Noida, Oct 1 (PTI) While the rest of the country would mark Dussehra on Thursday by burning effigies of Ravan as a symbol of the triumph of good over evil, the village of Bisrakh in Noida observes the day differently. Here, residents worship Ravan, believing the village to be his birthplace.
According to locals, Bisrakh derives its name from Rishi Vishrava (also called Vishravas), the father of Ravan. They consider Ravan the "son of Bisrakh" and revere him for his wisdom and devotion to Lord Shiva.
"Ravan and his brothers Kumbhkaran, Vibhishan and their sister Surpanakha were born here. They were the children of Rishi Vishrava, who himself was the son of Rishi Pulastya," temple mahant Ram Das Maharaj told PTI.
The mahant said Ravan was born with one head, but during penance to Lord Shiv