Demon king Ravana worshipped in Kanpur

Kanpur, Sept 28 (ANI): Hindus held special prayers to honour the demon king Ravana here on Monday.he event was organised on the festival of 'Dussehra' that marks the triumph of good over evil.

Even as the demon king Ravana is vilified and his effigy burnt in most parts of the country on Dussehra, the people here worship and glorify him to honour his intelligence and valour.

They don't burn effigies of Ravana, but offer prayers and worship him as god at the Dashanan Temple in the town that opens once a year on Dussehra.

"We celebrate Ravana's birthday. He was born on the day of Vijayadashmi and coincidentally Lord Ram killed him on the same day. We decorate the idol of Ravana and conduct prayers and distribute prasad," said K.K. Tiwari, a temple organiser.

'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. (ANI)