culminated in the burning of Ravana’s effigy. The tradition was supported by kings who saw it as a way to reinforce the values of righteousness and justice.

In the 19th century, the practice became more widespread and standardized, especially in northern India, with large public gatherings and elaborate effigies. The celebration grew in significance during British rule as a way of uniting communities and celebrating Hindu identity.

In modern times, effigies—often towering up to 100 feet—are filled with firecrackers and burned amidst large crowds. The effigy burning symbolizes not only the defeat of Ravana but also the overcoming of inner evils like pride, anger, and greed. This grand public spectacle serves as a reminder that no matter how powerful evil seems, dharma (righteousness) will always prevail.

Dusshera and Vijayadashami: Interesting Stories and Traditions

1. Kautsa's Tale: A lesser-known story tells of a young man named Kautsa who sought guru dakshina (teacher's fee) from his guru Varatantu. The guru asked for 14 billion gold coins. To help Kautsa, Lord Rama requested Kubera, the god of wealth, to shower gold coins on the Shami trees. This is why exchanging Shami leaves is a tradition in some regions.
2. Akshaya Tritiya Connection: Some traditions link Dussehra to Akshaya Tritiya, believing that the Pandavas received their divine weapons on this day.
3. Kanya Puja: In some parts of India, young girls are worshipped as embodiments of the divine feminine on this day.
4. Ritual Crossing of Boundaries: In certain communities, people symbolically cross the boundaries of their villages, signifying victory and expansion.
5. Vijaya Muhurta: The specific time when Lord Rama defeated Ravana is considered highly auspicious for starting new ventures.

Conclusion

Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, is not just a celebration of Lord Rama's victory over Ravana or Goddess Durga's triumph over Mahishasura; it is a profound reminder of the eternal battle between good and evil within us. Rooted in ancient scriptures, the festival unites diverse cultures across India in their shared belief that righteousness will always prevail. As we burn the effigies of Ravana and offer prayers, Dussehra encourages us to conquer our inner demons and embrace the virtues of truth, compassion, and courage. This festival is a powerful affirmation that no matter how challenging the path, dharma will always triumph.

" May Lord Rama and Goddess Durga bless your Dussehra celebrations in 2024 with victory, peace, and prosperity! "
~ Team Baidhyanath.Org