What is Shastra Puja and how is it related to Dussehra? Rajnath Singh lauds armed forces; watch videos

Continuing the annual tradition, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh performed a 'Shashtra Puja' on Wednesday to mark the celebrations of Dussehra. Singh performed the rituals with the weapons at the Auli Military Station in Uttarakhand's Chamoli with Army Chief General Manoj Pande also in attendance.

India is the only country where 'puja' or worship of weapons is performed, the defence minister said. "We're confident that our country is safe in the hands of our armed forces. The jawans of our armed forces and paramilitary forces are the pride of our country," he said.

Rajnath Singh's remarks came while he was interacting with the Army jawans deployed at the forward post located on the China border in Uttarakhand.


Defence Minister was also seen with the latest weapons and machines used by the Army in the forward areas.

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What is Shastra Puja and how is it related to Dussehra?
According to mythology, on this day, Goddess Durga annihilated the demon god Mahishasura after a fierce battle that lasted for nine days and after the victory her weapons were worshipped by the gods.

During Shastra Puja, Goddess Laxmi, Saraswati and Parvati are worshipped to receive blessings in the form of strength and power. According to legends, weapons were also worshipped before the start of the Kurukshetra war, which helped Pandavas beat Kauravas in fierce battles. Thus, the tradition of worshipping weapons continues. The day is also celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Ram over the king of Lanka, Ravana.

How is Shastra Puja done?
Shastra Puja is celebrated by cleaning all the weapons and tools. After cleaning, these weapons are decorated with flowers and a tilak, in which a sandalwood, turmeric or kumkum paste is applied. Various musical instruments are also prayed amid chanting of hymns to worship the weapons.