Devotees all over the country immerse themselves in revelries on Dusshera to mark Ram's victory over 'evil' Ravan, but a few hundred pilgrims throng a temple in Kanpur every year to worship Ravan.
Built in 1890, the portals of Dashanan temple open once a year on the occasion of Dusshera at 9 in the morning. The idol of Ravan is bedecked with ornaments and then an 'aarti' is performed by devout followers.
The effigy of Ravan is consigned to flames in the evening, after which the doors of temple are closed, only to be re-opened on next Dussehra.
"The 123-year-old, one-of-its-kind temple built by Maharaj Guru Prasad Shukla is located next to Lord Shiva's shrine in Kailash temple premises," programme coordinator of the temple, KK Tiwari said.
More than 15,000 devotees are expected to offer prayers to Ravan in Kanpur on Sunday, he said.
Elucidating the purpose behind building this temple, Tiwari said, "Ravan was a great scholar and an ardent follower of Lord Shiva. Thus, the temple is built adjacent to Lord Shiva's temple at Shivala area of the city."
Devotees also light 'diyas' and pray for the prosperity of their families. "When Lord Ram will kill Ravan in the Ramleela performed in Kanpur, the temple premises will reverberate with chants by devotees," Tiwari said.
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