The Ravan worshippers of Kanpur

People would celebrate Dussehra on Monday by burning effigies of Ravan, symbolising the victory of good over evil. But, at one temple in Kanpur, thousands would be offering prayers to ‘Lord’ Ravan.

The “Dashanan Mandir” in Shivala area of Kanpur was built by King Shiv Shankar hundreds of years ago. Ravan’s devotees see him as a dedicated “Shiv bhakt” and the epitome of knowledge and valour. They also worship Ram and Sita but are opposed to the burning of Ravan’s effigies. “Ravan was a Dravidian king who ruled according to Buddhist philosophy,” says Dhanirao Panther, who has been organising the “Ravan puja” for past 16 years. “People of Dravidian origin feel hurt at Ravan being portrayed as evil,” he says.

The worship of Ravan here is unique because the temple opens only once a year on Dussehra, just for 12 hours. More than 10,000 people come from all over UP and several south Indian states. They chant “Kate klesh, Jai Lankesh” (Ravan’s name will solve all problems) as they march through the streets.  “Ravan was a man of great intellect and honour,” says historian Yogesh Praveen. “He had several wives. But he did not harm Sita after abducting her. The Vedas describe him as the greatest disciple of Lord Shiva.”