Kathmandu: Today, on the main day of Dashain, also known as the Durga Paksha, elders are applying red tika, symbolizing auspiciousness, and barley sprouts (jamara), symbolizing prosperity, as blessings. For those seeking an auspicious time to receive tika, the Nepal Panchang Decision Committee has recommended 11:36 AM as the best time.
The tika offered as blessings today is from the prasad (offerings) worshiped for nine days in homes or temples during Dashain.
As today is inherently a holy day, there is no need for regular individuals to seek an auspicious moment to apply tika, stated the committee’s president, Prof. Shreekrishna Adhikari.
“However, state officials must follow the auspicious time for receiving tika. It is believed that by doing so, they will gain divine power, mantras, and enthusiasm, as prescribed by scriptures. Applying tika at the given time is said to bestow the power of the goddess,” he explained.
Tika is applied following a ritualistic abhishek (blessing) using water from the sacred vessel established on Ghatasthapana (the first day of Dashain). The Vijayadashami festival, celebrated on the 10th day of Ashwin’s bright fortnight, is marked with tika and jamara, symbolizing the blessings of Goddess Durga. Those unable to receive tika today can still do so until Kojagrat Purnima (Full Moon Day).
The committee has set 8:33 AM today as the auspicious time for the ritual dismissal of the goddess invoked during Ghatasthapana.
Receiver Faces East, Applier Faces West
Religious scholar and committee member Prof. Dr. Devmani Bhattarai explains that because the moon is in Capricorn today, the person receiving the tika should face east, while the one applying it should face west. In this way, the moon will be on the right-hand side of the receiver, bringing auspicious results. The directions for applying and receiving tika will be based on the moon’s position in the zodiac until Kojagrat Purnima.
From today until Purnima, when receiving tika from elders, one is also offered yellow jamara, which was ritually planted on Ghatasthapana as a symbol of prosperity. Scientifically, it has been confirmed that jamara has medicinal properties, helping treat various illnesses. Given the ongoing dengue outbreak in several districts of Nepal, Ayurvedic practitioners recommend consuming jamara juice to boost immunity.
Before applying tika and blessings today, water from the sacred vessel established on Ghatasthapana is used for abhishek, believed to bring peace throughout the year. Vijayadashami, celebrated as a symbol of the triumph of truth over falsehood and divine power over demonic forces, is the most significant day of Dashain.
According to religious belief, this festival has been celebrated since the Treta Yuga when Lord Ram triumphed over the demon king Ravan. Thus, today is also seen as a symbol of victory.
Elders, such as teachers, grandparents, parents, and other respected figures, apply tika, jamara, and prasad in the name of Goddess Durga while offering blessings for success, prosperity, increased abilities, and long life.
When applying tika on Vijayadashami, this mantra is recited to give blessings:
Mantra for Men:
“May your life be like Ashwatthama’s (son of Dronacharya),
Your prosperity like King Dasharath,
Your enemies destroyed like Lord Ram’s,
Your wealth like King Nahush,
Your speed like the wind,
Your honor like Duryodhan’s,
Your courage like Bhishma’s,
Your strength like Balaram’s,
Your generosity like Kunti’s son Karna,
Your wisdom like Vidur’s,
And your fame like Narayan’s.”
This mantra is primarily recited when blessing men during tika.
Mantra for Women:
“Salutations to the goddess named Jayanti, Mangala, Kali, Bhadrakali, Kapalini,
Durga, Kshama, Shiva, Dhatri, Swaha, Swadha.”
Women are blessed with this mantra, considering them as the embodiment of Goddess Durga.
From today until Kojagrat Purnima, people receive tika, jamara, and blessings from elders in the name of Goddess Durga. In some parts of Nepal, tika and jamara are offered as per family tradition only on this day, while in most areas, people continue receiving them until Purnima.
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