Vijayadashami 2022: Dussehra is celebrated as the festival of victory of good over evil. On this day Lord Rama defeated the evil king Ravana of Lanka and killed him. Large effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakaran and son Meghnad, It is erected on the evening of Dussehra or Vijayadashami and a fire is lit. Dussehra is celebrated all over India with great enthusiasm in which people worship Lord Rama. This year it is being celebrated today on 5th October.
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However, there are places where people worship Ravana and pray for his departed soul. The reason for this affection for Ravana in many cases is his connection to a specific place. Some places worship Lord Shiva because of his devotion. Here is a list of places in India where Ravana is worshipped:
Bisrakh, Uttar Pradesh
Bisrakh village of Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh is considered to be the birthplace of Ravana. Many suggest that the name of the village is derived from the name of Ravana’s father, Vishrava. During Navratri, a yagna is performed by the local people of the village to pray for the peace of the departed soul of Ravana.
Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh
People in Mandsaur of Madhya Pradesh also worship Ravana because of the place’s relationship with his wife Mandodari. It is believed that this place is the maternal uncle of Mandodari, who made Ravana the son-in-law of Mandsaur. Hence, the people here worship Ravana and mourn his death on Dussehra and offer prayers to the departed soul. There are many Ravana temples in this area.
Jodhpur, Rajasthan
It is said that the Moudgil Brahmins of Jodhpur came here during Ravana’s marriage to Mandodari. The wedding took place at an altar in Mandore, which is known as Ravana Kin Chandwari. Instead of celebrating the festival of Dussehra by burning effigies of Ravana, Moudgil Brahmins perform Shradh and Pind Daan for the Lankan king as per Hindu rituals.
Gadchiroli, Maharashtra
People of Gond tribe worship Ravana and his son Meghnad in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra as gods. As per the beliefs of the tribe, Ravana was never made demonic in Valmiki Ramayana and it was clearly mentioned that he had done nothing wrong with Sita. In Tulsidas Ramayana itself, Ravana was established as a cruel king and devil. Tribals worship Ravana during the tribal festival – Falgun.
Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
Ravan Dahan is also not done in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. According to the beliefs, Ravana impressed Lord Shiva with his devotion and penance at Baijnath in Kangra. Shiva appeared before them and presented the book. Therefore, the Lanka king is lauded in this region as a great devotee of Lord Shiva.
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Kolar, Karnataka
In the Kolar district of Karnataka, Ravana is worshiped because of his devotion to Lord Shiva. In a procession during the harvest festival, the idol of Lord Shiva along with his ten headed and twenty armed idol is worshiped by the local people.
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