Ravana Is Revered Deity In This UP Village, Dussehra A Day Of Mourning

Bisrakh, a village in Uttar Pradesh situated just 40 kilometres from Delhi, identifies itself as the birthplace of Ravana, with the villagers considering themselves his descendants.

Whilst the rest of the country celebrates Dussehra by burning effigies of Kumbhakaran, Ravana, and his son Meghnath, the residents of Bisrakh mourn Ravana's death and conduct prayer rituals for his soul, Times Now reported.

Photo Credit: PTI

The villagers believe Ravana should be venerated for his vast knowledge and deep devotion to Lord Shiva rather than being cast as a villain. Despite this, they still offer prayers to Lord Ram, acknowledging him as a deity.

One of the many distinct traditions in the village is the absence of Ramlila celebrations, as they believe it would bring misfortune. Instead, during Dussehra, they pray at the Bisrakh Ravana Mandir.

According to local legend, the temple houses the very Shiva Linga that was once worshipped by Ravana and his father, the sage Vishravas.

In fact, it is believed that the name 'Bisrakh' originates from the word 'Vishravas'.

The villagers have even collected funds to construct a new temple dedicated to Ravana.

Ravana, according to Hindu mythology, was the king of Lanka and was highly learned and powerful. Although he is portrayed as the antagonist in Lord Ram's story in various versions of the Ramayana, Ravana is revered by several communities in India.

Temples dedicated to Ravana can be found in places such as Kanpur, the Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh, Mandya district in Karnataka, and many other locations.

In a nation as diverse as India, even festivals like Dussehra are celebrated in many unique forms and variations.