 |
| Gemini Generated Indicative Image |
Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra or Dasara, will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The festival symbolises the victory of good over evil and commemorates Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura and Lord Rama's triumph over Ravana in Hindu tradition.
The occasion is observed with prayers, temple visits and traditional rituals. Depending on regional customs, devotees worship Goddess Aparajita, offer prayers to the Shami tree, recite hymns to Lord Rama and conclude the Navaratri celebrations.
Here are some commonly recited Sanskrit mantras and shlokas associated with Vijayadashami, along with their transliterations and meanings.
1. Goddess Aparajita Mantra
Goddess Aparajita represents the unconquered Divine Mother. In some traditions, Aparajita Puja is performed on Vijayadashami to seek blessings for victory, protection and success in new undertakings.
ॐ अपराजितायै नमः॥
Om Aparajitayai Namah.
Meaning:
“I bow to Goddess Aparajita, the unconquered Divine Mother.”
A verse invoking the Goddess as the source of strength
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्तिरूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shakti-rupena Samsthita,
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah.
Meaning:
“Salutations again and again to the Goddess who resides in all beings in the form of power.”
This verse is part of a widely recited devotional hymn honouring the Divine Mother in her many manifestations.
2. Shami Shloka for Vijayadashami
Shami Puja is a traditional Vijayadashami observance in several parts of India. The Shami tree is associated with auspiciousness and victory. According to a popular Mahabharata tradition, the Pandavas concealed their weapons in a Shami tree during their period of exile. Shami leaves are exchanged in some communities as a gesture of goodwill and prosperity.
शमी शमयते पापं शमी शत्रुविनाशिनी।
अर्जुनस्य धनुर्धारी रामस्य प्रियदर्शिनी॥
Shami Shamayate Papam, Shami Shatruvinashini,
Arjunasya Dhanurdhari, Ramasya Priyadarshini.
Meaning:
“The Shami tree pacifies sin and destroys enemies. It is associated with Arjuna's bow and is dear to Lord Rama.”
Devotees recite this verse during Shami Puja and pray for protection, courage and success in their endeavours.
3. Lord Rama Mantra for Dussehra
Dussehra is associated with Lord Rama's victory over Ravana, symbolising the triumph of righteousness over wrongdoing.
श्री राम जय राम जय जय राम॥
Shri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram.
Meaning:
“Glory to Lord Rama! Victory to Lord Rama, again and again.”
This popular devotional chant expresses faith in Lord Rama and his ideals of righteousness, courage and duty.
Ramaya Ramabhadraya
रामाय रामभद्राय रामचन्द्राय वेधसे।
रघुनाथाय नाथाय सीतायाः पतये नमः॥
Ramaya Ramabhadraya Ramachandraya Vedhase,
Raghunathaya Nathaya Sitayah Pataye Namah.
Meaning:
“Salutations to Lord Rama, the auspicious Ramabhadra, Ramachandra, the Lord of the Raghu dynasty and the consort of Sita.”
This is a fuller traditional prayer than the opening words Ramaya Ramabhadraya alone.
4. Sarva Mangala Mangalye: Prayer to Goddess Durga
This well-known verse is recited in praise of the Divine Mother and is associated with Navaratri worship and concluding prayers.
सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके।
शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥
Sarva Mangala Mangalye, Shive Sarvartha Sadhike,
Sharanye Tryambake Gauri, Narayani Namostute.
Meaning:
“O Narayani, the most auspicious among all that is auspicious, the benevolent Goddess who fulfils righteous aspirations and offers refuge, O Gauri, I bow to You.”
Devotees recite this prayer seeking auspiciousness, peace and the blessings of the Divine Mother.
Significance of Vijayadashami
Vijayadashami carries different but related traditions across India:
- Aparajita Puja: Worship of the unconquered Goddess for victory and protection.
- Shami Puja: A traditional observance associated with courage, victory and goodwill.
- Lord Rama's victory: A reminder of the triumph of righteousness over evil.
- Durga worship: An expression of gratitude to the Divine Mother at the conclusion of Navaratri.
Festival is also considered an auspicious occasion in many traditions for beginning new ventures, pursuing education and embarking on important undertakings. As Vijayadashami arrives, may the values represented by the festival inspire courage, wisdom, compassion and a commitment to righteousness.
Citizen News Puttur wishes everyone a happy and blessed Vijayadashami 2026.
Keywords: Vijayadashami 2026, Dussehra Mantras, Aparajita Mantra, Shami Shloka, Lord Rama Prayer, Sarva Mangala Mangalye, Citizen News Puttur