Dashahara Vrata Begins

Dashahara Vrata. On the day of Jyeshtha Shukla Dashami, especially when it falls on a Tuesday with Hasta Nakshatra, it is believed that Ganga Devi, pleased with the penance of King Bhagiratha, descended from heaven to earth. On this day, if special combinations like Vyatipata Yoga, Karaja Karana, Nanda Yoga, along with the Moon in Kanya Rashi (Virgo) and Sun in Vrishabha Rashi (Taurus) occur, it is said to give great spiritual benefits (Mahaphala).Spiritual Significance & Rituals. This day is meant for removing ten types of sins (Dasha-hara). Therefore, one should perform:Holy river bath (Snana). Tilatarpana (offering with sesame seeds). Ganga Puja. Among all places, taking a bath at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Kashi is considered very special. One should worship representations of:Narayana. Brahma. Rudra (Shiva). Bhaskara (Sun). Bhagiratha. Himalaya (Himalayan mountains)using sandal paste and other offerings. Japa (Chanting). Throughout the day, chant: Nama iv yai N r ya yai Da ahar yai Ga g yai Namo Nama Also, perform Kalasha Puja by invoking Ganga into a pot and doing Shodashopachara Puja, then offer Arghya with the mantra: Brahma-da a samutbh te, Ga ge tripatha-g mini. Trailokya vandite devi, g h rghyam namostute Importance of Number 10The number 10 (Dasha) is very important on this day. So, giving donations in multiples of 10 is considered highly auspicious:10 fruits10 betel leaves (Tamboolam). Any charity in sets of 10Summary. This is the sacred day when Ganga descended to earth. It helps remove sins and purify life. Performing snana, puja, japa, and daana gives great spiritual merit