Dussehra 2024: Hindu festival, Dussehra celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Lord Rama registered an auspicious victory over demon king Ravana and the Sanatani began honoring the truth over false. This day is celebrated after worshiping Durga Ma for nine days in Navratri. Also known as Vijayadashami or Ashoka Vijayadashmi, not only Hindus but Buddhists also celebrate this day in full swing. Many people often confuse Buddhists as Hindus for this but their reason to celebrate Vijayadashmi is entirely different. On this day Emperor Ashoka converted to the Buddhism which marked a new morning in the religious community. Let’s take a look.
Dussehra 2024: What’s Buddhists’ Vijayadashmi?
The great Emperor Ashoka fought in the Kalinga War and registered a massive victory. After ten days of winning the battle, emperor Ashoka decided to turn into a Buddhist along with his family. The emperor on the 10th day started walking on the path of Buddhism as he welcomed very renowned and esteemed Buddhist monk, Bhante Moggiliputta Tishya. He taught the King and his family the Dhamma (the teachings of Buddha) and they began to follow the religion. The day Ashoka started to follow the path of non-violence, is celebrated as ‘Ashoka Vijayadashmi.’
Ashoka’s Contribution to Buddhism
Samrat Ashoka is known for spreading the Buddhist culture, the most. He did all the deeds to spread the message of love and non-violence in the world. His contributions speak volumes to the acts of service he did for the community. He constructed many stupas (a place for meditation) and build Ashoka pillars with more than 30 of his inscriptions. Not only that, Ashoka sent his daughter and son Sanghmitta and Mahinda respectively to Sri Lanka to expand the religion and they were successful in doing so. No Buddhist can technically forget about Emperor Ashoka’s gift to their religion. That’s why shedding light on the significance of spreading Buddhism in the world, Vijayadashmi is celebrated by Buddhists.
What did Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar do on Vijayadashami?
In 1956, Indian social reformer and political leader Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar converted to Buddhism. It was Ashoka Vijayadashami on 14th October when he decided to follow the path of non-violence. He along with his 50K followers gave up their Hindu identity at the Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur. After that event, the day is also celebrated as Dhamma Chakra Parivatan Day.
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