Rajasthan Darshan Desk, Ravana…who kidnapped Mother Sita and was punished for his bad deeds. He was killed at the hands of Lord Ram. That is why every year the effigy of Ravana is burnt on Vijayadashami i.e. Dussehra. And it is seen as the victory of religion over unrighteousness. But do you know that there are some places in India where on the day of Dussehra, instead of burning Ravana, the Lankapati King is worshipped. In this report we are going to tell you about those places.
Ravana is worshiped here in India
Uttar Pradesh (Bisarkh)
One such place is Uttar Pradesh where Ravana is not burnt but worshiped in Bisarakh. Actually, Bisrakh was named after Ravana’s father Vishrava. It was he who discovered the self-proclaimed Shivalinga here. And it is also believed that Ravana was born here. Since Ravana was a Brahmin, he is especially worshiped here. In fact, during Navratri, a Shanti Yagya for the soul of Ravana is also performed here.
Maharashtra (Gadchiroli)
In the Gond tribe here, not only Ravana but also his sons are worshiped like gods. This tribe believes that Ravana was not a bad person nor did he defame Mother Sita. That is why Ravana is worshiped even today in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra.
Himachal Pradesh(Kangra)
It is believed that Ravana had pleased Lord Bholenath with his harsh penance in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. And being pleased, Lord Shiva gave a boon to Ravana. That is why Ravana is considered a great devotee of Lord Shiva in Kangra and for this reason he is worshiped here.
Rajasthan (Jodhpur)
This is also an important place where the effigy of Ravana is not burnt but Ravana is considered to be worshipped. Actually, the Maudgil Brahmins here consider themselves descendants of Ravana. And that is why Pind Daan and Shraddha of Ravana is performed on the day of Dussehra.
Madhya Pradesh (Mandsaur)
The reason for worshiping Ravana here is Mandodiri who was Ravana’s wife. It is said that Mandsaur was the maternal home of Mandodiri. And that is why Ravana is worshiped here considering him as his son-in-law. That is why in the Namdev community here, Ravana’s effigy is not burnt for Dussehra, but there is a tradition of worshiping Ravana. A big statue of Ravana has also been installed in Mandsaur for his worship. Which is also worshiped daily.
