Unknown Legends about Dussehra and Vijayadashami

Posted on 11/10/2016 I by: Navneeta

Dussehra and Vijayadashami mark two celebrations for the Indian folks. One is the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and the other victory of the goddess Durga over demon Mahishasura. Dussehra is one of the major Hindu festivals of India celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. On the occasion of Dussehra here are a few unknown legends about the festival.

Dussehra is derived from the Sanskrit dasha hara, which means ‘The sun will not rise’ (dasha means sun and hara means defeat). It is believed that had Rama not defeated Ravana, the sun would not have risen.

Ravana’s 10 heads represent Kama vasana (Lust), Krodha (Anger), Moha (Attachment), Lobha (Greed), Mada (Over Pride), Matsara (Jealousy), Swartha (Selfishness), Anyaaya (Injustice), Amanavta (Cruelty), Ahankara (Ego). Burning of the effigy of Ravana is symbolic of cleansing one’s soul.

Vijayadashami originated from two words ‘vijaya’ meaning victory in Sanskrit and ‘dashami’ is the 10th day of the lunar calendar. It signifies the day that Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura.

Vijayadashami is the last day of Durga Puja that marks the annual visit of the goddess Durga to her maretnal home with her children Karthika, Ganesha, Saraswati and Lakshmi.

Rama also performed the Chandi Homa yajna to invoke the blessings of goddess Durga, who granted him the boon of the secret knowledge of the way to kill Ravana.

Dussehra celebration is believed to have started in the 17th century with the king of Mysore ordering his kingdom to celebrate the festival.

The Ambedkarite people believe that Emperor Asoka converted to Buddhism on this day. It is also the day that Dr Ambedkar converted to Buddhism in 1956.

The day also marks a shift in season. Farmers harvest the kharif crop after Dussehra, with the rabi crop being planted after Diwali.