On Dussehra i.e. Vijayadashami, effigy of Ravana is burnt at many places across the country. This day is celebrated to symbolize the victory of good over evil. But do you know that there is a village near Delhi-NCR, where the effigy of Ravana is not burnt on Dussehra, but puja and havan is performed? This village is Bisrakh, located in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, which is considered to be the birthplace of Ravana according to local religious beliefs. The ancient Shiva temple here and the unique tradition related to Dussehra makes it different from other places. If you want to experience something different this time on Dussehra, then a trip to Bisrakh village can be an interesting option for you.
After all, what is the history of Bisarkh village?
The name of the village Bisrakh is believed to be associated with the sage Vishrava, who is said to be the father of Ravana in the Ramayana tradition. According to local belief, sage Vishrava used to worship Lord Shiva in this area. The ancient Shiva temple of the village is also seen to be associated with this religious tradition. Social media influencer Renu Bhati, in one of her videos, has told about the beliefs related to Bisrakh village and the temple here. According to him, the local people believe that Ravana was born in this village and after rigorous penance of Lord Shiva, he reached Lanka. Shivalinga and other religious symbols are present in the temple complex, which are seen to be linked to the local traditions. However, considering Bisrakh as the birthplace of Ravana is not a historically proven fact, but a local religious belief.
Why is Ravana's effigy not burnt on Dussehra?
The most special identity of Bisrakh village is its unique tradition performed on Dussehra. While Ravana Dahan is performed on Vijayadashami in most parts of the country, importance is given to puja and havan in Bisarkh. Ravana is seen as an ancestor in the belief of the local people. Due to this religious belief, there is no tradition of burning the effigy of Ravana on Dussehra in the village.
This tradition shows that beliefs related to Ramayana and Vijayadashami are seen in different forms in different regions of India. Understanding the tradition of Bisrakh can be a special experience for those who want to know the religious and cultural diversity of the country closely.
What is worth visiting and seeing in Bisrakh village?
If you are planning to visit Bisrakh, then the ancient Shiva temple here can be the main stop of your trip.
Here you:
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Visit to the ancient Shiva temple You can do this and know about the local beliefs related to Shivalinga.
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Can understand the tradition of Dussehra. By talking to the local people, you can know why puja and havan are performed here instead of Ravana Dahan.
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One can see the religious and cultural heritage closely. This place may be of interest to those who are interested in the sites and traditions associated with Ramayana.
Before going to any closed part of the temple or cave, take permission and safety related information from the temple management.
How to reach Bisrakh village from Delhi-NCR?
Bisrakh village is located in the Greater Noida West region of Uttar Pradesh. It can be reached by road from Delhi and surrounding NCR areas. Before setting out on the journey, check the exact location of the temple on the map and the traffic conditions of that day. If you are planning to go on the day of Dussehra, it would be better to know the timings of darshan, puja and havan in the temple beforehand.
If you want to see something different on Dussehra then know Bisarkh
The identity of Bisrakh village is not limited only to the local belief related to the birthplace of Ravana. The tradition of performing puja and havan instead of Ravana Dahan on Dussehra also makes it special. If you want to have a cultural experience different from the Ravana Dahan that happens every year, then you can consider a trip to Bisrakh village. You will get a chance to know the religious traditions here closely and will also understand how the same festival is celebrated in different ways in different regions of India.