Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami is celebrated on the tenth day of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Ashwin. It marks the day Lord Rama defeated Ravana, and people across India celebrate this victory with Ravana Dahan and other rituals. In 2025, Dussehra falls on October 2, with Dashami Tithi starting at 7 pm on October 1 and lasting until 7 pm on October 2, making October 2 the main day for celebrations.
On Dussehra, many people perform Shastra Pujan (worship of weapons). According to scriptures, Lord Rama worshipped his weapons before defeating Ravana, and this practice has continued over centuries. Weapons are cleaned and worshipped to seek strength, courage, and protection. Now, people worship various tools like machines, books, and other equipment, that make them prosperous. Shastra Pujan is performed during Abhijit or Vijay Muhurat.
Dussehra 2025 Muhurat
Dashami Tithi Starts: 7:01 pm on October 1, 2025
Dashami Tithi Ends: 7:10 pm on October 2, 2025
Shravan Nakshatra Begins: 9:13 am on October 2
Shravan Nakshatra Ends: 9:34 am on October 3
Shubh Chaughadiya: 6:15 am to 7:43 am
Abhijit Muhurat: 11:46 am to 12:34 pm
Vijay Muhurat: 2:15 PM to 3:03 PM
Shastra Puja Muhurat: 11:46 AM to 12:34 PM. Then, between 2:15 PM and 3:03 PM.
Vehicle Purchase Muhurat: 10:41 am to 1:39 pm
Godhuli Muhurat: 6:06 pm to 6:30 pm
Ravan Dahan Muhurat: During Pradosh Kaal in the evening
How to Perform Shastra Puja on Dussehra?
Before starting Shastra Puja, first worship Goddess Aparajita. The ritual is a way to honor weapons and tools, symbolizing strength, protection, and victory.
Step-by-Step Method:
1. Bath and Purification: Wake up early, take a bath, and wear clean clothes. Keep all weapons out of children's reach.
2. Prepare the Platform: Spread a clean cloth on a platform and neatly arrange all weapons or tools you want to worship.
3. Purify the Weapons: Sprinkle Ganga water or clean water on the weapons to purify them.
4. Tie Mauli & Apply Tilak: Tie a Mauli (sacred thread) on each weapon and apply sandalwood paste as a mark of respect.
5. Offer Flowers and Garlands: Decorate the weapons with flowers and garlands to show devotion.
6. Incense and Lamps: Light lamps and incense sticks. Use rice grains, sandalwood, and other ritual items during worship.
7. Chant Mantras: Recite mantras dedicated to Goddess Kali or Lord Shri Ram while performing the puja.
8. Offer Naivedya (Prasad): Present seasonal fruits and other offerings to the weapons at the end of the puja.
9. Perform Aarti: Conclude the ritual by performing aarti of Goddess Aparajita and distributing prasad to family members.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is based on beliefs and information only. Always consult a concerned expert.