Ravana, the mythological demon King is generally remembered as an embodiment of evil. But for the residents of Madhya Pradeshs Khonpura village their 45-foot Ravana idol is a God.
By Rajni Khaitan
Khonpura (Madhya Pradesh), Aug.2 : Ravana, the mythological demon King is generally remembered as an embodiment of evil. But for the residents of Madhya Pradesh's Khonpura village their 45-foot Ravana idol is a God.
Built in village's open ground, the Ravana idol is said to be 250-300 years old.
Villagers say, the Ravana idol was damaged on two separate occasions and it proved a bad omen for the village. But as soon the statue was repaired, the good time also returned to the village. Since then it is being worshipped here.
Members of the local Namdev community worship the Ravana idol during the Dussera festival. In other parts of the country, on this day Ravana's effigies are burnt on this occasion, as victory of good over evil.
Rajesh Namdev, the President of Namdev society, said: "Few years back the statue was damaged due to the lightning. The village faced scarcity of water and famine during that year. Then the Namdev society repaired the statue with the help of the Municipal Corporation. Since then everything is fine in the village."
Villagers here believe that praying before the idol, will help them overcome difficulties. Be it typhoid, jaundice or any other illness , villagers pray to Ravana to help them. Even after childbirth the newborn is brought here for Ravana's blessings.
Lalita Sawan, a mother, said: "When our children fall sick, we come here and pray to Ravana. We tie a thread on the leg of this statue and make the children lie at His feet. Ravana blesses the child . "
Acording to the Hindu mythology, the ten-headed Ravana abducted Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. He had to wage a war against Ravana to get back his wife from captivity. It could be possible only after Rama and his army of monkeys including Hanumana killed Ravana, his son Meghnath and brother Kumbhkarna.
Rama's epic victory over the demon King Ravana is described as the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated every year by Hindus on Dussera.
ANI