Swarup Says: The Philosophy of Dussehra in Hinduism

Swaroop Sampat

Shera, also called Vijayadashami, is something more than a festival – it is a profound reflection on the eternal cycle of life, a reflection of the soul's battle with its own shadow. Those who have walked the path of dharma can understand this struggle, where a daily choice has to be made between the allure of unrighteousness and the quiet but unwavering voice of righteousness. Dussehra speaks of this inner journey. We do not celebrate Rama's victory over Ravana as a mere myth. Similarly, the story of Maa Durga killing Mahishasura is also not celebrated. The festival is a symbolic representation of our daily internal battle against our ego, vices and the illusions that bind us to samsara (the cycle of birth and rebirth). Ravana's ten heads are not only a symbol of his intelligence or power; It is a representation of our ten senses, constantly pulling us in many directions. Its defeat reminds us that controlling these senses is paramount to inner peace. There are many distractions in the modern world, Dussehra shows us a mirror. What Ravana have we allowed to grow in our lives? What inner demons – greed, anger, jealousy – dominate our minds? Each burning effigy should not only represent Ravana's defeat, but a collective catharsis, where society agrees to burn away its negativity. Yet the deeper philosophy of Dussehra is that this purification continues. Burning Ravana once a year is a kriya; While fighting it daily is the essence of spiritual discipline. Mother Durga's victory over Mahishasura also speaks of our inner struggle. A demon that can change form at will is a reflection of the mutability of our inner inhibitions. One day we face fear, the next day laziness and the third day pride. The defeat of Mahishasura by Maa Durga is a reminder that the divine energy within us has the wisdom and power to conquer these changing forms. Although this fight is never seen externally; It is inner awareness. Durga has many weapons and countless tools – patience, courage, wisdom – indicating that we too must use such weapons to meet life's challenges. From a spiritual point of view, Dussehra is a festival of victory not only over external evils, but over internal chaos. The Ramayana is not just about good versus evil; It symbolizes one's quest for self-realization. Rama's religion was maintained despite many obstacles. It teaches that following truth and righteousness, no matter how many challenges there may be, is our true strength. Sita, abducted by Ravana, on the other hand represents the soul, freed from material constraints, but restored to its original nature by devotion and discipline. Dussehra in Vedanta means destruction of ignorance (Avidya). Which draws us to our true selves. The battlefields of history are reflected in our inner lives. The mind is indeed full of attachment, desire and pride like Ravana. But the spirit is always capable of overcoming these forces through spiritual practice. Burning an effigy of Ravana on Dussehra is an idol. The real combustion must take place within – by removing ignorance, ego and delusion. The nine days from Navratri to Dussehra symbolize the steps towards this inner purification. Each day represents a different form of Maa Durga. Shailaputri is a symbol of the self of a person living peacefully on earth. Brahmacharini symbolizes the student, who possesses the necessary discipline to advance on the spiritual path. While Maa Chandraghanta conveys the importance of mental stability and results in the intense grace of Mahagauri and Maa Siddhidatri. These forms are not outer form goddesses to be worshipped; They are symbolic stages on the journey towards self-realization. The question is, what is the real message of Dussehra? It states that our life is also a part of this divine cycle. As light dispels darkness, let us dispel the darkness within. The festival encourages us not to fear the struggles we face – whether personal, professional or spiritual – because it is a process of awakening. Every obstacle is an opportunity to strengthen our religious connection. For those who walk this path, Dussehra is an annual reminder that ultimate victory is not external. True victory is the quiet, steady intelligence of the soul, the realization of the eternal nature of the Self by overcoming ignorance. Thus Dussehra celebrations become more than one – they become a philosophy of life. He urges that every moment is an opportunity to embody dharma, to choose righteousness and to have faith that will triumph over the constant evil in life, both internal and external.}