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).
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 पर्वत (Himalayan mountains)
using sandal paste and other offerings.
Throughout the day, chant:
“Namaḥ Śivāyai Nārāyaṇyai Daśaharāyai Gaṅgāyai Namo Namaḥ”
Also, perform Kalasha Puja by invoking Ganga into a pot and doing Shodashopachara Puja, then offer Arghya with the mantra:
“Brahma-daṇḍa samutbhūte, Gaṅge tripatha-gāmini
Trailokya vandite devi, gṛhāṇārghyam namostute”
The number 10 (Dasha) is very important on this day.
So, giving donations in multiples of 10 is considered highly auspicious:
10 fruits
10 betel leaves (Tamboolam)
Any charity in sets of 10
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
| Category | Other Rituals |
| month | Jyesta |
| paksha | Shukla |
| tithi | Pratipada |
| Nakshatra | |
| yogha |
