For most of us, the festival of  Dussehra is synonymous with the victory of good over evil, which in turn is synonymous with Ram’s victory over Ravan.

But there are some places in the country that symbolise the exact opposite of the above-mentioned belief. These places do not believe in celebrating Dussehra, and observe it as a solemn occasion instead.

A lot has already been said about Ravan being an ardent believer of Lord Shiva and being worshiped in several parts of Sri Lanka, but do you know about these four Indian temples that continue to worship him after all this time? Let us help you.

1. Ravan Mandir Bisrakh, Delhi NCR
Believed to be the birthplace of Ravan, a temple in Bisrakh, Greater Noida, is dedicated to the Lankan king. The temple has obviously faced the wrath of several people who believe in the power of Ram, but that hasn’t changed the stand of the institution that is situated in a village that derives its name from Ravan’s father, Vishrava.

Ravana mandir in Bisrakh. Picture courtesy: Facebook/Arun Kumar

2. Dashanan Ravana Temple, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
This temple in Kanpur reportedly opens its doors just on the occasion of Dussehra, which is when believers of Ravana swarm it and pay homage to their hero. Built in the Shivala area of Kanpur, the temple is situated right next to a Shiva temple and is said to celebrate Ravana’s knowledge and strength.

Also Read: The Extremely Simplified and Modern Ravana

3. Ravangram Ravana Temple, Madhya Pradesh
With an entire village dedicated to Ravana, the city of Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh has a set of devout Ravana worshipers. Vidisha’s Ravangram has a Ravana temple with a 10-foot-long reclining statue of the Lankan king. The temple is said to be the brainchild of Kanyakubja Brahmins–the sect of Brahmins Ravana is believed to be a part of. The residents of the village neither burn effigies nor celebrate Dussehra; they in fact turn to ‘Lord Lankesh’ and include him in every joyous occasion there is.

It is said that if the statue in Vidisha was to stand, a huge calamity would strike the village. Picture courtesy: Facebook/Temple Connect

4. Kakinada Ravana Temple, Andhra Pradesh
Situated in the coastal city of Andhra Pradesh, a Ravana temple here celebrates the Lankan king’s admiration for Lord Shiva–as is evident by a gigantic Shivling mural.

Kakinada’s Ravan Mandir, The Lankan King and Lord Shiva co-exist. Picture courtesy: Facebook/ Temple Connect