SIGNIFICANCE OF VIJAYA DASAMI

Vijayadasami or Dushara is the 10th day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin.  At the end of the nine days pooja to Goddess Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati, the tenth day is called Vijayadasami.  Vijaya means Victory.  Goddess Durga got victory over the demon Mahisha and vanquished him on the 10th day after nine days of fierce intense battle.  It is a celebration of Victory over the evil. 

There are many other significances related to this day.  Some are customary, and some are home-spun.  Here are some of the most popular significances that are accepted and followed by some communities.

Lord Rama defeated Ravana on this day.

It was on this day that Lord Rama killed Ravana.  Dushara is derived from two sanskrit words “Dasha” and “Hara” where Dasha means Ten and Hara means defeat.  In many states, like Maharastra, Ram-Leela is performed during this season and on the Vijayadasami day the act of Lord Rama killing Ravana is enacted in an open ground.  In some places the effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna and his son Meghanadha are burnt, as part of the celebration of victory over the evil.

Goddess Durga Vanquished the demon-Mahisha, Chanda-Munda and Shumbha-Nishumbha. 

Goddess Dura, mounting on a Lion, killed the powerful demon (Asura) , Mahisha on this day.  Hence, she is also called as Mahishasura Mardini.  After fighting with him for 9 days the Goddess attained Vijaya on the Tenth day.  The nine-days preceding this is celebrated as Navaratri where Goddess Durga is worshipped in her various forms.  In many states this victory over evil forms the basis of their celebration. Durga Pandals is very popular in the State of West Bengal.

Completion of Incognito Life by Pandavas

It was on this day that the Pancha Pandavas completed their one year of incognito life.  After 12 years of exile, the Pandavas had to remain disguising themselves for one year.  Before the start of this period, they wrapped all their divine weapons in a cloth and kept it on a high branch of a Shami Tree.  On the Vijayadasami day, they collected all the weapons and used them against the Kauravas in their war.  This is why, on the 9th day of Navaratri, the Ayudha Pooja is performed for all the Weapons.  Many people till follow the tradition of worshipping the Shami Tree on the 9th day as well as the Vijayadasami day.  The word Vijayadasami can be split as “Vijayata” and “Sami”.  This gives the meaning that Victory comes to one who worships the Sami Tree.

Appearance of ‘Vijay Kaal’ Star

Lord Shiva explained to Goddess Parvati on the importance of this day by stating that, A Star by name ‘Vijaya Kaal’ will rise in the sky on this day and it is the most auspicious time to get victory over enemies and to get all wishes fulfilled.  This is the belief in which many new ventures and good things are started on this day by some people.  Since Sage Vedavyas is the foremost Guru, Vyasa Pooja is performed that day to seek his blessings.  Similarly, many children get their first lessons (Aksharabhyasam) on this day by enrolling in the School or even have their first letters taught to them at home after performing the Vyasa Pooja. On the 8th day of Navaratri, Saraswati Pooja is done by placing all the books for Pooja.  These books are taken out on Vijaya Dashami day for learning, symbolizing a new beginning.

The Beginning of the Harvest Season

Vijayadasami marks the beginning of the Harvest Season.  People pray the Mother Earth for a good harvest.  The farmers make various offerings and various religious rituals (based on regional practice and tradition) on this day.  In many households, people have the practice of planting Nava Dhanyam in a pot and water it during Navaratri.  They believe the sprouting of these seeds as a sign of prosperity for the coming year.

Birth of Sri Madhwacharya (Madhwa Jayanthi)

The great Saint Madwacharya, also known by the names Poornaprajna and Anadateertha, is believed to be the 3rd incarnation of Lord Mukhyaprana Vaayu, after Lord Hanuman and Lord Bheemasena.  Sri Madhwacharya was the chief proponent of TATAVAADA, popularly known as Dvaita.  He was born on Vijayadashami Day of 1238 CE at Paajaka Kshetra, a small village near Udupi.  His philosophy is followed by all Madhwas across the world.  Sri Raghavendra Teertharu (Mantralayam) was a Madhwa and followed and spread the Madhwa Philosophy.

The Mahasamadhi of Shirdi Sri Sai Baba also took place on a Vijayadasami Day in 1918.

Irrespective of what significance prompts you to celebrate the Vijayadasami Day, the whole of Navaratri is a wonderful period for socializing for the Ladies, both young and old.  With colorful and traditional outfits, they move around the society visiting all their friends and relatives during this period and it is pleasing to see all of them wearing a big smile filled with joy and happiness.  At last, we have given them something to feel happy about.

 

(The above article was written for publication in Oct 2018 issue of PRINCE'S VOICE - my Community eMagazine.)