The festival of Dussehra holds great significance in Sanatan Dharma. It is celebrated as a symbol of the victory of good over evil and righteousness (Dharma) over unrighteousness (Adharma). According to the Hindu calendar, the festival of Vijayadashami is celebrated with great enthusiasm every year on the tenth day (Dashami) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Ashvin. According to religious beliefs, it was on this very day that Lord Rama slew Ravana; furthermore, it was also on this day that Goddess Durga brought an end to the demon Mahishasura. Various traditions are observed during Dussehra, among which the worship of weapons (Shastra Puja) and the worship of the Shami tree hold special importance. Let us explore why weapons and the Shami tree are worshipped on Vijayadashami.

Lord Rama worshipped the Shami tree
In Hinduism, the Shami tree is considered highly sacred and worthy of reverence. According to religious tradition, after defeating Ravana and achieving victory over Lanka, Lord Rama worshipped the Shami tree. For this reason, there is a tradition of worshipping the Shami tree and performing specific rituals involving its leaves on Dussehra.

The Pandavas hid their weapons in the Shami tree
According to another religious belief, during the period of their exile (Agyatvas) as described in the Mahabharata, the Pandavas hid their weapons in a Shami tree. When the Mahabharata war took place, the Pandavas used these very weapons to defeat the Kauravas. This is why the worship of the Shami tree holds such importance during Dussehra each year.

The significance of Shastra Puja (worship of weapons) on Dussehra
The ritual of Shastra Puja is observed every year on Dussehra. In Sanatan Dharma, weapons are not merely seen as instruments of combat; they are considered symbols of courage, valor, strength, self-defense, and the protection of righteousness (Dharma). Whenever injustice prevails and unrighteousness (Adharma) rises, weapons are employed to uphold and protect righteousness. On Vijayadashami, weapons are worshipped within the armed forces and security-related institutions.

The significance of worshipping weapons lies in the victories of Lord Rama and Goddess Durga. Vijayadashami is celebrated as a festival marking the triumph of justice over injustice and truth over falsehood. According to religious traditions, Lord Rama worshipped his weapons before slaying Ravana. Another legend recounts how Goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura using her divine power and weapons; on that occasion, all the gods and goddesses joined together to worship her weapons. Ever since, it has become a customary practice to worship weapons every year on the occasion of Dussehra.

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