There are various legends associated with the festival of Dussehra. As
we have seen in all of the festivals the roots of origin of the
festivals can be traced in the Hindu mythology. According to legends
Lord Rama, killed the great demon and king of Lanka, Ravana, who had
abducted Ram's wife Sita. Ram, along, with his brother Lakshman,
follower Hanuman, and an army of monkeys fought a great battle for ten
days to rescue his wife Sita. This victory of Rama is regarded as the
victory of good over evil and light over darkness. That's why to
commemorate that victory of Lord Ram it is celebrated.
According to another story, Kautsa, the young son of Devdatt, a
Brahmin, was living in the city of Paithan. After studying under the
guidance of Rishi Varatantu, he insisted on his guru accepting a
present, or gurudakshina. Initially the guru refused but later asked for
140 million gold coins, one hundred million for each of the subjects
taught. The obedient student went to the King Raghu to ask for the
money, as the king was renowned for his generosity. Within three days
the king made the God of Wealth Kuber make a rain of gold coins near the
shanu and apati trees. After giving the promised amount to the guru,
Kautsa distributed the rest of the coins among the needy on the day of
Dussehra. Even today, in Ayodhya, the capital of King Raghu, people loot
the leaves of the apati trees and present to each other.
