Dussehra and it's Stories

Dussehra is symbolic as it enables people to win over their fears and celebrate the victory of good over evil.

The festival of Dussehra originates from the great Hindu epic Ramayana which says that the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Lord Rama along his brother Laxmana and his follower Hanuman with army of apes men, waged a war against the ten headed devil Ravana the King of rakshasas in the Sat-yuga, since Ravana had abducted Lord Rama's wife Sita.

This occasion people celebrate by burning effigies of Ravanas.

It is said that before leaving for Lanka, he had prayed to Goddess Durga for Victory.

This day is celebrated as Vijayadashmi or Dussehra.

Another story says

Vijayadashami marks the end of Durga Puja, remembering Goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura to restore and protect dharma.

The lesser known story associated with Dussehra is that of the Pandavas. After Pandavas loss in the game of dice to Kauravas, they were exiled for 13 years. In the last year of their exile, the Pandavas had to leave in complete disguise. Before they leave, they hidden their powerful weapons under the Shami tree so that no one could find them. When returned after a year, it was there found their weapons lying under the tree untouched. The Pandavas declared war on the Kauravas soon after this and won the battle against them, since then the Shami leaves has become a custom among people who as it symbolizes good will and victory. In many parts of the country people worship the Shami tree on Dusshera.

According to another story, in Ayodhya, there lived a boy named Kautsa, the son of a Brahmin called Devdutt, who had pursued his education from Rishi Varatantu. When it was time to pay his Guru dakshina, the Rishi asked him for one hundred and forty gold coins. Unable to pay his Guru dakshina, Kautsa's requested the King to help him. Kautsa's wish was answered by the God of wealth- Kuber, showered gold coins from sky near the Apati tree. Kautsa collected the gold coins and gave his Guru dakshina. He distributed the remaining coins to the poor on the day of Dussehra. Since that day, people have offered leaves of Apati tree to each other considering them to be a symbol of gold.

May this Dussehra dispel gloom and misery and bring you happiness and prosperity.

Happy Dussehra!