Devotees worship demon king Ravana in Allahabad

Allahabad, Sept 15 (ANI): Devotees here offered prayers and took out a procession to honour Ravana, the mythological demon-king.

"Ravana was not a villain. He was a very intelligent man and very good scientist as well. There was no one equal to him during his time. So, in order to show respect towards his intellect and valour, we worship him here," said Hemendra Nath, a resident.

Ravana's devotees don't burn his effigies but offer prayers and worship him as God.

The event was organised before the advent of the ten-day annual festival of 'Dussehra' that coincides with the culmination of Durga Puja.

'Dussehra' marks the triumph of good over evil.

According to Hindu mythology, on this day, Lord Rama beheaded Ravana, the hydra with ten heads.

Effigies of Ravana's brother Kumbhakarna and his son Meghnath are also burnt on the occasion.

Legend has it that Lord Rama's consort Sita was abducted by Ravana. Rama went in war with Ravana to release his wife from captivity. Rama's victory over Ravana is described as the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated every year as 'Dussehra'.

'Dussehra' is also interpreted as "Dasa-Hara", which means the cutting of the ten heads of Ravana.

On this day, people resolve to cut ten heads-passion, pride, anger, greed, infatuation, lust, hatred, Jealousy, selfishness and crookedness. (ANI)