Jodhpur: In the heart of Jodhpur, amidst the vibrant celebrations of Dussehra, a unique tradition unfolds annually that stands in stark contrast to the widespread revelry. While effigies of Ravan, the mythological demon king, are set ablaze across India to symbolise the triumph of good over evil, a small community in Jodhpur gathers to honour and mourn him. In a small temple nestled away on the Mehrangarh Fort road, the local Dave Godha community— a gotra of Shrimali Brahmins claiming to be descendants of Ravan—gathers each year after the effigy of the demon king is burned. This somewhat unconventional ceremony involves a purifying ritual where devotees take a bath, change their ‘janeu’—the sacred thread worn by Brahmins—and initiate special prayers and offerings for peace to Ravan’s soul. “We believe that by honouring him, we honour our heritage,” explains Kamlesh Dave, head priest of the Ravana temple, emphasising their unique perspective on a figure often vilified in mainstream narratives. For Jodhpur’s Dave Godha community, Dussehra is not just a celebration but a solemn remembrance of a king they revere for his wisdom and intellect. The story of Ravan’s connection to Jodhpur is as intriguing as it is ancient. According to local legend, Ravan was married to Mandodari, the daughter of Mayasur, the king of Mandawar, now known as Mandor. This picturesque garden suburb, located just 11-km from Jodhpur city, is where Ravan’s wedding procession from Lanka to Mandor took place. Dave says, “When he came to Mandor to tie the knot with Mandodari, many of his relatives accompanied his ‘baraat’ from Lanka to Mandor. After the marriage, Ravan returned to his kingdom with his queen but some of his relatives stayed here, thereby giving rise to the Dave Godha community, who pride themselves on their lineage.” Today, about 100 families of the Dave Godha gotra reside in Jodhpur, primarily in the walled city localities of Chandpol and Brahmpuri. For them, Ravan is not the demon king depicted in popular narratives but a Vedic scholar, master musician and formidable warrior. “Beyond his image as Sita’s abductor, he was a veena virtuoso and a sage whose mastery of mantras could command nature. It was for this reason that even Lord Brahma is said to have visited Lanka to learn from him,” says Ajay Dave, Kamlesh’s son. This reverence for Ravan led to the establishment of a temple dedicated to him in 2008. The temple houses idols of Ravan, his wife Mandodari, and his ‘kuldevi’ Kharanana. For the Dave Godha community, Ravan’s virtues far outweigh his flaws.
Ravan’s ‘descendants’ mourn his demise, revere wisdom in Jodhpur | Jaipur News
