Ravana temples across India

While Ravana is often viewed as the antagonist in Hindu mythology, there are several temples across India dedicated to him, emphasizing his devotion to Lord Shiva, his intelligence, and his scholarly contributions. Here are some prominent Ravana temples in India:

1. Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh – Ravana Temple:

In Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, there is a temple dedicated to Ravana where locals consider him a hero rather than a villain. They worship Ravana as a great scholar and devotee of Lord Shiva, and the temple attracts devotees during Dussehra, much like the Dashanan Temple in Kanpur.

2. Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh – Ravana’s Birthplace:

In Mandsaur, locals believe that Ravana’s wife, Mandodari, was from this region, making it a place of significance. Ravana is revered as a son-in-law, and a large idol of him is worshiped during festivals. There is also a Ravana Chhatri, a structure where locals offer prayers to Ravana, especially during Dussehra.

3. Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh – Ravana Temple in Ravangram:

The village of Ravangram in Vidisha district houses a rare temple dedicated to Ravana. This temple features a reclining idol of Ravana, and the villagers believe that Ravana was a learned Brahmin and an ardent Shiva devotee. Worshipers gather here to pray for blessings, especially during auspicious occasions.

4. Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh – Baijnath Temple:

The Baijnath Temple in Himachal Pradesh is dedicated to Lord Shiva, but there is a strong connection to Ravana. Legend has it that Ravana worshipped Lord Shiva at this very temple to gain boons and his invincible powers. The temple complex attracts many devotees, some of whom come to pay respects to Ravana’s deep devotion to Shiva.

5. Bisrakh, Uttar Pradesh:

Bisrakh village near Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh claims to be the birthplace of Ravana. There is a small shrine dedicated to him, and during Navratri and Dussehra, the villagers refrain from burning Ravana effigies as a sign of respect. Instead, they perform rituals in honor of Ravana’s wisdom and his association with Lord Shiva.

6. Jodhpur, Rajasthan – Ravana Temple:

In Jodhpur, Rajasthan, the Maudgil Brahmin community considers Ravana to be their ancestor and worship him. They have constructed temples and shrines dedicated to him, and special prayers are held in his honor.

7. Kangra, Himachal Pradesh – Ravana Danda:

In the Kangra region of Himachal Pradesh, there’s a shrine dedicated to Ravana’s staff (danda), which he is believed to have left behind after his worship of Lord Shiva. Though not a full temple, the site holds significance for locals, who view Ravana as a devotee of Shiva.

These temples represent a more complex interpretation of Ravana, acknowledging his wisdom, devotion, and strengths rather than focusing solely on his negative traits as portrayed in the Ramayana. They highlight the duality in Hindu mythology, where even characters like Ravana can be revered for their virtues.