Thursday, October 22, 2015

THE STORY BEHIND VIJAYA DASAMI



                                                       
VIJAYA is one of the ten names of Arjuna the famous Pandava warrior of the epic Mahabhararatha! The other names of Arjuna are Phalguna, Partha Kiriti, Swethavahana, Bibhatsa, Krishna, Savya sachi, and Dhananjaya! The tenth day of the waxing moon ( sukla paksha) of the month of Aswiyuja has a winning connection with Arjuna!This is not very well known to  many people. The word Vijaya denotes victory or success. Thus this Dasami is considered the best and the most auspicious day for commencing any type of activity. What is the story in Mahabharatha behind this VIJAYADASAMI?
       It was the period of ‘ajnathavasa’, (living incognito) for the Pandavas. They had disguised themselves and served in the palace of King Virata. Yudhishtira was the royal adviser to the king. Bhima was the chief chef in the royal kitchen. Arjuna, as Bruhannala, served as the dance master to the princess UTTARA and assisted the queen. Nakula and Sahadeva  looked  after the herds of cattle and others. Days went on smoothly for almost the end of the ajnathavasa.
        Duryodhana and the Kauravas were on tenterhooks. They wanted to find out the whereabouts of the Pandavas. If within the end of this period the Pandavas are found out, they have to go into the forest for 12 more years and one more year of living incognito. Through spies and much effort they knew that the Pandavas,  in disguise, were with King Virata. Duryodhana was exuberant with the thought of sending back the Pandavas for another term of forest life. Plans were contemplated to draw the Pandavas  out  as early as possible. It was suggested that the Kaurava forces should attack northern part and steal away the herds of cattle! Pandavas would surely come out of their hiding to help the king. That will spell doom for Pandavas as they have to go to the forest once again! That was the grand plan of the Kauravas! Orders were  passed  and  Kauava forces invaded the northern part, rounded up the herds and seized them! This incident is called UTTHARA GOGRAHANA
        There was alarm in King Virata’s court. This was totally a bolt from the blue. Prince Utthara Kumara was young and inexperienced. Yudhishtira, being the advisor  suggested  that  if permission is granted he and his brothers can help in defeating the Kauravas  and bring back the herds of cattle. The Prince was in a dilemma. Prince UTTHARA KUMARA volunteered to go to the battle  field  and fight but the king was hesitant. The Prince insisted  on fighting the kaurava forces but he had no competent  sarathi—driver of chariot! Thereupon, Arjuna   offered  himself to be the driver for prince UTTHARA KUMARA. The prince was not impressed as Bruhannala was only a dance master for his sister, Uttara. But Bruhannala pointed out that he was once the driver of the chariot of Arjuna the pandava warrior. Finally the prince readied himself to fight the Kauravas and left for the battlefield  with Arjuna driving the chariot!
           The  moment  the prince saw the mighty army of the kauravas , he began to tremble with fear. He could not stand. Suddenly he threw down his bow and arrows and asked Arjuna to stop the chariot. Before Arjuna could do so, the prince jumped down and began running! Arjuna brought back the running prince, encouraged him, and directed him to drive the chariot. He said that he would fight the Kauravas. Then Arjuna went to the “SEMI VRUKSHA” the tree where the Pandavas had hidden all their weapons before they went to king Virata. He bowed down to the tree, retrieved his great bow Gandiva and the quiver of arrows even as the prince was bewildered! Arjuna then fought the Kauravas and with his “ sammohanasthra” made all kaurava forces faint!  All the herds of cattle were brought back to their original Place! That day of the victory of Arjuna over the Kaurava forces happened to be the ‘dasami’—tenth day of the waxing moon of the month of Aswiyuja! It was the Day of Victory for VIJAYA   ie Arjuna! Hence the day is called ‘ Vijaya Dasami---the day of victory not only for Arjuna  but for all!!
           Different stories are popular in different states in India! VIJAYA DASAMI Is considered as the celebration of the day of Victory when Adi Parashakti, as DURGA killed Mahishasura the tormentor of Devas  After killing him on the 8th day of Navarathri she sits in durbar—in court with all majesty and grandeur! That is the significance of ‘ koluvu’ in South India! Almost every house has a simple or grand koluvu to signify the end of EVIL and the rule of GOOD!!

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