- Ravana Baba's blessing before auspicious work
- Why is Ravana's idol sleeping?
- Even if they leave the village, they return on Dussehra!
Dasara means victory of good over evil. Also, Dussehra means the burning of effigies of Lankeshwar Ravana. Public cremation of Ravana is done in a traditional way across the country, but there is a village in Madhya Pradesh's Vidisha district where every Dussehra Ravana is worshiped instead of cremated.
The citizens of this village refer to Ravana as 'Ravan Baba' and worship him with reverence as the village deity. Due to this unique tradition, this village is in special discussion.
12 feet idol of Ravana
Ravana village is situated in Nateran tehsil of Vidisha district. There is an ancient temple of Ravana in this village, according to the locals, this temple is of Paramara period. The temple has a 12 feet tall sleeping idol of Ravana. Daily worship is performed here.
On Dussehra, instead of burning effigies of Ravana, villagers organize Ramayana recitals, devotional songs and grand communal meals. Devotees from Vidisha, Bhopal and surrounding areas come to the village for this festival.
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Ravana Baba's blessing before auspicious work
The citizens of this village believe that Ravana Baba protects the village. Hence the tradition of seeking their blessings before starting any auspicious work is followed here. Temple priest Pandit Naresh Tiwari said that the villagers believe that the entire village is under the protection of Ravana Baba.
Ravana Baba is worshiped before religious and family functions like marriage, pre-marriage rituals, Bhagwat Kirtan and Ramayana Pathan. Not only this, villagers seek their blessings even when buying a new vehicle. It is also a tradition here to give the first wedding invitation to Ravana Baba.
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Why is Ravana's idol sleeping?
Rajesh Dhakad, representative of the village head, narrated a local legend behind the name of the village. According to this story, a powerful demon wanted to challenge Ravana. Ravana Baba came here to break his ego. Locals say that the idol of Ravana is shown in a resting state due to this legend.
The story of the name of the village has been told for many generations. However, the exact date when the village got the name 'Ravan' is not available.
Even if they leave the village, they return on Dussehra!
The annual Dussehra Bhandara at Ravana Baba's temple is a big festival of faith for the villagers. Many citizens who have settled outside the village due to job, business or other reasons also return to the village on this day. Devotees pray to Ravana Baba for fulfillment of their wishes and come back for darshan after their wishes are fulfilled.
According to Pandit Govind Narayan Tiwari, a local resident, Ravana is worshiped as a deity in the village. Various family ceremonies including marriages are also started by making offerings to Ravana Baba.
Ravana is generally portrayed as a villain in the Ramayana. The burning of his effigy on Dussehra is considered to symbolize the victory of good over evil. However, in Ravana village in Vidisha, Ravana is considered as protector and village deity. Hence, Dussehra here is not the burning of Ravana, but a celebration of worship, devotion and community unity.