Stories
Inside Kanpur's Unique 136-Year-Old Temple That Worships Ravan Once a Year
- •The 135 to 136-year-old Dashanan Mandir in Kanpur's Shivala locality is dedicated to Ravan and opens its doors to devotees for just one day each year on Dussehra.
- •Built in 1890 by Maharaj Guru Prasad Shukla, the temple was established to honour Ravan's deep devotion to Lord Shiva, vast wisdom, and scholarly knowledge.
- •The temple houses a striking five-foot-tall idol of Ravan that remains covered for 364 days a year, symbolizing his captivity, and is only unveiled on Vijayadashami.
- •Devotees gather on Dussehra morning to light oil lamps, offer prayers, chant in praise of the Lanka king, and seek blessings for wisdom and strength.
- •After the special aarti and brief daily observances, the temple doors close again, preserving a unique tradition that contrasts with the widespread Ravan Dahan celebrations.
Key Questions Answered
The Dashanan Mandir in Kanpur's Shivala locality was built in 1890 by Maharaj Guru Prasad Shukla, a resident of the Unnao district and a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. The shrine was established within the Kailasha temple complex to honour Ravan's devotion to Shiva, his wisdom, and his knowledge.
While most of India burns effigies of Ravan to mark the triumph of good over evil on Dussehra, this Kanpur temple highlights his identity as a learned scholar and a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. Devotees gather to honor his wisdom, knowledge, and devotion rather than condemning him to the flames.
The five-foot-tall idol of Ravan remains covered for 364 days a year, symbolizing his period of captivity, and is unveiled for just one day annually on Dussehra. On Vijayadashami, the temple briefly opens its doors for special prayers and an aarti before closing again until the next festival.
