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MP Police Station Protects Worshipped Ravana Idol
20 Oct
Summary
- A 300-year-old Ravana idol is protected inside a police station.
- The nine-headed idol is worshipped by locals on Dussehra.
- Tradition links the idol to Ramayana myths and local rulers.
In Madhya Pradesh's Satna district, the Kothi police station uniquely protects a 300-year-old Ravana idol, a departure from the usual Dussehra tradition of burning effigies. This 25-foot-tall, nine-headed idol is a site of worship for local devotees, who believe Ravana is venerated for offering a head to Lord Shiva.
Generations of priests have maintained the rituals associated with the idol, which is believed to be around 300 years old. The tradition is intertwined with local lore, including a connection to the Ramayana, where a nearby river and 'Ram Chabootra' were part of ancient Ramlila performances. The land on Ravana's side was known as 'Lanka', and the bridge over the river symbolized Ram Setu.
Similar Ravana idols are reportedly found in Chitrakoot and Pali, Umaria. The Kothi idol's presence within the police station compound dates back approximately 19 years to the station's reconstruction. The idol's unique status is also echoed in other parts of Madhya Pradesh, such as Ravan village and Mandsaur's Khanpura, where Ravana is revered.
