Significance of seeing Neelkanth the Bird of Heaven on Dussehra

What happens if we see Neelkanth on Dussehra?

Today, I saw a brilliant blue green coloured flying creature basking under morning sun, sitting on a branch of tree, reaching down to my balcony. I went inside, got my spectacles to look it up, and true to my imagination Oh my god! I had seen the lucky “Neelkanth“.

I was so much delighted by the vibrant colours. It is considered auspicious if you get chance to see Neelkanth on the occasion of Dusshera. But latter on I got to know that the bird was white breasted kingfisher.

Coincidentally today is the dussehra(Vijay Dashmi) too!! And to top of all , in today’s newspaper also, an article was published about Neelkanth to throw some light over the drastic decrease in the number of this species. I always mesmerized by the beauty of this blue colored bird which is not so common to spot.

Is it Lucky to see Neelkanth on Dussehra?

Neelkanth means blue throat which Lord Shiva has. So, seeing Neeklanth bird is really a symbol of good luck.

In Ramayana, Lord Rama had spotted this bird just before when he was set out to kill Ravana and won the battle by killing the demon.

Therefore, people believe that it is really very lucky to see this bird if you are facing troubles in your life.

Significance of seeing Neelkanth on Dussehra

Neelkanth holds an important role for many people as it’s an auspicious bird and is mentioned in mythological stories also.

Neelkanth means “blue throat” a name which is associated with Lord Shiva who drank poison during sagar manthan, resulting in blue throat.

It is said that seeing Neelkanth bird and worshipping “Prosopis cineraria”(Shami tree) on the day of dussehra can bring prosperity and lucky to your life. Its a belief that in Ramayana, Sri Ram had killed Ravana after seeing the bird Neelkanth.

Also, its a belief that in Mahabharat time the Pandavas had hidden their weapons under the Shami tree before going for forced exile. There is around more than 400 years old shammi tree which was found in “Bhuj” place of “Kutch” of Gujarat.

In north India, there’s a saying when people spot this bird: “Neelkanth tum neele rahiyo, dudh bhaat ka bhoj kariyo, hamri baat Ram se kahiyo (Neelkanth, you stay blue, feast on rice and milk and convey our wishes to Ram).”

Many people buy these beautiful birds from the market and let them free after making wishes. But in some places the bird is killed also in the name of religion or faith.

What is the Meaning of name “Neelkanth”?

English name of Neelkanth is “The Indian roller”. This heavenly bird is said to be sacred to Lord Vishnu and used to be caught and released during festivals such Dusshera and Durga pooja.

Where we can find Neelkanth commonly in India?

It is very common in the populated plains of India. Indian roller has been chosen as the state bird by Odisha, Karnataka and Telangana. Earlier Andhra Pradesh had Indian Roller as state bird, but after Telangana parted from it, new state bird is chosen- Rose-ringed parakeet. White-breasted kingfisher is state bird of West Bengal.

Omilights Youtube Video on “Neelkanth Significance on Dussehra”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why Neelkanth on Dussehra?
Ans: As per the religious belief Lord Rama had seen the bird just before killing the demon king Ravana. This is why it is considered auspicious to see the bird Neelkanth on the day day of Dusshehra.

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