Mythology has always played a crucial role in India’s culture and tradition since centuries. We all have witnessed many mythological stories from our ancestors. Mahabharata and Ramayana are one among the most famous stories we all have heard. Here’s a concealed story of a village named Bisrakh located in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
Bisrakh Village is believed to be the birthplace of Ravana, the demon king. According to the villagers the name of the village is derived from the name of Ravana’s father Vishrava, who was a saint and a devotee of Lord Shiva. Ravana was a son of Vishrava and Kaikesi. The villagers believe that Ravana had spent his childhood in this village and later went to Lanka.
As we all know that Ravana was the most powerful and intelligent saint, also a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He is worshiped in this village. The people of this village do not celebrate Diwali and Dusshera. For them the nine days of Navratri is a period of mourning in the village. The locals pray for the peace of Ravana’s soul and perform yagnas.
It is also believed that celebrating Diwali or Ramleela will invite the wrath of Ravana. According to the villagers anyone who tries to celebrate Ramleela or Diwali in this village had to bear the consequences. They believe that celebrating Ramleela would invite wrath of Ravana and a bigger calamity can take place.
There is also a temple of Shiva Lingam in Bisrakh village, which is believed to be built by Ravana’s father Vishrava. As a child, Ravana along with his father used to offer prayers in this temple. For them Ravana is their protector and guarding deity, and protects them from any calamity. The villagers worship both Lord Rama and Ravana, but Ravana is more closer to them.
Recently, when new Lord Ram’s idol was installed in Ayodhya, on 22 January and the entire country celebrated this event as a festival. The villagers of Bisrakh also made a change, and brought an Idol of Lord Ram. Along with Ram, idols of Sita, Laxman and Hanuman, were also installed at Shiva temple in the village. The consecration ceremony was held by 11 priests, following a procession across the village. The Villagers who have never celebrated Dussehra festival earlier, are planning to bring an Idol of Ram from this year. So from now onwards both Ram and Ravana will be worshiped in Bisrakh.
