EVEN AS the temples across the nation would resonate with the chantings of Lord Ram during the next two days (for Ramnavmi), a hamlet in Madhya Pradesh would echo with the reverberations of 'Ravana Baba Namah' at a small temple built to worship Ravana.
Ravangram, as it is called, is in Nateran tehsil and is some 40 km from Vidisha district headquarters. Some 5,000- 6,000 villagers are Kanyakubja Brahmins, a subsect in Brahmins, Ravana was believed to be from.
The nearly 10 ft idol of 'Ravana Baba' is in a lying position and has some 8-10 marks on the face. The villagers had pooled fund and got a temple constructed at the site. The temple is still not complete in true sense. Daily worship is done by offering a 'Bhog' of 'Kheer and Puri'. The rituals and offerings are done as