
Dussehra Special: Instead of burning Ravana, worship is done at these 7 places in India. Ravana's Temple
On the tenth day following Navratri, also known as Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, people celebrate this event. On this day, the effigy of Ravana is burned to commemorate the festival of the triumph of truth over untruth. This celebration celebrates the triumph of good over evil because it is thought that on this day, Lord Rama went back to Ayodhya after killing Ravana. Even though Ravana is demonized in our culture, there are some locations where he is adored rather than put to death. Yes, if you don't believe it, learn about these 7 places:
1. Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh
Ravana is worshipped in Mandsaur. Mandsaur was allegedly Mandodari, Ravana's bride, maternal uncle, and his real name were Dashpur. As a result, the city was given the name Mandsaur. Mandsaur was Ravana's in-laws, hence in accordance with the custom of honoring the son-in-law, he is worshipped rather than an effigy of Ravana being burned. In Mandsaur's rundi, there is an idol of Ravana that is revered.
2. Bisrakh, Uttar Pradesh
The locals of the tiny village of Bisrakh in Gautam Buddha Nagar think that it was home to Ravana's maternal grandmother. The residents of this village mourn Ravana's passing for nine days because they view him as a "Maha-Brahmin" and do not want to celebrate his passing. Prior to becoming Bisrakh, he was known as Vishweshwar, after Ravana's father.
3. Gadchiroli, Maharashtra
They identify themselves as "Ravanavanshi," and they believe that Ravana was a Gond King who was assassinated by Aryan invaders. The villagers hold the opinion that Ravana is not portrayed in the Valmiki Ramayana as a villain like Tulsidas' Ramcharitmanas.
4. Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
In Chikhali village of Ujjain district also Ravana is not burnt, but he is worshipped. It is said here, that if Ravana is not worshiped, the village will burn to ashes. Due to this fear, villagers do not burn Ravana here and worship his idol.
5. Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh
In Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district, this town is well renowned for its Ravana temples. Ravana is honored in Baijnath for his devotion to Lord Shiva. It is stated that Ravana offered penance to Lord Shiva here, and as a result, Lord Shiva granted him salvation. As a result, the effigy of this Shiva devotee is not burned here.
6. Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Another shrine, known as Dashanan Mandir, is devoted to Ravana and is located inside the Shiva Temple of Lord Shiva in Kanpur. There, Ravana is worshipped and people offer prayers for the soul and mental purity.
7. Kolar, Karnataka
There are temples dedicated to Ravana in two such locations in Karnataka: Kolar and Malavalli. It is well-known that a fishing village in the state worships the monarch of Lanka. Additionally, it is thought that burning the effigy of Ravana will cause a fire. Because fire can ruin or harm crops, some people choose not to burn effigies out of caution.