Bisrakh

Ravananugraha theme Ravana.

Bisrakh is a village of Greater Noida, in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, believed to be the birthplace of the mythological king Ravana of the epic Ramayana, who is called the "Maha Brahman." Ravana in later years reigned as the king of Sri Lanka.[1] As the village people strongly identify Bisrakh with the tragic hero of Ramayana, they do not hold the annual Dassehara or Diwali festivals but mourn Ravana's death. However, in all other parts of the country the celebration of Dussehara culminates with burning of effigy of Ravana marking his killing by Rama. The nine days of Navratra ending in Dassehara are observed by the people of the village as a period of mourning when they offer prayers for peace to the soul of Ravana and perform Yagna.[2][3][4]

Location

Bisrakh is a small village, in the Gautam Budh Nagar district[5] which adjoins the urban center of Noida, and which still retains an ancient layout consisting of narrow lanes, dirty and potted roads. It is the headquarters of the administrative center of Bishrak Block in western Uttar Pradesh.[1][2][6] It is 30 kilometres (19 mi) away from the national capital, New Delhi.[7]

Mythology

Ravana.

According to a local legend, the name of the village is a derivation of Vishravas, father of Ravana, who was a famous sage of the ancient times who lived and worshipped Lord Shiva in this village. Ravana who was born in this village had spent his early childhood here. Vishravas had found a linga in the forest area and had established the Bisrakh Dhaam (abode of God) with the linga deified therein where he offered worship.[1][2]

According to mythology Vishravas, a Brahmin, had wedded Kaikesi, a rakshasa princess; Ravana thus had a mix of Brahmin and rakshasa (demon) blood. Vishravas's elder son by his first wife was Kubera, now worshipped as a god of wealth, who ruled Lanka until Ravana became the king himself.[1]

According to local belief celebrations of Ramalila in Bisrakh would invite the wrath of Ravana. Instead, fire sacrifices or Yajnas are held during Navratra festival to the Shiva linga praying homage to Ravana.[8]

Temples

Several temples exist in the village that are over 1,000 years old.[9] The Swayambhu (self manifest) Shiva linga, which was worshiped by Ravana and his father Vishravas, was unearthed more than 100 years ago. It is octagonal in shape. The linga is visible above the surface for 2.5 feet (0.76 m) height and a further 8 feet (2.4 m) length is said to extend below the ground. It is deified in a temple here and worshipped daily. The temple is set near a large banyan tree and has a courtyard laid with marble.[1][8][9]

A new temple dedicated to Ravana is under construction at a cost of Rs 2 crores. This temple will be deified with a 42 feet (13 m) Shiva Linga and a 5.5 feet (1.7 m) image of Ravana.[7]

Demographics

According to 2011 Census, the village has a total population of 5,470 (24.31% consist of Scheduled Caste) population of 882 families; 2,921 are males and 2,549 females with an average sex ratio of 767 much less than the Uttar Pradesh state average of 902. Literacy rate is 77.58% which is higher than the state's figure of 68.01%.[10]

Economy

The economy of the village and the Bishrakh Block was mainly agriculture to the extent of 70% with the balance 30% related on non-agricultural activities of people such as teachers, administrative and police officials, politicians, carpenters, shopkeepers, barbers, and also agricultural labour. The village, compared to the rest of the Block, has non-farmer elitists, and elite farmers who own land area of 40 bighas or more, with the richest farmer owning 300 bighas. However, the economy is still considered "subsistence level." for the village as a whole.[11][12]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Vasudevan 2013, p. 35.
  2. 1 2 3 "indianexpress". indianexpress.
  3. ↑ "hindustantimes".
  4. ↑ "timesofindia".
  5. ↑ "Project Report: Evaluation of Socio- Economic Development in Small Areas" (pdf). Planning Commission. 2004.
  6. ↑ Journal of Social and Economic Studies. A.N.S. Institute of Social Studies. 1978. p. 186.
  7. 1 2 "Bisrakh seeks funds for Ravan temple Purusharth Aradhak". The Times of India. 4 October 2014.
  8. 1 2 "Ravana is the son of this soil, believe locals of Noida's Bisrakh village". DNA. 22 July 2014.
  9. 1 2 "Land mafia grabs 2,500 acres of fertile land for Noida colony". Dailymail. 5 February 2012.
  10. ↑ "Bisrakh Jalalpur Population - Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh". Census2011.
  11. ↑ Vasudevan 2013, p. 92.
  12. ↑ Sachchidananda 1980, p. 160.

Bibliography

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