Top 5 Unique Facts Related to Dussehra

Hello guys, the Sunday storytime has come again. As the nation enters into a dampened yet positive mood of Navratri, also celebrated as Dussehra or Durga Puja, I bring to you some unknown facts about Dussehra and Vijayadashami. I remember this time of my school days used to be much awaited. We waited for exquisite idols of Goddess Durga (reminiscent of proximity to West Bengal) and the burning of effigies on the final day.

Without further ado, let's dive into the festive mood.

1. Mysore and the Demon Mahishasur

Ancient legends say that the very name of the city comes from the term "Mahishasurmardini" accorded to Goddess Durga for slaying the Demon Mahishasura.

The common noun Mahisha, in Sanskrit, means buffalo; in this context, however, Mahisha refers to Mahishasura, a mythical demon who could assume the form of both human and buffalo, who, according to Hindu mythology, ruled the ancient parts of the Mysore Kingdom, known in Sanskrit as Mahíšhaka, centered at Mahishapura. He was killed by the Goddess Chamundeshwari, who is also the guardian deity of the city after whom it is named. 'Mahishapura' later became Mahisūru (a name which, even now, the royal family uses), and finally came to be anglicized as Mysore by the British and Maisūru/Mysuru in the vernacular Kannada language.

Goddess Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysore

There exists a statue of the demon, overlooking the city from the Chamundi Hills outside the temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari.

Staying on with the city of Mysore, how can I not tell about the world-famous dussera procession.

2. The Famous Mysore Dussera Procession

The city of Mysore has been the place to be, for any Dussehra fanatic. and no that was not a typo, it is locally called "Dussera".

It was the king of the Mysore Kingdom, who started Dussehra Celebrations on a grand scale.

Most famous among them is the annual procession called the Jamboo Savari, where the idol of the guardian deity is mounted on a decorated Elephant with full decoration. It is a scene to capture in your memories.

Procession with Mysore Palace in background

3. Curious Case of Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh

Did you know, there exists a place in India where Raavana the demon is not burnt wholeheartedly.

Wondering why?

People of this small village in Madhya Pradesh, still believe that Mandodari, the wife of Raavana belonged to this place. Thus making Raavana, the son-in-law for the people. 

Along with the Hindu Traditions, he is still respected by many people in this village.

You may also want to read about Baisrakh in UP too 😆

4. Ramleela Maidan

With Dussehra, comes a long history of fondly remembered Ram Leela. 

Talking about the history of Ramleela Maidan, where Indian Prime Minister comes to each Vijayadashmi to burn Raavana. 

You guessed it right, it was a space to host Ramleela formed after filling out a pond already there. It was formed during the Mughal period for the Hindu soldiers of the Mughal Army, Delhi never disappoints when it comes to amalgamated histories. 

Always a mainstay in News: Ramleela Maidan

Over the years, Ramleela Maidan has been the host of numerous historical events apart from, well, Ramleela. 

5. Idol Making of Kolkata

For those who haven't watched the famous Bollywood adaptation of Devdas, it is indeed true that every Idol made in the region of Bengal does use soil from a sex workers' house, taken as a blessing.

Called as "Nishiddho Pallis", it is traditionally collected by priests but nowadays Idol Makers themselves collect that. 

It is believed that it marks the respect to "Navkanya" form or essentially every manifestation of Feminine power which is symbolized by the goddess Durga. 

I hope you all enjoyed the unknown facts about the Navratri. Happy Durga Puja from my side. Keep loving, Keep sharing.