INTRO

Hello Everyone,

I wish you all a very Happy Dasara. My name is Varsha, and I am originally from Mysore, Karnataka. I am currently residing with my family in Seattle, Washington, USA.

This year for Dasara, I have set up the traditional Golu steps and a theme-based arrangement. In the traditional setup, I have five steps. The first step features the Kalasha along with a few decorated dolls. The second step is dedicated to various Hindu Gods. In the third step, I have placed three sets of "Pattada Bombe" (Marapachi Dolls). The fourth step is dedicated to Mysore Dasara and features the Mysore Palace in the center, along with symbolic idols of the Dasara procession. The fifth and final row showcases my brass collection. On the mat, I have two decorated silver lamps with Goddess Durga in the center.

The thematic arrangement is centered around "The Significance of Hindu Numbers in Sanatana Dharma, the eternal law." It's important to note that Hinduism is not just a religious system but a way of life that encompasses various aspects of culture, philosophy, and spirituality. The eternal duties are guided by the principles of Sanatana Dharma, which include service to one's country, elders, Gurus, caring for the poor, and much more.

I have made a humble attempt to represent each of the numbers from 0 to 12 and their significance in Hindu Dharma. Here are some of the details.
0 , Shoonya :
-Nirguna Brahman – One who is without form & qualities .
-Very apt symbol of the primal being.
-Symbol of entirety of consciousness – OM .

1, Eka :
-Symbolic representation of Brahman with form and qualities
-Essence of eternal one
-Ekadanta

2, Dvi :
-State of duality
-Symbol of Purusha & Prakriti , Physical self & inner self , Shiva & Shakti , Vishnu & Lakshmi , Brahma & Saraswati , Cause & effect

3, Triah :
-Symbolizes the Trinity of Gods – Brahma , Vishnu & Shiva
-3 Worlds : Bhur, Bhuva, Swaha
-3 Periods of the day: Morning, Noon, evening
-3 division of time: past, present, future


4, Chatur :
-Symbolic representation of Sanatana Dharma
-4 stages of life
-4 Faces of Brahma
-4 Quarters of earth


5, Pancha :
-Symbolic representation of the earth and the earthy body
-Panchanga – Hindu calendar with Tithi, vara, nakshatra, karan, yoga
-Panchabhoota - 5 Elements (Rain, Wind, Water, Fire , Earth)
-Panchamrutam – 5 sweet offerings to deities
-Panchmuki Gayatri

6, Shashtan :
-Symbolic representation of human mind
-Shanmukha – Lord of Nature ( Kartikeya)
-6 Hindu schools of philosophy : Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya , Vaisheshik, Purva, Uttara Mimansa, Vedanta
-Vedangas - 6 limbs of Veda


7, Saptan :
-Symbolic representation of Earthly plane
-Surya with 7 horses – 7 horses are harnessed as one
-Saptavarna ( 7 colors of VIBGYOR combined to produce White color )
-Sapta Rishis
-7 musical notes
-Saptapadi , a hindu marriage tradition

8, Ashtan :
-Symbolizes the division of space and divinities into their constituent parts
-Ashta Lakshmi : Adi, Dhanya, Dhairya, Gaja, Santana, Vijaya, Vidya, Dhana
-8 Shaktis of Vishnu
-8 directions


9, Nava :
-Navaratri
-Navadurga - Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalaratri, Mahagauri, Durga 
-Navagraha ,Nine Planets
-Navarasa
-Navadhanya

10, Dasha :
-Symbolically represents incarnation of God - manifesting in earthly form with splendor and energies
-Dashavatara – Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parashurama, Balarama, Rama, Krishna, Kalki

11, Ekadasha :
-Vishwaroopa Darshana yoga– Chapter 11 in Bhagavadgeetha
-Depicted by Geetopadesha, symbols of Vishwaroopa Darshan like conch

12, Dwadasha :
- 12 Supreme Devotees of Vishnu
- Preached and practiced the lifestyle of Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya
Poothatta Alwar ,Poigai Alwar , Peyalwar ,Periyalwar, Sri Andal, Thirumalisai Alvar, Kulasekhara Alwar, Thiruppani Alwa, Thondaradippodi Alwar, Thirumangai Alwar, Madhura Kavi Alwar, Nammalwar 


Wishing you all a wonderful Dasara celebration! Enjoy watching the video(Please select HD mode in settings) and my Dasara 2023 picture album.