Vijayadashami: The Festival of Victory of Good Over Evil

Vijayadashami: The Festival of Victory of Good Over Evil

Sep 30, 2025Cycle Care

Ayi giri nandini nandhitha medhini
Viswa vinodhini nandanuthe
Girivara vindhya sirodhi nivasini
Vishnu Vilasini Jishnu nuthe
Bhagawathi hey sithi kanda kudumbini
Bhoori kudumbini bhoori kruthe
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini
Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe 


These lines are part of the Mahishasura Mardini Stotram, a devotional hymn dedicated to Goddess Durga. This verse praises the Goddess for her strength and divinity. She is called Mahishasura Mardini, the slayer of the demon Mahishasura and Shaila Suthe, the daughter of the mountains. The Stotram captures her fierce form and grace, showing her as a force that defeats evil and protects dharma. This is the essence of Vijayadashami, a festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil.  

 
Why is Vijayadashami Celebrated? 

Vijayadashami, which is also called Dussehra, marks the end of the nine-day Navratri festival. The word Vijaya means victory and Dashami refers to the tenth day. Across India this day is celebrated with great joy, devotion and hope. The festival commemorates two major events from Hindu mythology. The victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura, the demon king. Mahishasura was a powerful demon who after his penance, received the blessings of Lord Agni that he could not be defeated by any god or a man. As Mahishasura's powers increased, he started wreaking havoc across the world. This resulted in the gods creating Goddess Durga. She fought him for nine days and defeated him on the tenth. This event reminds us of the strength of the divine feminine and the victory of the good. 

Legends of Dussehra: Ramayana & Mahabharata Connection  

Vijayadashami also celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, in the epic Ramayana, Lord Rama defeats the ten headed demon king Ravana who had kidnapped his wife Sita. Rama’s victory represents the defeat of ego, greed and evil intentions. Another story associated with Dussehra is the victory of the Pandavas over Kauravas. In the epic Mahabharata, the Kauravas forced the Pandavas into exile for fourteen years after deceitfully taking their kingdom from them. When the Pandavas returned after fourteen years and asked for their kingdom, Duryodhana refused, and this further led to the battle of Kurukshetra. In all the stories the message is clear, truth and goodness may face challenges and hardships, but in the end they will always win.  

 

Vijayadashami as an Inner Battle: Conquering Ego, Anger, and Fear 

Although these stories are centuries old, the lessons they teach us are timeless. In today’s world, it often feels like evil has the upper hand. We see injustice, dishonesty and cruelty around us. Goodness and truth seem to be pushed aside. Many of us feel helpless, wondering why things are so unfair and bad things happen in spite of doing what is right. This is where festivals like Vijayadashami play a deep and powerful role. They are not just celebrations; they remind us that even when darkness seems strong, light can overcome it. Even when we feel defeated, we can rise. Just like Goddess Durga fought tirelessly for nine days, and Lord Rama never gave up, we too must continue to stand up for what is right. These stories give us strength. They show us patience, courage and faith can lead us to victory. Evil may have its time, but it won’t last forever.  

 

Spiritual Significance of Vijayadashami 

The stories of Vijayadashami are not just about gods and demons; they are also about inner battles. Sometimes Mahishasura and Ravana are in us, in the form of our fears, ego, anger, and doubt. Festivals like these help us pause, reflect and find strength to conquer those inner demons. In a way it encourages self-awareness and transformation. It reminds us that we all have Durga within us capable of great power, courage and wisdom.  

How Vijayadashami Is Celebrated Across India? 

Vijayadashami is celebrated across the country in many different ways. In West Bengal, the final day of Durga Pooja is marked by grand processions where idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in rivers. Families say goodbye to the Goddess with joy and sadness and seek blessings. In North India, the festival is celebrated by burning effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhakaran, representing the end of evil. Fairs are held and scenes from the Ramayana are performed in the grounds, this is called Ramlila. In South India, people worship tools, vehicles, books and instruments on this day, this celebration is called Ayudha Pooja. In Karnataka, the Mysuru Dasara is famous for its royal celebrations, processions, decorated elephants and cultural performances. It’s a grand day showcasing art, devotion, and the spirit of the people.  

 

A Festival of Hope, Courage, and Truth 

Vijayadashami is more than a festival, it's also about hope. It teaches us that darkness, no matter how strong, will never win in the end. Through the stories of Durga and Rama, we learn that courage, truth and perseverance are true weapons in the battle called life. As we celebrate this day, let us carry its message with us. Let us choose goodness even when it's hard and speak truth and believe in justice when it seems far away. Because in the end good will emerge victorious.  

 

 

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