Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:03am on 02 Oct 2025,Thursday Spiritual
At Kanpur's 135-year-old Dashanan Mandir, Ravan is worshipped on Dussehra, contrasting sharply with India's traditional effigy-burning celebrations. Built in 1890 by Maharaj Guru Prasad Shukla from Unnao district, the temple honors Ravan as Lord Shiva's devoted follower and scholar, not as a demon. Located in Shivala's Kailasha temple complex, it opens only on Dussehra while remaining closed the remaining 364 days. The five-foot-tall Ravan idol stays wrapped year-round, symbolizing his captivity. On October 2, devotees chant "Lankapati Naresh Ravan Ki Jai," offer prayers, light oil lamps, and seek wisdom and strength. Special aarti is performed before doors close again until next Dussehra.
