When we think about Dussehra, the one thing that comes to our mind is the victory of Lord Ram over Ravan and burning effigies of Ravan as the symbol of triumph of good over evil. But unlike the usual tradition, at the Dashanana temple in Kanpur Ravan is worshipped on the day of Dussehra. You must be wondering why? Let's dive deeper into the history of the temple.
Dashanana temple in the Shivala region of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, was built in the year 1868. This temple is a unique religious site because in contrast to other temples which open all year round, the doors of Dashanana temple only open for one day on the occasion of “Dussehra” to worship Ravan. Moreover, what makes it even more special is that here at Dashanana temple, Dussehra is not the celebration of the downfall of Ravan but it's the celebration of his wisdom and profound knowledge. The temple provides a space to honour Ravan's intellect and shifts focus from his negatively painted image.
Ravan, known for his role as the Antagonist of epic Ramayana is many a times remembered undesirably which often leads many to forget his other traits. We often forget that he was one of the most knowledgeable Brahmins ever, his deep understanding of Shastras & Vedas and vast knowledge in various fields be it science, astrology, music or ayurveda is something to look upto. This is the reason why Dashanana temple commemorates this day to pay homage to his vast knowledge and scholarly achievements.
The doors of Dashanana temple open at 8 am in the morning on the day of Dussehra and the rituals start with the “Abhishek”- Ceremonial Bath of the Idol of Ravan, then the idol is adorned with new offerings and garlands. The day continues with the hustle bustle of devotees from all over the country gathering at the temple to seek blessings of wisdom and pray for their intellectual growth. They offer diyas of mustard oil and Ridge Gourd ( Torai) flowers which according to the locals are said to be Ravan’s favourite flowers. Later, when the idol is burnt, the temple closes its door for another year. This custom serves as a reminder of Ravan’s main flow- Ego/Arrogance. The temple’s brief opening reminds devotees to always cherish what you have before its taken away and also never let your ego get in the way of achieving your dreams and ambitions.
If you are someone who loves experimenting with travel and experiencing off-beat locations then this temple is for you. The temple underscores the importance of maintaining a balance between wisdom and arrogance, serving as a reminder that mythological characters can also impact crucial life lessons. Whether you are someone who agrees with the idea of worshipping Ravan or someone who enjoys learning mythology from different perspectives, a visit to this temple can serve as a thought-provoking approach to delve into deeper significance of Dussehra.
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