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The celebration of Vijaya Dashami in India marks the victory of good over evil, commemorating Lord Rama's triumph over Raavan, the demon king of Lanka. While the festival traditionally involves the burning of Raavan effigies, representing the vanquishing of evil, there are several communities and locations in India where Raavan is revered. This veneration stems from various cultural associations and beliefs regarding Raavan's character and legacy.
One such place is Mandor, Rajasthan, where Raavan is worshipped daily by some communities. Legend has it that Raavan was married to Mandodari, daughter of King Mandawar, whose kingdom was situated near Jodhpur. These communities consider Mandodari as their daughter and mourn her husband's death, refusing to participate in the burning of Raavan effigies on Dussehra. In Bisrakh, Uttar Pradesh, which is believed to be Raavan's birthplace, he is considered a Maha Brahamana and worshipped as such. This reverence stems from the belief that Raavan was a learned scholar and a devotee of Lord Shiva, and his killing by Lord Rama is seen as a 'Brahm Hatya,' considered a grave sin in Hinduism. Locals perform Yagnas during Navratri to pay homage to Raavan.
The Dashanan Temple in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, dedicated to Raavan, further exemplifies the reverence for the demon king. The temple, opened only on the day of Vijaya Dashami, allows devotees to worship Raavan with chants of ‘Jai Lankesh’ and ‘Lankapati Naresh ki jai ho.' The rituals involve a symbolic imprisonment of Raavan, who is then released and worshipped before being locked away again until the next Dussehra. In Maharashtra, the Gond tribe in Gadchiroli holds Raavan and his son Meghananda in high esteem. They believe that Raavan was not depicted as a demon in the original Valmiki Ramayana and that he did not harm Sita. During their tribal festival, Falgun, they offer prayers to Raavan, recognizing him as a benevolent figure.
The Kolar district in Karnataka also presents a unique perspective on Raavan. The region is known for its devotion to Lord Shiva, and since Raavan was a devout devotee of Lord Shiva, he is worshipped here as a symbol of devotion. His ten-headed and twenty-armed idol is worshipped alongside Lord Shiva during a procession associated with the harvest festival. In Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, Raavan is revered for his devotion to Lord Shiva. Local belief states that Raavan appeased Lord Shiva with his devotion, receiving blessings and permission to return to Lanka. This reverence for Raavan's devotion to Lord Shiva prevents the people of Kangra from burning his effigy.
The veneration of Raavan in these places reflects the diverse interpretations of his character and actions within Hinduism. While he is generally perceived as an embodiment of evil, these communities acknowledge his positive qualities, such as his scholarship, devotion, and even his role as a benevolent figure in their local traditions. This highlights the richness and complexity of Hindu mythology and its ability to adapt and evolve over time, fostering different perspectives and honoring diverse aspects of its historical and cultural figures.
Source: Did you know these places in India where Raavan is worshipped on Vijaya Dashami?