A festival of victory—of dharma over adharma, of light that dispels darkness, of Rama over Ravana—this is the essence of Vijaya Dashami. Valour, divinity, preparation, reconnection, and the grand finale of Shakti Puja—here the timeless spirit of Sanatana Dharma shines forth.
It is the day when Sri Ramachandra slew Ravana, a triumph not only of arms but of spirit. It was a display of limitless valour flavoured with kindness and forgiveness, born of the hope that even the most fallen might change. But Ravana did not. He chose battle, and Rama, in his righteousness, gave him that battle.
This day is also sanctified by another memory: the Pandavas, during their exile, secretly placed their weapons upon the sacred Shami tree, and on this very day they retrieved them to fight for dharma. To honour that act, people across Bharat worship weapons. Yet this worship goes beyond arms of war—it extends to every tool that sustains life: the axe and the plough, the weighing scale and the vehicle, the countless instruments of labour. All are revered, for to the Sanatani vision, divinity pervades everywhere.
Vijayadashami also follows the nine nights of Shakti Puja, when devotees worship the Goddess in the manifold forms of Nava Durga. On this day, one feels the immense satisfaction of reconnecting with Shakti, the cosmic power that upholds all existence. Celebration is indeed a jewel of Sanatana Dharma, yet greater still is the need to let the spirit of this festival illuminate daily life.
It is often said that Ravana was punished for his crime, receiving the death penalty. But what of us, who year after year burn his effigies while ignoring the Ravana within? Worse still, those meant to embody Rama in punishing the Ravanas of society often absolve them instead. The helpless find no justice. And in a bitter irony, it is frequently the Ravana-like men themselves who preside as chief guests at Ravana’s burning, parading as Rama’s representatives. What a tragic mockery of dharma!
When faith in Sri substance, truth, the divine reality is lost, religion itself is hijacked for irreligious ends. Therefore, the purpose of Vijaya Dashami certainly consists of fireworks, festivities, and the burning of effigies. Along with celebrating it is to become true warriors in the spirit of Sri Rama and the Pandavas, to protect the helpless, and to confront the Ravanas and Kauravas, both around us and within us.
Thus, Vijaya Dashami is cultural, historical, and spiritual. Yet it is also a profound psychological reality—a timeless call to the inner and outer battles that must be faced, now and forever.
– Govind Das (ISKCON MEMBER)
