Devotees worship Ravana in Kanpur temple on Dussehra

When devotees will mark triumph of good over evil on Dussehra by burning effigy of demon king Ravana in most parts of the country tomorrow, people will worship the 'Dashanan' at a 125-year-old temple in Shivala area here.
The temple 'Dashanan Mandir' which was reportedly constructed in 1890 by king Guru Prasad Shukl, open its door for devotees annually on Dusshera, organiser of the temple functions, K K Tevari told PTI.
He said that the motive behind the construction of temple was that the Ravan was the learned pandit and devotee of Lord Shiva.
He said that the temple of demon king was constructed in premises of Lord Shiva temple in Shivala area of the district. He added that devotee will worship demon king followed by lord Shiva.

He claimed that except this temple there was no idol of demon king in the entire country.
On the occasion, the idol of demon king is decorated and and after purification, an aarti is performed.

He said that devotees will light the earthen lamps and will perform religious rituals to celebrate the festival.
He claimed that around 15,000 devotees are expected to throng the temple tomorrow, as it is opened once in a year only on the Dussehra day.
He added that after the effigy of demon king would be burned in Ramlial ground here, the doors of the 'Dashanan Mandir' will also be closed for a year.

Dussehra is regarded as the day when Lord Ram defeated Ravana and rescued his abducted wife, Sita. As per the tradition, the effigy of the demon king Ravana is burnt in most parts of the country.
Apart from Ravana, the gigantic effigies of his brother Kumbhakarna and son Meghnath are also burnt.