People worship weapons on Dussehra. The tradition is known as Shastra Puja.
As Navratri 2023 started on Sunday, October 15, and is ending today, October 23, Dussehra will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 24.
Dussehra or Vijayadashmi is one of the important and auspicious festivals celebrated by Hindus across the country as well as around the world. It marks the end of Navratri and the beginning of the preparations for Diwali. As we all know, the festival is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil.
It is observed annually on the tenth day or Dashami tithi of the shukla paksha of Ashwin month. As Navratri 2023 commenced on Sunday, October 15, and is ending today, October 23, Dussehra will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 24.
There are many stories associated with the Dussehra battle between Lord Rama and the demon king Ravana. As per Ramayana, Ravana abducted Lord Rama’s wife, Goddess Sita which led him and his brother Lakshmana to form an army of monkeys and rescue his wife. In the end, Lord Rama killed Ravana and won the battle.
On Dussehra, the effigies of Ravana, along with his brother Kumbhkaran and son Meghnad, are set on fire to commemorate the victory of good over evil. Besides the age-old tradition of burning the effigies of these brothers, people also worship weapons on the day of Dussehra. The tradition is known as Shastra Puja.
Hindus believe that the weapons of Goddess Durga were worshipped by gods after she defeated the demon Mahishasura. Additionally, some also believe that Pandavas also worshipped the weapons before heading on for the Kurukshetra war of Mahabharata. While it is believed that the festival marks the importance of non-violence, people still worship weapons as per their traditions.
Pandit Rajesh Parashar highlighted the importance of worshipping the weapons on the day of the festival. He also shared a few things to keep in mind while performing the tradition. He said on the day of Dussehra, wake up early in the morning, take a bath and meditate during Vijay Muhurta. Then, place your weapons on a clean cloth. Next, clean them with utmost care and go on to purify them using Ganga water followed by worshipping them. Apply rodi, sandalwood and akshat and offer flowers, and incense while lighting lamps. Chant the mantras of Lord Shri Ram and Maa Kali during Shastra Puja.
It is advised to be careful while worshipping your weapon as a little carelessness can cost you someone’s life. Ensure that the weapons are out of reach of your children and minors. Kids may likely mistake weapons for toys and end up hurting themselves.
