Bhadrapad month’s Ashtami is celebrated as Dadhichi Jayanti every year. According to legends, Saint Dadhichi donated his bones to protect devas. This year, Dadhichi Jayanti will be celebrated on 11 September 2024. Saint Dadhichi jayanti is celebrated with a lot of zeal and excitement all around India.

Saint Dadhichi Story

Saint Dadhichi is considered to be one of the most important saints of ancient times. He sacrificed his life for the welfare of the world. Hence, Saint Dadhichi is respected all around the country. Saint Dadhichi was born to Saint Atharva and Shanti. Saint Dadhichi was totally devoted to Lord Shiva throughout his life. He offered austerities to the Lord and was respected by everyone for his devotion.

Saint Dadhichi and Indra

According to a legend, Saint Dadhichi offered extreme austerities to the Lord. People were terrified to see him like this and Lord Indra’s throne started trembling. His austerities affected everyone. Lord Indra assumed that Saint Dadhichi wanted to acquire Indra’s throne and kingdom.

Hence, Lord Indra sent an Apsara named Roopvati to disrupt Saint Dadhichi’s austerities. However, Saint Dadhichi did not lose his concentration. Roopvati went back to heaven and told Indra about Saint Dadhichi’s concentration power. Lord Indra realized his mistake and apologized to Saint Dadhichi.

Donation of Ashes of Dadhichi and Vritrasur

Once, Lord Indra was terrified of Vritrasur and left his throne. He asked Lord Brahma for his help. But, Lord Brahma told him to visit Saint Dadhichi. Lord Brahma said that if Saint Dadhichi donated his bones, Vritrasur could be killed with weapons made of their ashes.

Saint Dadhichi’s bones were very strong. They could be used for killing Vritrasur. Lord Indra’s weapons were useless in front of Vritrasur and did not affect him. All different weapons of Devas were useless against Vritrasur.

Donation of Dadhichi

Lord Indra Visited Saint Dadhichi and asked for his help. Saint Dadhichi was blessed by Lord Shiva and had a powerful body and bones. Vritrasur could only be killed with an appropriate weapon. Lord Indra asked for Saint Dadhichi’s bones. Saint Dadhichi donated his body to Lord Indra.

Lord Indra used Saint Dadhichi’s bones to create a Vajra. Lord Indra used this Vajra to kill Vritrasur. Hence, the world and Devas were protected with the help of Saint Dadhichi.