Places in India where Ravana is worshipped

As devotees across India commemorate the victory of good over evil on Dussehra by setting ablaze effigies of Ravana, there are select regions in the country where people gather at temples devoted to the demon king and pray to him. In these places, Ravana is looked upon as a great scholar, and homage is paid to him on this significant day.

Here, notable locations in India where Ravana is worshipped and held in high respect.

This more than 100-year-old Dashanan Mandir in Kanpur opens only once a year on Dussehra, where devotees honour Ravana. As per the records, it was built by King Guru Prasad Shukl in 1890. The unique thing about this temple is that it pays homage to Ravana, who was considered a devoted scholar and a significant follower of Lord Shiva.

In certain regions of Jodhpur, Ravana is worshipped not solely on Dussehra but on a daily basis. According to the lore, Ravana was united in marriage with Mandodari, the daughter of King Mandawar, who was recognized as Mandor.

During that era, his kingdom was situated along the banks of the Saraswati river. Consequently, in specific areas of Jodhpur, the descendants commemorate the passing of Ravana and abstain from witnessing his effigy being burned.

Ravangram is a village named after Ravana, which also serves as the site of one of the most renowned temples dedicated to the Lanka king. It's believed that Ravana's wife, Mandodari, hailed from Vidisha. This place has a significant number of Ravana devotees, who come to this temple to pay their respects. The temple features a colossal, 10 ft long statue of Ravana. While the temple was once like any other, frequented during weddings and important events, the veneration of Ravana has assumed greater significance during Dussehra celebrations in recent times.

Kangra is traditionally referred to as the location where Ravana, through his unwavering devotion and austerity, earned profound blessings from Lord Shiva. Consequently, the residents of Kangra abstain from burning the effigy of Ravana. When here, you will come across many anecdotes related to this.

Believed to be Ravana's birthplace, it houses a prominent temple that is dedicated to the Lankan King. It's one of the country's renowned temples, venerating the demon king. In this region, Ravana is held in high regard, and Dussehra isn't marked by burning effigies of Ravana. Instead, the nine days of Navratri are observed as a period of mourning in the town of Bisrakh. Reports add that the temple has encountered opposition from those who follow Lord Rama, but Ravana's devotees have staunchly defended it.

In the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, there is a city that serves as home to one of the most renowned temples dedicated to Ravana. It’s believed that Ravana personally selected this site to construct a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple features a colossal mural of the Shivling, symbolising Ravana's deep reverence for Lord Shiva. Situated near the beach, this temple has become a popular tourist attraction. Notably, Kakinada stands as the sole place in Andhra Pradesh where Ravana is worshipped.

Madhya Pradesh has its own community of Ravana devotees, who have built temples in honour of the Lankan King. The temple in Mandsaur holds a special significance, as it is believed to be the location where the wedding of Ravana and Mandodari happened. Within this temple, one can find statues of various female deities too. Furthermore, the temple is considered to be of great antiquity, with evidence of ancient scripts from the Harappan civilization discovered adjacent to the deities.

Within Maharashtra's Gadchiroli, there is a segment of the Gond tribe that pays homage to Ravana and his son, Meghananda. As per their beliefs, Ravana was not portrayed as a demon in the Valmiki Ramayana, and it also indicated that he committed no wrong against Lord Rama's wife, Sita. These tribals hold special prayers dedicated to Ravana during their tribal festival, called Falgun.