JODHPUR, RAJASTHAN, March 23, 2007: Hindus in Jodhpur, who claim King Ravana, villian of the epic Ramayana, as an ancestor, are constructing a temple in his honor. About 200 Hindu families of the Mudgal Gotrahere (community) here, have decided to construct the temple. They believe that Ravana should be worshipped as he was superhuman, a brahmin and also the king of the three worlds. They also believe that Ravana’s wife, Mandodari, hailed from Mandore, which was the ancient capital of Jodhpur.
“Ravana’s Temple is being built since his ancestors hailed from Jodhpur. He also got married here. There is a temple of a Goddess where Ravana used to worship and that is the reason a temple dedicated to him is being built. For over two decades, the plan to come up with this temple was thought of. Now, we have found a good artist and he is busy sculpting the icon,” said Mamlera Dave, President, Akshya Joyti Anusandhan Kendra, Jodhpur.
“I have made many icons of Gods and Goddesses but this is the first time I am making sculptures of someone who is not regarded as God. It does not matter to me that I am making a sculpture of Ravana. It is just a sculpture for me. I just want to make more and more icons and statues so that people see and find them interesting. I am also doing this to save the art, which I have inherited from my forefathers,” said Chunaram, a sculptor.