Here, Ravana Isn’t Burnt But Revered: Families Mourn On Dashami, Perform Tarpan

Last Updated:September 17, 2025, 12:36 IST

Many families still perform the rituals at home, preserving a centuries-old legacy they see not just as faith but as a way to honour their ancestry and cultural heritage

Since 2007, after the installation of Ravana’s idol at the Amarnath temple, the rituals have been performed there. (Local18)

On the tenth day of Shraddha Paksha, on Tuesday, members of the Goda clan of the Dave-Godha Shrimali Brahmin community in Jodhpur performed tarpan and pind daan for Ravana, continuing their tradition of honouring him as an ancestor.

These families consider themselves descendants of Ravana, and the rituals, aimed at the peace and salvation of ancestors’ souls, were conducted with Vedic chanting, remembering Ravana’s father Vishrava and grandfather Maharishi Pulastya.

The ceremony, believed to enhance knowledge and wisdom, took place at the Amarnath temple on Kila Road in Jodhpur, where a statue of Dashanan (Ravana) has been installed.

Pandit Ajay Dave, alongside other Pandits, led the Tarpan and Pind Daan rituals, invoking the names of Vishrava and Pulastya. Pandit Kamlesh Dave explained that Ravana is revered as a symbol of strength and wisdom, and by performing Tarpan for Ravana, participants hope to gain these virtues.

Pandit Ajay Dave noted that Jodhpur is home to around 100 families claiming descent from Ravana, with another 60 families in Phalodi in Jodhpur district and many more settled in Gujarat. These families abstain from watching Ravana Dahan on Vijayadashami, instead observing a period of mourning in their homes and performing Tarpan.

The tradition has evolved over time. Initially conducted on lake banks, it later moved to homes with Ravana’s picture. Since 2007, after the installation of Ravana’s idol at the Amarnath temple, the rituals have been performed there.

Many families continue the practice at home, preserving a legacy believed to span centuries. They see it not just as a religious ritual but as a means to honour their roots and cultural heritage.

Read More

Go to Source