Dussehra Vijayadashami Fast – Rituals, Significance & Spiritual Benefits

Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, is a significant Hindu festival. This day marks the triumph of truth over untruth. On this day, Lord Rama defeated evil by killing Ravana. Life gets more positive and good with the Vijayadashami fast. On the tenth day after Durga Puja, people observe this fast. The core principle of this fast is devotion to Lord Rama and worship of Goddess Durga.

What is the Significance of this fasting?

The end of Navratri is marked by the Vijayadashami fast, which honours Goddess Durga.
It commemorates the triumph of Lord Rama over Ravana, a symbol of dharma and truth.
The fast purifies both the body and mind.
It also helps to strengthen your discipline, patience, and faith.
Fasting on this day reminds people to conquer their inner demons, such as ego, anger, and greed.  

What are the Dussehra Vijayadashami fasting traditions?

Getting Ready for the Morning
On Vijayadashami, get up early, shower, and wear new clothes. You have to clean up the puja area and decorate it with flowers.
Puja
Next is called Ghat Sthapana. Get a Kalash ready, which is a religious jar filled with water and betel nuts. You can offer fruits, various kinds of sweets and flowers, especially red coloured. You can also light up a ghee diya and chant Durga mantras for positive energy.   

Rituals and Fasting
When it comes to a fast, you can take a Nirjala fast (without food and water) or Phalahar (only fruits). Later in the day, after the evening prayers, you can break your fast.

Evening Festivities
To commemorate the triumph of good over evil, Ravana's idols are burned in the evening. In some places, people also worship their tools and weapons, in a ritual called Ayudha Puja, to honour their own inner power.   

Spiritual Benefits of Dussehra Vijayadashami Fast

Just as Lord Rama defeated Ravana, fasting helps devotees overcome their inner weaknesses.
The fast purifies and detoxifies the body and also helps to improve mental clarity.
It will enhance your willpower and focus.
It brings peace, prosperity, and protection.
Sharing Shami leaves and participating in puja rituals brings harmony and prosperity to families. 

Dussehra Fasting Tips

Begin the fast by taking a bath in the morning.
Follow a sattvic diet.
Throughout the day, keep Lord Rama and Goddess Durga in your thoughts.
Avoid anger, greed, and hatred.
Avoid telling any kind of lies.
Be respectful towards family members.
Avoid harming any living being.
Engage in acts of kindness and generosity throughout the day.
Remember Lord Rama and Goddess Durga as you sleep at night.  

How the Utsav App Can Help You?

You can read vrat kathas or mythological stories in the app’s Gyan Section.
You can also book pujas on special days from your home.
You can offer bhog and dakshina to temples online.
It will keep notifying you of important timings so you don’t have to miss any rituals and pujas.    

Conclusion

Fasting on Vijayadashami is a technique to overcome inner flaws and cleanse your body and mind. It also strengthens your willpower and brings focus into your life. Those who observe this fast with faith might notice peace, spiritual advancement, and win over negativity.