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Effigies of Ravan

Dussehra is one of the famous festivals of Hindu which is the victory of good over evil. This festival has special meanings for different people. In some parts of India, it is celebrated as the end of their 9 days fasting while in some places people enjoy this festival as a huge celebration. Some states of India celebrate this festival as the defeat of Ravan by Lord Ram bu in some places celebrate this festival as the destruction of demon king Mahishasura by Goddess Durga. Each Indian state celebrates this festival in its own way.

Effigies of Ravan burns on the Dussehra festival at various places of the country. Ravan the mythological demon king of Lanka seen, is seen by many as the personification of the devil, whose crime was abducting Sita, wife of Lord Ram led to the downfall of his kingdom and his family.

But do you know there are many who think Ravan is not evil and worship him as a deity? Explore the places where Ravan will not be set on fire.

Mandsaur

According to epic Ramayan, Ravan was the husband of Mandodari and son-in-law of Mandasaur. That is the reason the people of Mandasur do not burn the effigies of Ravan on the occasion of Dussehra, especially in the old city area even they hold prayers to mourns his death on Dussehra. The place has 35 feet long statue of Ravan in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh. Besides this people see Ravan as a learned scholar whose talents were far greater than the evil in him.

Bisrakh, Uttar Pradesh

Bisrakh is a small village located just 30 km from Delhi. In this place, people take pride in calling Ravan their own. The name Bisrakh is derived from the name of Ravan’s father, Rishi Vishrava. It is also the birthplace of Ravan. That’s why people here worship Ravan. He is considered as Maha-Brahman here. On the nine days leading to Dussehra people in Bisrakh prays for the soul of Ravan. Once Rishi Visharav discovered Shiva Linga since they worship Rishi Vishrava and his son Ravan.

Paraswadi, Ghadchiroli-Maharashtra

Paraswadi is a village of fewer than 300 people from the Gond tribe. People of this village consider Ravan as a God. They offer prayers to them during the tribal festival, Falgun. According to Gond tribals, Rishi Valmiki had mentioned in the Ramayana that Ravan did not do anything wrong. It was only Tulsidas Ramayan that portrayed Ravan as an evil person.

Mandore, Jodhpur- Rajasthan

The Mudgil Brahmins of Jodhpur are the descendants of Ravan. That’s why they perform Shraddh and Pin Daan instead of burning Ravan’s effigies. As per the view of some legends, Mandore is the place where Mandodari married Ravan. So Mudgil considers Ravan as their son-in-law.

Kanpur-Uttar Pradesh

A Shiva temple in Kanpur’s Shivala also has a temple dedicated to Ravan. On the occasion of the festival Dussehra, the Dashanan temple’s gate is opened to devotees who pray for purity of mind and soul by worshipping Ravan. According to devotees, Ravan was not a demon king but a deity whose knowledge, brilliance, intelligence, and benevolence were unparalleled.

Kakinada-Andhra Pradesh

The Ravan temple in this coastal location is dedicated to Lord Shiva of whom Ravan was a devotee. A gigantic Shivling mural adorns a part of the temple. This temple is constructed at that place that was chosen by Ravan himself. thus many people in Andhra Pradesh done not burn effigies of Ravan on the occasion of Dussehra.

Ravangram, Vidisha-Madhya Pradesh

This place is located 50 km from Vidisha. This place is named after Ravan. On Dussehra festive people prays for the peace of soul of Ravan. People worship 10 feet long reclining statue of Ravan in the temple. It is believed to have been constructed by Kanyakubja Brahmins. People of that place believe that applying oil in the navel of the Ravan is auspicious and pleases the Lankan king who died after an arrow stuck him in the navel.

Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

people in Kangra consider Ravan as a legend who was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Ravan appeased Lord Shiva with his austerity and devotion and after which Lord Shiva offered him his blessings. That is the reason the people of Kangra do not Dahan of Ravan.

Mandya and Kolar-Karnataka

People of the Kolar district worship Ravan during the harvest festival. They believe in the idol Ravan along with Lord Shiva. On the other hand people of Mandya visit Ravan’s temple and honor his devotion to Lord Shiva.

Frequently Asked Question

Question- What is the message of the festival of Dussehra?
Answer- The message is the victory of good over evil and the success of truth over lives.

Question- What pooja is done on Dussehra?
Answer- Ayudha Pooja is a part of the Navratri festival(festival of triumph), a Hindu festival that is traditionally celebrated in India. It is also called “Astra Pooja.” In simple terms “Worship of instrument”.

Question-When Dussehra is celebrated according to the Hindu calendar?
Answer- Dussehra is celebrated in Ashwin, the 10th month of the Hindu calendar. It falls in October or November.

Question-Which name of Dussehra is known as in Tamilnadu?
Answer– In Tamilnadu Dussehra is known as Golu.

Question- When and where the grand celebration of Dussehra took place?
Answer- First grand celebration of Dussehra took place at Mysore Palace in the 17th century at the orders of the king, Wodeyar

Conclusion

Dussehra has a lot of importance in Hindu dharma. It unites people as the audience is filled with people from walks of life.

Disclaimer

This content is just for information purposes.

References

www.thestatesman.com

www.India.co