Vijaya Dasami

Vijaya Dasami or Dasara falls on the tenth day of Navratri. Vijaya Dasami is the day when the victory of the good over the evil after nine days of worship is cherished. The nine days of Navratri is celebrated with the first three days dedicated to Goddes Durga, the second three days to Goddess Lakshmi and the last three days to Goddess Saraswathi. Vijaya Dasami is celebrated on the tenth day invoking the blessings of Goddess Saraswathi.

Vijaya Dasami is celebrated on Ashwin Shukla Paksha Dasami (10th day of the waxing phase of moon in Ashwin month). Vijaya Dasami is the last day of Durga Puja and Dasara Festival. It is observed on the day after nine-day Navratri festival.

Legend

Goddess Durga got victory over the demon Mahishasura and vanquished him on the 10th day (Vijaya Dasami) after nine days of fierce battle. Mahishasura was undefeatable by Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva. Therefore, all the Gods create Goddess Durga to destroy the demon. It was on Vijaya Dasami that Lord Rama achieved victory over Ravana, the ten headed demon king of Lanka. The reign of good over evil is again portrayed symbolically.

Significance of Vijaya Dasami

Vijaya Dasami is an auspicious day to start any process of learning as it is dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi, the source of all knowledge. It is an auspicious occasion for children to get initiated into learning of all arts like classical music and dance and to start education. It is called Vidyarambham or introduction to education.

Spiritual Significance of Vijaya Dasami

Vijaya Dasami forms the day of victory of the self (Atma – soul) over the non-self (the association of one’s identity with the body and mind). Nature of the true self is bliss and it is experienced by a true seeker on Vijaya Dasami. Navratri worship is observed in the night which symbolically stands for the darkness of ignorance of one’s true self. The festival is celebrated to shake out of one’s ignorance for the spiritual awakening of pure awareness which is experienced on Vijaya Dasami. Realizing the spiritual significance of Vijaya Dasami leads one on the path of acquiring self-knowledge. Vijaya means “Victory”, the victory of good over evil, victory of our soul over our own mind & external senses. This victory is attained through the worship of the Mother Divine in the forms of Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswathi.