Dussehra Puja Vidhi (दशहरा (विजयादशमी) पूजा विधि)
A simple method, materials and mantras for the traditions of Vijayadashami: Aparajita puja, Shastra (tool) puja, Shami worship and Ravana Dahan.
When to do it
- Ashwin Shukla Dashami (Vijayadashami)
- The afternoon is considered best for worship
Puja materials checklist
Puja method (step by step)
Bath and purification
Bathe and wear clean, preferably freshly washed clothes. Keep the mind calm and put your phone away.
Prepare the place
Clean the place of worship. East or north-east is considered best. Spread a clean cloth on a low wooden seat (chowki) and install the idol or picture.
Lamp and achaman
Light the lamp and incense. Take water in the right palm and sip it three times (achaman).
Sankalp (resolve)
Holding water, rice grains (akshat) and a flower in your hand, say silently your name, gotra (if known) and the purpose of the puja, then pour the water on the ground. A resolve in simple language is also valid.
Ganesh vandana
Remembering Ganesha before any puja is considered auspicious in tradition.
Aparajita puja
Remember Goddess Aparajita and offer flowers. She is considered a symbol of victory and protection.
Worship of tools or weapons
Clean your tools, pen-books, equipment or vehicle, apply a tilak and offer flowers. It is gratitude for the means of your livelihood.
Shami puja
The tradition is to worship the Shami tree and bring its leaves home.
Greet elders and share sweets
Touch the feet of elders and offer Shami or “gold-like” leaves with good wishes.
Aarti
Perform aarti with a ghee lamp. Let all family members stand together, and take the aarti at the end.
Prayer for forgiveness
Ask humbly for forgiveness for any mistake made during the puja.
Prasad and closing
Share the prasad with everyone and take some yourself. Take the blessings of elders. Immerse flowers and other puja materials in flowing water or under a tree, rather than throwing them in the trash.
Mantras
✔ Do
- Bathe and wear clean clothes before the puja
- Sit with a calm mind and faith
- Keep the bhog clean and prepared at home
- Share the prasad with everyone after the puja
- This day is considered auspicious for starting new work
✘ Do not
- Do not get distracted by your phone or conversation during the puja
- Avoid anger, gossip and harsh speech
- Do not offer stale or impure flowers and bhog
- Do not place the idol or picture directly on the floor
- Be careful with firecrackers and fireworks
- Do not behave unsafely with weapons
Common mistakes
- Handling real weapons carelessly during Shastra puja; do only a symbolic worship
- Ignoring safety in the crowd at Ravana Dahan
Auspicious muhurat
Check the Dashami tithi and afternoon puja time in the panchang. The tithi itself is considered auspicious.
Related aarti, katha and mantra
Frequently asked questions
What is the significance of Vijayadashami?
Why is Shastra puja done?
Why are Shami leaves given?
Can a new work be started on Dussehra?
What is eaten on Dussehra?
Other puja vidhis
Note: puja methods vary by family, region and sect. The method given here is a simple, general form. Give priority to your family tradition or your pandit’s guidance.