Dasara Utsav (Vijayadashmi)

Dassera (Vijayadashami) Utsav

Dussehra or Dassera, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India. Observed on the tenth day of the Hindu month of Ashwin, it marks the culmination of the nine-day Navratri festival and symbolizes the eternal victory of good over evil. At its core, the term "Vijay" means righteous victory, one which aligns with the Dharma and the day itself marks the culmination of a journey toward progress and success.

The essence of Dassera is drawn from two powerful legends.

The first is the victory of Prabhu Shree Rama over Ravana, as narrated in the Ramayana. Ravana, represents ego, arrogance, and negative human tendencies. His defeat by Prabhu Shree Rama signifies the triumph of truth, virtue, and dharma over evil forces.

The second legend celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. After a fierce battle lasting nine days, Goddess Durga vanquished the demon on the tenth day,

On this day, poojan (worship) of Goddess Saraswati is performed in the morning, symbolizing reverence for knowledge and wisdom, while in the evening, the tools and weapons representing skill and strength are worshipped. Together, they signify the perfect balance of knowledge and action, understanding and power.

Vijayadashmi - Crossing the border of confusion into the realm of clarity

The Deeper Significance of Dassera (Vijayadashami)

In one of his discourses, Sadguru Shree Aniruddha Bapu explained the true spiritual essence of Vijayadashami, also known as Dassera.

He said that this sacred day signifies ‘Seemollanghan’ (सीमोल्लंघन) — the crossing of boundaries. However, Sadguru Aniruddha Bapu clarified that this does not mean transgressing moral or ethical limits. The real meaning of Seemollanghan lies in expanding one’s limits, going beyond self-imposed barriers of fear, doubt, and limitation, while continually enhancing one’s capacities and competence. Such growth is essential for progress and all-round development.

Along with Seemollanghan, Sadguru Aniruddha Bapu also explained the importance of observing ‘Sinhavalokan’ (सिंहावलोकन) on the day of Dassera. ‘Sinhavalokan’ literally means: “The lion's backward glance.” When a lion moves forward, it occasionally pauses to glance behind, not out of fear or uncertainty, but with complete awareness, confidence, and mastery of its path.

In the same way, Sinhavalokan means reflecting upon one’s past with awareness, honesty, and discernment. It is an opportunity to review one’s journey, learn from past experiences, recognise both strengths and shortcomings, and assess one’s progress, not by comparing oneself with others, but by measuring oneself against one’s own true potential.

Significance of Dassera(Vijayadashami)

Dassera Utsav — A Celebration of Strength and Devotion

Shree Aniruddha Upasana Foundation celebrates Dassera Utsav each year in a devotional atmosphere at Shree Harigurugram. On this sacred day, Shraddhavans perform the ‘Vijayopasana’ to achieve success and balance of spiritual and worldly life. During this upasana, the ancient weapons of Indian Martial Arts, revived by Sadguru Aniruddha, are worshipped. These include the Mudgal, Fari, Gada (Mace), Jodkathi, Lathi, and Kathi, among others.

During the Dassera Upasana, the mantra — “Om Samarthyasindhu Mahabalotkata Shree Aniruddhaya Namah” is chanted with deep faith. Along with it, the gajar (chant) of “Shree Swami Samarth Jai Jai Swami Samartha” and other sacred hymns fill the atmosphere with devotion and spiritual energy.

Poojan of weapons which are a part of the ‘Ancient Indian Martial Arts’ being performed on Vijayadashami

Dassera (Vijayadashami) Pujan at Home

On Dassera or Vijayadashami, shraddhavans also perform the pujan of Shree Mahasaraswati and Shree Saraswati as guided by Sadguru Bapu.

A representative symbol of both deities is drawn on a stone slate (or nowadays can be drawn on a whiteboard, on a mobile phone or a tablet) placed side by side, and worshipped by offering flowers and leaves of ‘Apta Tree’ with devotion. These two icons represent the divine union of love and knowledge, devotion and wisdom, both of which are essential for a balanced and fulfilling life.

Bapu has explained that we create our own destiny, and the energy required for this creative process arises from these very symbols.

Dassera thus becomes a festival of external victory as well as an inner celebration of faith over fear, wisdom over confusion, and surrender over ego.
Under Sadguru’s loving guidance, every shraddhavan learns that real victory begins within in the silent expansion of one’s heart, awareness, and courage to walk the path of dharma with devotion and grace.