Ravana's Effigy is not burnt on dussehra,7 Places in India Where Ravana Is Worshipped
Effigies of Ravana are burnt in many parts of India to symbolize the victory of Ram. But did you know that in some Indian communities, Ravana is worshipped as a scholar and a devotee of Lord Shiva. In others, local traditions regard him as a son in law or an ancestor.
Here are seven such places where these unique traditions can be found:-
1. Bisrakh, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Locals believe that Bisrakh is the birthplace of Ravana. the village’s name is linked to Ravana’s father, the sage Vishrava.According to local tradition.
The village houses a temple, which is associated with Ravana’s devotion to Bhole Shankar. The way Dussehra is observed here differs from the norm; instead of burning an effigy of Ravana, some locals mark the day through prayers and rituals. the belief that Bisrakh is Ravana’s birthplace is a local religious conviction, not a historically proven fact.
2. Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh
Mandsaur shares a special connection with Ravana through his wife, Mandodari. the city is considered the birthplace of Mandodari, According to local tradition. So, some locals regard Ravana as the city’s son-in-law.In the Khanpura area, there is a statue of Ravana that is worshipped.
3. Ravangram, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh
In a village named Ravangram in the Vidisha district Madhyapradesh, some local residents worship Ravana. There is an idol of Ravana in this village that is regularly worshipped. It is said that many families visit this site on religious occasions. Here, Ravana is remembered perceived as a figure associated with wisdom and devotion.not merely through the well-known account of his defeat.
4. Jodhpur, Rajasthan
In Jodhpur, Some members of the 'Dave Godha' community, a sub-group of the Shrimali Brahmins Trace their lineage back to Ravana.Ravana holds the significance of an ancestor For this community.Their traditions include rituals performed in honor of Ravana, and consequently, Dussehra may be observed here in a manner distinct from the rest of Rajasthan. These practices are specific to this particular community and should't be considered representative of the traditions of all the residents of Jodhpur.
5. Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh
Baijnath is renowned for its ancient Bholenath Temple. According to local folklore, this place linked to the rigorous Tapasya performed by Ravana to appease Lord Shiva.
Traditional narratives connect Ravana’s devotion to the religious history of this temple. Dussehra is not celebrated here in the conventional manner, which reflects this unique local tradition.
However, the absence of the standard Dussehra celebrations does not imply that Ravana is directly worshipped here.
6. Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh
Kakinada is another location associated with Ravana’s devotion to Lord Shiva. The traditions of the local temples here contain references to Ravana and his spiritual significance.Local tales from this region highlight a different facet of Ravana,Contrasting with his common portrayal as a villain in the Ramayana. If you are planning to visit, be sure to gather information locally about the temple's specific traditions.
7. Bastar, Chhattisgarh
The situation in Bastar is significant and Unique The famous Dussehra here is not centered on the event from the Ramayana where Lord Rama defeats Ravana . instead, it focuses on Goddess Danteshwari, local deities, and tribal traditions.
This is why no effigy of Ravana is burned during this festival. In fact, Dussehra in Bastar is not celebrated with a focus on Ravana at all. The customs observed here have their own distinct cultural and religious history.
Why is Ravana remembered in such varied ways across India?
The core narrative of the Ramayana describes the abduction of Sita by Ravana and his subsequent defeat at the hands of Lord Rama. Traditionally, Dussehra is celebrated as a commemoration of Rama’s victory and the triumph of righteousness.
At the same time, communities in different regions hold onto their own family traditions, unique stories, and religious interpretations. Some emphasize Ravana’s vast knowledge and his devotion to Lord Shiva, while others remember him through his relationship with Mandodari or via the traditions p
assed down by their ancestors.
