Why does Bisrakh worship Ravana?
Across much of India, Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is marked by burning the effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhkaran. The ritual symbolises the victory of good over evil and commemorates Lord Rama’s triumph over Ravana, as narrated in the Ramayana.
In Bisrakh, however, the festival takes a different form. Residents regard Ravana as part of their religious heritage and follow customs that distinguish their celebrations from those elsewhere in the country. Devotees offer prayers to Lord Shiva and perform rituals seeking peace for Ravana’s soul.
These practices reflect the community’s interpretation of Ravana’s place in Hindu traditions. While the Ramayana portrays him as the king of Lanka who abducted Sita, other accounts also describe him as a learned scholar, a devotee of Lord Shiva and a figure associated with extensive knowledge of religious texts.
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Why do some Brahmin communities worship Ravana?
Ravana is revered by certain Brahmin communities in India, particularly those that emphasise his identity as a learned Brahmin, scholar and devotee of Lord Shiva. According to the Ramayana tradition, he was the son of sage Vishrava and is associated with knowledge of the Vedas, astrology and music.
In some regions, communities observe rituals in his honour and refrain from burning his effigy during Dussehra. Their reverence often centres on his scholarship, spiritual devotion and religious lineage. However, these practices are not universal among Brahmins, and beliefs and customs differ across communities and regions.
Ravana’s character occupies a complex place in Hindu traditions. Although he is remembered for abducting Sita and ultimately being defeated by Lord Rama, his reputation as a scholar and Shiva devotee also features in religious narratives. These differing interpretations help explain why some communities remember him through worship rather than solely as a symbol of evil.