Thousands to worship Ravana at Kanpur Dashanan temple

Kanpur, Oct 1: Over twenty thousand people will worship Ravana at Dashanan temple here for their well-being on the occasion of Dussehra.

The doors of the 124-year-old temple here that open once a year on the Dussehra morning is expected to see thousands of worshippers, K K Tiwari, temple organiser, told PTI.

The temple was built in 1890 by Maharaj Guru Prasad Shukl. It is situated in Shivala area inside the Kailash Mandir complex, he said.

Tiwari said, "Ravana was an ardent follower of Lord Shiva. Thus, the temple is built adjacent to Lord Shiva's temple at Shivala area of the city."

The Ravana idol is decorated with precious ornaments and thereafter a proper 'aarti' is performed by the priests.

And just before the ritual burning of Ravana effigy in the evening, the temple doors are shut again till the next Dussehra.

The worshippers light earthen lamps for the prosperity and safety of their family. The temple will open on Friday, he said.

PTI