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The Unique Temple in Kanpur Where Ravana Is Worshipped Once a Year
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News18•20-10-2026, 11:46
The Unique Temple in Kanpur Where Ravana Is Worshipped Once a Year
- •The historic Dashanan Temple in the Shivala area of Kanpur opens its doors to devotees only once a year on Vijayadashami.
- •Unlike the nationwide tradition of burning Ravana effigies, devotees here worship Ravana and pray for the fulfillment of their wishes.
- •The temple worships Ravana for his scholarly form, profound knowledge of Vedas, and ultimate devotion to Lord Shiva.
- •Located in the Kotwali area, the temple has become a unique part of Kanpur's religious and cultural heritage.
Key Questions Answered
The historic Dashanan Temple is located in the Shivala area of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and its doors are opened for devotees only once a year on the occasion of Vijayadashami.
Instead of viewing him purely as a symbol of evil, devotees at the temple remember Ravana's scholarly form, his deep knowledge of Vedas, scriptures, music, and astrology, and his ultimate devotion to Lord Shiva.
The Dashanan Temple is believed to have been built in 1890 by Maharaj Guru Prasad Shukla, a resident of the neighboring Unnao district and a devoted follower of Lord Shiva.
