_\l/_ Happy Dussehra _\l/

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Deboleena

@OtakuGirl-Debo

Sparkler

+ 4

Posted: 10 years ago

"Yaa Devi Sarva Bhooteshu Shakti Roopena Samsthita Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha"

Meaning : Repeated salutations to the Devi (Goddess) who resides
in all beings in the form of Shakti (creative power).

Shakti, has three aspects - Ichha Shakti, Gyan Shakti, Kriya Shakti, which represent the creative aspect or the Power that enables Sarva Bhuta(all the living beings) to act, perform, move in their respective lives. Here Shakti is neither male nor female. It is the formless Power of the Supreme Consciousness.
This verse is from Devi Stuti of Durga Saptashati, used to awaken, invoke, pray to the Supreme Power, who appears in her feminine, powerful aspect, which was needed, since all other efforts to defeat the enemy had failed. Hence Shakti was prayed to take a form, who then appeared as Goddess, whom we call by various names, Durga, Amba, Mahalakshmi, Mahakali etc.
Shakti also means ability to act, materialize ideas, actualize as required by time. Only the Supreme Goddess, mother Shakti herself, could help. This verse is to praise one of the most important aspect of her.

Dussehra is one of the most important Hindu festival celebrated in various forms across India. It is derived from the Sanskrit word Dasha-Hara which means remover of bad fate. It refers to Lord Rama's victory over the Demon King Ravan.

The day also marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasur. The name Dussehra is also derived from the Sanskrit word Ahaha which means day. (Example: Aharnisha is derived from Ahaha+nisha)

Dussehra is a day to remind mankind that good will always win over evil.

Edited by Aahaana - 10 years ago

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Frequent Posters

616377

Hibernated

Posted: 10 years ago

The roots of Dussehra can be traced back to various mythological tales and legends.

Goddess Durga

The world was being tormented by an invincible buffalo demon, Mahishasura. The helpless and infuriated gods merged their powers to create Durga. The goddess waged a furious battle against him, which lasted for nine days. This is celebrated as Navaratri and the 10th day is celebrated as Durga Puja.

Lord Rama

The Ramyana is a legend that tells us how Lord Rama put to an end to the ten headed Demon king of Lanka, Ravana and rescued his abducted wife, Sita. The day is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil.

Shami Tree

Another legend has it that on this day the Pandavas went to the Shami tree to retrieve their weapons which were hidden during their 12 year long exile. It is believed to have happened on this day, Dashmi. It came to be known as Vijayadashmi symbolizing the triumph of the Pandavas in completing their exile.

Kausta

Kausta was the young son of Devdatt, a Brahmin. He requested his guru, Sage Vrarantu to ask for a gurudakshina. He asked for 140 million gold coins. Kausta went to King Raghu of Ayodhya. But the king had just spent all his money donating to Brahmins. He asked Kausta for three days and approached Lord Indra. Indra asked the Lord of wealth, Kuber to rain a heavy shower of gold coins on the Shanu trees around Ayodhya. Kausta offered the gold coins to his teacher. The remaining wealth was distributed to the subjects of Ayodhya on the day of Dussehra.

Edited by somergasm. - 10 years ago

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Shivangi.

@caffeineaddict

Trailblazer

+ 6

Posted: 10 years ago

India is known for its diversity and as such different regions have different ways of celebrating Vijayadashmi.

North India

On the 10th day of Navratri i.e. Dussehra, Ram-Leela (plays depicting the legends of Lord Rama as he rescued his beloved wife Sita from Demon King, Ravana) is enacted which is followed by putting huge effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakaran and son Meghanad on fire. They commemorate the day when Lord Rama killed Ravana, King of Lanka along with his entire Demon Army. The effigies are loaded with crackers and the sound and light in the night skies brings joy to all the people. Temples usually perform Durga Homa to purify the atmosphere.

Himachal Pradesh

A unique Kullu Dussehra is celebrated in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh which continues for seven whole days. They worship Lord Raghunath who is considered as the Ruling Deity of the Valley.

South India

In South India, this day is celebrated by thanking the almighty for all the success and prosperity bestowed to the people. Goddess Durga is worshiped as Goddess Chamundeshwari while special dolls are prepared called Golus.

In Andhra Pradesh, the kids pay respect to their elders by offering them leaves of Shami Tree which is considered auspicious.

In Karnataka, people worship the tools they use in their daily life; computers, books, stationary because these tools help the people to earn their livelihood.

Eastern India

In Bengal, Dussehra is the last day of their biggest festival, Durga Puja and the idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in water (Durga Bisarjan).

In Orissa, the women offer prasad to Goddess Shakti before her departure. The idols are taken for visarjan in large processions called Bisarjan Jatra. The idols are immersed in water and the people return with tears and sadness and hope that the Goddess will return next year and bring joy to their lives.

Edited by caffeineaddict. - 10 years ago