Explore Bisrakh – Birth place of Raavan

Located just 30 kilometres from the bustling urban centre of Greater Noida, Bisrakh or Bisrakh Jalapur, is steeped in mythology and is believed to be the birthplace of Ravana.

Why visit Bisrakh?
– Birthplace of Raavan
– Ancient Shiva Temple

Raavan’s father, Vishrava, was a renowned sage, and the village derives its name from him. It was Vishrava who discovered a sacred Shiva linga in the surrounding forest and established it in the village, creating a spiritual focal point for the community. Additionally, a new temple dedicated to Ravana is under construction, featuring a 42-foot Shiva Linga and a 5.5-foot statue of Ravana, symbolising the village’s reverence for him.

Ancient Shiva Temple

One of Bisrakh’s most remarkable features is its ancient Shiva temple, which houses an octagonal Shiva linga that is possibly unique in India. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had conducted excavations on the premises some years ago. It unearthed a hidden cave, large bricks typical of ancient construction, metal coins, and other historical relics, suggesting a rich archaeological heritage dating back centuries.

Intriguingly, the Shiva linga visible above ground, standing approximately two and a half feet high, is merely the tip of a much larger structure that extends about eight feet below the surface. Next to the Shiva temple, there is an open temple dedicated to the Navagraha, or the nine planets. The Murti of the Sun here is quite unique and shows the single-wheel chariot of the Sun being driven by two horses, which occupies the centre of the Navagraha mandala.

The current priest of this ancient Shiva temple is Ramdas. He has been its caretaker for three decades and shares some fascinating insights into the local customs. He emphasised that throughout his tenure, he has never witnessed any villager participating in the burning of Ravana’s effigy. Instead, the people of Bisrakh opt for a quieter celebration of Dussehra, focusing on prayer and reflection rather than the dramatic displays seen elsewhere in India. There’s a palpable sense of reverence and perhaps even a hint of superstition among the villagers, who believe that any attempt to harm or burn an effigy of Ravana could invite misfortune. The heart of the temple, its sanctum sanctorum, houses a Shiva Lingam – a representation of Lord Shiva, to whom Ravana was famously devoted. Surrounding this sacred symbol, the walls of the sanctum tell the rich saga of Ravana’s life through intricate carvings. These artistic depictions serve as a visual narrative, chronicling the demon king’s lineage and life events in great detail.

The carvings begin with the story of Ravana’s grandfather, the sage Pulastya Muni, one of the mind-born sons of Lord Brahma. They then depict Ravana’s parents, Vishrava and Kaikashi, providing context for his dual heritage, which is both divine and demonic. The life of Ravana himself is extensively portrayed, starting from his birth, an event of great significance in Hindu mythology.

One of the most notable episodes carved on the walls is Ravana’s legendary penance to obtain the boon of multiple heads from Lord Brahma. This act of extreme devotion and determination is central to Ravana’s character, illustrating both his spiritual power and his ambition. The multiple heads he received symbolise his vast knowledge and skills, encompassing the Vedas and various arts and sciences.

The narrative continues, showing Ravana’s rise to power and his conquest of Lanka, events that set the stage for his eventual conflict with Lord Rama. Interestingly, the carvings extend to depict Ravana’s departure to fight the war with Rama, a pivotal moment that leads to the climax of the Ramayana epic.

This comprehensive visual storytelling within the temple serves multiple purposes. It educates visitors about the complex background of Ravana’s character, encourages contemplation on the nature of good and evil, and preserves local traditions and interpretations of this ancient tale. The temple thus stands as a unique cultural landmark, offering a perspective on the Ramayana that diverges from the more common narratives found elsewhere in India.

Cultural Significance

While most of India celebrates Dussehra or Vijayadashmi on the tenth day of Navaratri by burning effigies of the ten-headed King Ravana, symbolising the triumph of good over evil, the residents of Bisrakh village in Uttar Pradesh take a markedly different approach. Instead of participating in the widespread tradition, they conduct a maha yagna, a grand sacrificial fire ceremony, to pray for the soul of Ravana, whom they revere as a great scholar and devotee of Lord Shiva.

Bisrakh to Lanka – What’s the connection?

The connection between Bisrakh and Ravana’s later kingdom of Lanka is an intriguing aspect of the local lore.

It’s said that Ravana spent his formative years in Bisrakh before embarking on his journey to Lanka. This migration wasn’t a simple relocation but a significant mythological event. According to Hindu scriptures, Ravana and his brother Kumbhakarna performed intense penance to please Lord Brahma. As a result, they were granted extraordinary powers, which they used to defeat Kubera (Ravana’s step-brother who had received Lanka as a gift from Lord Shiva) and claim the golden kingdom of Lanka for themselves.

While Bisrakh’s traditions may seem unique, it’s not the only place in India that honours Ravana rather than celebrating his defeat. In Rajasthan’s Mandor village, there’s a strong belief that Ravana’s wife, Mandodari, was the daughter of the local King Mandawar. Like Bisrakh, the residents of Mandor do not conventionally celebrate Dussehra. Instead, they pay their respects at a village temple where a statue of Ravana was installed about eight years ago, further cementing the local connection to the mythological king.

There are some more temples dedicated to Ravana in various parts of India, each with its own unique traditions and beliefs. In Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, a temple stands as a testament to Ravana’s scholarly achievements and his mastery of the Vedas. The Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh boasts a temple where Ravana is worshipped alongside other deities, highlighting his complex character in Hindu mythology. In Karnataka’s Mandya district, a temple celebrates Ravana’s devotion to Lord Shiva, portraying him as a misunderstood figure rather than an outright villain.

Location & Distance Guide

Greater Noida: 17 km
Noida: 10 km
New Delhi: 33 km
Meerut: 63.8 km via NE 3
Gurgaon: 61.5 km via NH48