Ayudha Pooja is a ritual historically
done by members of specific artisan communities on the festival of Dussehra.
There are two different charter stories associated with this
celebration, both of which depict the victory of good over evil.
It is commemorated as the day when the hero Rama defeated
the demon Ravana, as well as the Goddess's victory over a demon called Mahishasura.
For the craftsmen, such worship symbolizes the value of
their instruments as a way of earning a living, and it is also thought that
such propitiation would ensure prosperity the following year.
Weapons Worship is a term used to describe the worship of
weapons.
On the holiday of Dussehra, a popular ritual among the
warrior classes used to be performed (usually occurring within October and
November).
There are two separate founding stories for this event, both
of which celebrate the victory of good over evil.
It is commemorated as the day when the hero Rama defeated
the evil Ravana, as well as the Goddess's victory over a demon called
Mahishasura.
Given the martial tone of both charter stories, it's easy to
understand how it'd be connected with soldiers and combat, and therefore a day
to worship one's weapons as a symbol of the god.
According to traditional belief, any activity undertaken on
this festival day would unfailingly succeed, hence Dussehra has long been a favorite
day for military campaigns to begin.
Because Dussehra falls after the conclusion of the monsoon
rains, when travel is practically impossible, it is also a good time from a
strategic standpoint.
You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.
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