Sangola-a Maha village where Ravan is honoured, not condemned

Akola, Oct 25 While the effigies of Ravan areburnt on the occasion of Dussehra across the country, a smallvillage in Maharashtras Akola district worships the demonking.

The tradition of worshipping Ravan for his”intelligence and ascetic qualities” has been going on inSangola village here for the last 200 years, claim locals.

A tall black stone statue of the demon king, with 10heads and 20 arms, stands at the centre of the village wherelocals revere him.

Talking to PTI on Sunday, local temple priestHaribhau Lakhade said while the rest of the country burnseffigies of Ravana on Dussehra, symbolising the victory ofgood over evil, residents of Sangola worship the demon kingfor his “intelligence and ascetic qualities”.

Lakhade said his family has since long beenworshipping Ravan and claimed the happiness, peace andcontentment in the village is because of the Lanka king.

Some elderly residents of the village hail Ravan as a”scholar” and believe he abducted Sita for “political reasonsand preserved her sanctity”, local resident Mukund Pohre said.

While the villages believe in Lord Ram, they also havefaith in Ravan and dont burn his effigies, he said.

Visitors from across the country come to this tinyvillage on Dussehra every year to catch a glimpse of Ravansstatue and some even offer prayers, he added.

This year, the festivities in the village are low-keyin the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lakhade said. PTI CORGK GK

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