Dussehra Altar: Weapons, Flowers, and Victory Symbols

BY NICOLE LAU

Creating a Dussehra altar honors victory, celebrates the triumph of good over evil, and creates sacred space for new beginnings. This guide teaches you to build an altar that captures the festival's themes of righteousness prevailing and blessed fresh starts.

Altar Placement and Timing

Location: Clean, elevated space facing east (direction of Rama's kingdom Ayodhya and rising sun)

Timing: Set up on Dussehra day (tenth day after Navaratri), maintain through the day, can keep year-round for ongoing victory energy

Essential Altar Elements

1. Rama and Sita Image

The centerpiece for North Indian Dussehra altars.

Options: Statue, framed image, or painting of Rama with Sita and Lakshmana

Traditional depiction: Rama holding bow and arrow, Sita beside him, often with Hanuman

Placement: Center back of altar, elevated

2. Durga Image (Alternative/Additional)

For Eastern Indian or Goddess-focused altars.

Depiction: Durga slaying Mahishasura, victorious pose

3. Bow and Arrow

Rama's divine weapons.

Options: Miniature bow and arrow, images, or symbolic representations

Symbolism: Divine aim, swift victory, hitting the target

4. Red and Gold Flowers

Victory and triumph offerings.

Types: Red roses, marigolds, hibiscus, or any vibrant blooms

Arrangement: Fresh flowers in vases, garlands

5. Weapons or Tools

For Ayudha Puja (weapon worship).

Traditional: Swords, shields, or their representations

Modern: Your work tools, instruments, vehicles (keys), books, computers

Placement: Arranged around the altar for blessing

6. Oil Lamps (Diyas)

Sacred light of victory.

Number: One large lamp or multiple small ones

Fuel: Ghee or oil

Symbolism: Light triumphing over darkness

7. Incense

Purifying and celebrating.

Types: Sandalwood, jasmine, or traditional agarbatti

8. Shami Leaves

Sacred leaves from the Shami tree.

Symbolism: Victory, the Pandavas' hidden weapons, good fortune

Use: Offer to deity, exchange with others for blessings

9. Ravana Effigy (Small)

Symbolic representation to burn.

Options: Small paper effigy, drawing of ten heads, or symbolic representation

Use: Write your demons on it, burn during ritual

10. New Venture Symbols

Representations of what you're beginning.

Examples: Business cards, contracts, books for new learning, keys for new vehicle

Color Scheme

Primary colors: Red (victory, power), gold (triumph, success)

Accent colors: White (dharma, righteousness), green (new beginnings), orange (fire, transformation)

Altar Arrangement

Back Row (Highest):

• Rama and Sita image (center, elevated)
• Bow and arrow symbols
• Victory banners or flags

Middle Row:

• Oil lamps
• Incense holder
• Flowers in vases

Front Row:

• Weapons/tools for blessing
• Shami leaves
• Small Ravana effigy (to be burned)
• New venture symbols
• Offerings plate (fruits, sweets)

Special Touches

Hanuman Image

Rama's devoted servant, representing strength and service.

Victory Symbols

Laurel wreaths, crowns, trophies, or victory imagery.

Ten Heads Drawing

Ravana's ten heads labeled with the ten vices to overcome.

Dharma Wheel

Symbol of righteousness and cosmic order.

Daily Altar Practices

Morning:

• Light lamps and incense
• Offer fresh flowers
• Pray to Rama for victory
• Meditate on righteousness

Dussehra Day:

• Perform full puja
• Worship weapons/tools (Ayudha Puja)
• Burn Ravana effigy
• Bless new ventures
• Celebrate victory

Ritual Uses

Victory Puja

1. Light lamps and incense
2. Offer flowers to Rama
3. Chant: "Jai Shri Ram" (Victory to Lord Rama)
4. Pray for victory in your challenges
5. Perform aarti (waving lamp)
6. Distribute prasad

Ayudha Puja (Tool Worship)

1. Clean all tools thoroughly
2. Arrange on or before altar
3. Decorate with flowers and kumkum
4. Offer incense and lamp
5. Pray: "Bless these tools that serve me. May I use them skillfully and righteously. May they bring success in my work."
6. Touch tools to forehead in respect

Demon-Burning Ceremony

1. Write your demons on small Ravana effigy
2. Place before Rama
3. Pray for help in slaying them
4. Burn the effigy safely
5. As it burns, visualize demons destroyed
6. Give thanks for victory

New Venture Blessing

1. Place symbol of new venture on altar
2. Light lamps
3. Offer flowers and sweets
4. Pray: "On this most auspicious day, I begin [venture]. Blessed by Rama's victory, may this succeed. Remove all obstacles. Grant me success."
5. Visualize venture succeeding
6. Begin with confidence

Modern Adaptations

Small Space: Windowsill altar with Rama image, one lamp, red flowers, small bow and arrow symbol

Minimalist: Focus on essentials—Rama image, lamp, flowers, one tool to bless

Travel Altar: Portable kit with Rama card, tea light, red flower petals, small arrow charm

Digital Element: Use tablet to display Rama images or victory mantras

Activating Your Altar

Once set up, activate your altar:

1. Light all lamps and incense
2. Stand before the altar
3. Speak: "Lord Rama, I honor your victory over Ravana. As you triumphed over evil, help me triumph over my demons. As you restored dharma, help me live righteously. Bless this altar as a focal point for victory, righteousness, and new beginnings. Jai Shri Ram!"
4. Offer flowers
5. Perform first puja
6. Sit in meditation

Maintaining the Altar

Dussehra Day: Full rituals, multiple pujas, tool worship, effigy burning

Ongoing: Can maintain year-round for continued victory energy

Weekly: Light lamps, offer flowers, pray for ongoing victories

After Dussehra

You can either dismantle or maintain:

Dismantling:

1. Perform final puja with gratitude
2. Thank Rama for blessings
3. Clean and store items
4. Keep blessed tools with respect

Maintaining:

• Keep as year-round victory altar
• Use when facing challenges
• Refresh on each Dussehra

The Living Altar

Your Dussehra altar isn't just decoration—it's a living presence, a focal point for victory energy, a sacred space where you celebrate good's triumph over evil, slay your demons, bless your tools, and begin new ventures with divine support and cosmic blessings.