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Ravan revered by pilgrims in Kanpur temple on Dussehra
Devotees all over the country celeberate Dussehra to mark Ram's victory over the "evil" Ravan, but a few hundred pilgrims throng a temple to Kanpur every year to worship the 10-headed demon.
Devotees all over the country celeberate Dussehra to mark Ram's victory over the "evil" Ravan, but a few hundred pilgrims throng a temple to Kanpur every year to worship the 10-headed demon.
Built in 1890, the portals of Dashanan temple open once a year on the occasion of Dussehra at 9 in the morning. The idol of Ravan is bedecked with ornaments and then an aarti is performed by followers.
The effigy of Ravan is consigned to flames in the evening, after which the doors of temple are closed, only to be reopened on next Dussehra.
"The 123-year-old, one-of-its-kind temple built by Maharaj Guru Prasad Shukl is located next to Lord Shiva's shrine in Kailash temple premises here," programme coordinator of the temple, KK Tiwari said.
More than 15,000 devotees are expected to offer prayers to Ravan in Kanpur on Sunday, he said.
Elucidating the purpose behind building this temple, Tiwari said: "Ravan was a great scholar and an ardent follower of Lord Shiva. Thus, the temple is built adjacent to Lord Shiva's temple at Shivala area of the city." Devotees also light diyas and pray for the prosperity of their families.
"When Lord Ram kills Ravan in the Ramleela performed here, the temple premises will reverberate with chants by devotees," Tiwari said.
