According to the Panchang, 20 October 2026 brings the combination of the Navami tithi transitioning into Dashami tithi during the Shukla Paksha of the Ashwin month. This day marks both the Tuesday fast and the auspicious festival of Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra. Astrological calculations indicate the presence of Shravan Nakshatra, Kaulav Karan and Shul Yoga, along with a directional shool towards the north. In terms of planetary movements, the Moon will transit through Capricorn while the Sun remains positioned in Virgo. The alignment of a Tuesday fast with Vijayadashami has generated immense enthusiasm among devotees.
Religious Significance and Worship Rituals
In Hindu traditions, Tuesday is dedicated specifically to the worship of Lord Hanuman and Mars, the commander of planetary forces. Vijayadashami signifies the triumph of truth over falsehood and righteousness over evil. Astrological beliefs suggest that worshipping Lord Hanuman helps alleviate adverse effects related to Mars and neutralizes Manglik dosha. On this special occasion, devotees should take an early bath, wear clean clothes, and set up an idol or image of Lord Hanuman at their place of worship. After lighting a lamp, offerings of vermilion, jasmine oil, red flowers, and jaggery-gram or bundi laddoos are made. This is followed by the recitation of Hanuman Chalisa and Bajrang Baan with utmost devotion. Chanting the name of Lord Ram can also be performed according to one's capacity and family traditions. Concluding the rituals with prayers to Lord Hanuman ensures the family's well-being, prosperity, health, and protection from hardships. Mars represents courage, energy, valor, and self-confidence in astrology. Since Vijayadashami commemorates Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura, worshipping Lord Hanuman on this day reinforces the core message of devotion, service, and the victory of good over evil.
Panchang Details and Tithis
The exact planetary positions and timings for the day are outlined below
- Tithi: Navami tithi prevails until 12:50 PM, after which Dashami tithi begins.
- Nakshatra: Shravan Nakshatra lasts until 06:02 PM, followed by Dhanishta Nakshatra.
- Karan: Kaulav Karan remains active until 12:50 PM, succeeded by Taitil Karan until 01:36 AM on 21 October.
- Yoga: Shul Yoga continues until 12:50 AM on 21 October, after which Gand Yoga takes over.
- Moonset: The Moon will set at 01:23 AM on 21 October.
Auspicious Timings and Muhurat
The most favorable windows of the day for conducting important activities include
- Brahma Muhurta: From 04:44 AM to 05:35 AM.
- Abhijit Muhurta: From 11:44 AM to 12:29 PM.
- Vijay Muhurta: From 02:00 PM to 02:46 PM.
- Godhuli Muhurta: From 05:48 PM to 06:13 PM.
- Nishita Muhurta: From 11:41 PM to 12:32 AM on 21 October.
- Amrit Kaal: From 06:35 AM to 08:21 AM.
- Shiva Vaas: With Gauri until 12:50 PM, and thereafter in the assembly.
Inauspicious Timings and Rahukal
Devotees should avoid starting new ventures or auspicious ceremonies during these unfavorable periods
- Rahukal: From 02:57 PM to 04:22 PM.
- Yamagandam: From 09:16 AM to 10:41 AM.
- Gulik Kaal: From 12:06 PM to 01:32 PM.
- Vidal Yoga: From 06:25 AM to 06:02 PM.
- Durmuhurta: From 08:42 AM to 09:27 AM.
- Varjyam: From 10:49 PM to 12:02 AM on 21 October.
