If you’ve heard of or read the Ramayana, you must be knowing that Ravan is basically the antagonist – the ‘bad guy’ in the story. There are countless temples dedicated to Lord Ram, the protagonist, who is also considered to be one of the forms of the Hindu god Vishnu. But do you know that Ravan, the bad guy in the Ramayana, also has his own temple? Yes, you read it right! There is an actual 136-year-old Ravan temple in Kanpur that you might not know about!
Ravan Temple In Kanpur
A Temple Where He Is Worshipped, Not Burnt
Across India, Lord Rama is worshipped in several temples as one of the most significant deities. On the other hand, Ravan is not worshipped and effigies of him are burnt instead as a symbol of victory of good over evil.
However, there is one Ravan temple in Kanpur where he is not looked at as an evil force but worshipped instead. The ten-headed king of the mythical Lanka is worshipped in the Dashanan Mandir in the Shivala locality.
Ravan Worshipped Like A Deity In This Kanpur Temple
As per Hindu mythology, Ravan was known for his impeccable wisdom, brutal strength, and unconditional devotion towards Lord Shiva. In the Dashanan Mandir in Kanpur, Ravan is worshipped like a deity, for just one day each year, on Dussehra. While the rest of India burns his effigy on Dussehra, this temple opens up for his worship. This makes it one of the most unusual religious traditions associated with this festival.
On the day of Dussehra, the rest of Kanpur prepares for Ravan Dahan, the burning of the effigy of Ravan. And here in the Dashanan Mandir Kanpur, devotees light oil lamps, offer prayers, and chant “Lankapati Naresh Ravan Ki Jai”.
Also Read: Places In India To Watch Ravan Dahan On Dussehra
Why Is Ravana Worshipped?
The Dashanan Mandir in Kanpur is believed to have been built in 1890 by Maharaj Guru Prasad Shukla. An ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, he built Ravan’s shrine to honor Ravan’s immense devotion towards Lord Shiva along with honoring his wisdom and knowledge.
The Ravan temple in Kanpur is located inside the Kailasha temple complex in Shivala, near the Chinnamastika Devi temple and a Shiva temple. In this temple, Ravan sheds his identity as the antagonist of the Ramayana who abducted Sita and is worshipped as a learned scholar and a devoted worshipper of Lord Shiva.
A look inside the temple reveals a five-foot-tall idol of Ravan. Unlike other idols that remain uncovered, the idol remains covered for almost the entire year. It is uncovered and worshipped only on Dussehra. According to the temple’s local traditions and beliefs, the period when his idol remains covered symbolizes his captivity.
On Vijayadashami or Dussera, the doors are opened, devotees seek blessings and offer prayers centered on wisdom, strength, and knowledge. Ravana is also honored by an aarti, making it one of the most unique religious experiences in India.
Also Read: Mysuru Vs Kullu Vs Kota: 3 Very Different Ways To Experience Dussehra In India
Summing Up
Ravan worship in India is almost non-existent in India due to his role in the Ramayana as the abductor of Sita. However, there is a unique exception in the Ravan temple in Kanpur where he is not burnt as an effigy but worshipped for his wisdom and immense devotion towards Lord Shiva. If you happen to be in Kanpur, we’d definitely urge you to visit the Kanpur Ravan Temple.
