Stories
Vidisha's Unique Rawan Village Where Residents Worship Ravana As A Deity Instead Of Burning Effigies
- •In Rawan village of Madhya Pradesh's Vidisha district, villagers do not burn effigies of Ravana on Dussehra, considering it inauspicious.
- •An ancient Parmar-era temple houses an approximately 12-feet-long reclining idol of Ravan Baba, who is worshipped as the presiding village deity.
- •No auspicious work like weddings, religious rituals, or new vehicle purchases begins without offering the first invitation and worship to Ravan Baba.
- •Brahmin families in the village consider themselves descendants of Ravana, with youth proudly displaying 'Jai Lankesh' tattoos and vehicle inscriptions.
- •On Dussehra, the village organizes Ramayana recitation, bhajan-kirtan, and a grand community feast where devotees gather from far and wide.
Key Questions Answered
Rawan village is located in the Nateran tehsil of Madhya Pradesh's Vidisha district. Unlike the rest of the country where Ravana effigies are burned on Dussehra, villagers here consider watching Ravana Dahan inauspicious and instead worship him as their presiding deity and village god, 'Rawan Baba'.
An ancient Parmar-era temple in the middle of the village houses an approximately 12-feet-long idol of Ravan Baba in a reclining posture. Complete daily aartis and rituals are performed here, and the entire village lives under the shadow of his protection.
Brahmin families in the village consider themselves descendants of Ravana, and youngsters frequently sport tattoos and vehicle inscriptions of 'Jai Lankesh'. Additionally, no auspicious work or marriage begins without offering the first invitation card and worship to Ravan Baba.
