Bisrakh, this name is derived from the name of Rishi Vishrava. With time, this name got corrupted and changed to Bisrakh. Rishi Vishrava was the father of Dashmukh Ravana. According to some sources, Ravana was born in Bisrakh, while some believe that Ravana spent some time of his childhood here.
Bisrakh is an ancient village located in the metropolis of Noida. Actually it is Sector 1 of Greater Noida. Depending on where in Delhi you are traveling from, this village is located at a distance of about 20 to 30 kilometers from Delhi.
Bisrakh Tour
It took us 15-20 minutes to reach Bisrakh by vehicle through the wide express highways of Noida and Greater Noida.
On reaching here, our first sight fell on a grocery store named Raavan Kirana Store. Raavan DJ was making its presence felt inside a garage next to it. This was my first introduction to the live legend related to Raavan in Bisrakh village. In front of this shop is a big ashram named Anami Dham.
We chatted with the grocery store owner and asked him for directions to Ravana's temple. We were advised to follow a path that went through the village. It was a narrow path but there were many beautiful and huge buildings on both sides of it.
Walking on the narrow path, we reached a deserted place. Here we saw a temple with a tall peak on it. We realized that this was not the temple for which we had come here. Our desired temple was a little further on the left side.
Ancient Shiva temple of Bisrakh
We entered the temple premises through a pylon. There was a single tree between us and the decorated entrance of the temple. A new wall was being constructed around the temple. Scenes from stories and events related to Ravana's life were being depicted on it with amazing craftsmanship.
We toured the premises, observing these incredible sculptures. We also talked to some craftsmen who were carving a picture of Ravana's younger brother Vibhishan on a wall in the side section. They had come here from Odisha especially to do these sculptures. Earlier, I had met Odisha's rock craftsmen in Jajpur too. While talking to these craftsmen, I remembered them.
On the right side of the gate, you can clearly see the sculpture of Dashamukh Ravana. On the left side, there is a sculpture of sage Vishrava worshipping Brahma. In one scene, sage Vishrava and his wife are worshipping together. In another scene, Ravana is shown offering his head to Lord Shiva. In front of us, the sculptors were carving scenes related to Ravana's two brothers, Vibhishana and Kumbhakarna.
There is a huge statue of Ganesha in a seated posture above the main entrance. On one side of him is Goddess Lakshmi riding on an owl and on the other side is Goddess Saraswati seated on a swan. There are sculptures of sages blowing conches. There are also some snake sculptures here.
We entered the huge temple complex. The temple appears very small in comparison to the size of the complex. The temple is a small room with a Shivling inside. There is a small statue of Nandi in the open air courtyard in front of the Shivling. Above this main linga is an outer structure painted in pink.
It is believed that Rishi Vishrava found this Shivling in the forest region here. He established this Shivling here and worshipped it. That is why this Shivling is called Swayambhu Shivling.
Shravan
It was the month of Shravan. This month is considered very special for Shiva devotees. We saw that many devotees were visiting the temple and offering water to the Shiva linga. A woman was sitting near the Shiva linga covering her face with a dupatta and meditating. Her presence was giving a new dimension to the divinity of the temple.
The linga installed in the temple appears to be ancient. A metal snake is seated decorating the Shivlinga. We also saw the octagonal base element of the Shivlinga. Looking at the Shivlinga, it appears that at some point of time it must have been installed on the yoni but now it is sitting independently on a granite tile.
A small but amazing idol of Goddess Parvati is installed in the niche of the wall. Her two sons Ganesha and Kartikeya are also seated with her.
Navagraha Temple
Near the Shiva temple is a small open-air temple dedicated to the Navgrahas. The idol of Surya is very special. Here Surya is depicted seated on a unique one-wheeled chariot. This chariot is being pulled by two horses. The idol of Surya seated on the chariot is installed in the middle of the Navgraha mandal.
The idol of Yama is installed in such a way that his gaze is fixed on the nine idols. These idols appear to be ancient. One of the idols is damaged.
Vishrava Temple
There is a huge room near the Navgrah temple in which there are full-fledged statues of all the gods and goddesses. Among all those statues, the statue of Rishi Vishrava is special. This statue is situated in front of a Shivalinga.
Near the statue of Rishi Vishrava, I saw a beautiful statue of Sun God in which he is seated with his seven horses. This sculpture is carved on a black rock. This idol of Sun God reminded me of Surajkund which is situated close to here.
Among some other idols in this room, the following idols are also unique –
- Gauri Shankar with Ganesh and Kartikeya
- Kalki Dev riding on a white horse
- Lakshmi Narayan
- Ravana's cousin was Kubera
- Radha Krishna
- Baba Mohan Ram ji driving his horse
- Hanuman
- Mother Kali
While reading the names of the above idols, you must have become curious to know about Baba Mohan Ram Ji. Baba Mohan Ram Ji is a saint who has taken up the task of renovation of this temple and Bisrakh Dham. While talking to the residents present in the temple and village, I came to know that there are many devotees of Baba Mohan Ram Ji in the village.
Shiv Parvati Temple
After visiting the main temple, we reached a temple decorated with a tall spire painted in bright pink colour. This is also a small temple inside which is the idol of the goddess.
Some devotees were sitting around this temple and chanting mantras.
There were some statues on its sides in front of which there were heaps of offerings dedicated to them.
Temple festivals
In North India, on the holy festival of Dussehra, there is a tradition of burning the effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhkarna and Ravana's son Meghnath everywhere. Various Ramlila performances are held. But in Bisrakh, the tradition is the opposite.
Since Bisrakh village is the birthplace of Ravana, Dussehra festival is celebrated here by worshipping Ravana. Ramlila is also not performed here. Diwali celebrations are also done on a minimal and subdued level.
While the Indian subcontinent is considered the land of Ramayana, this small village worshipping Ravana can be called a unique island.
Travel Tips
- Bisrakh village is a part of the National Capital Region (NCR). Hence, it is very easy to reach here.
- This temple remains open the whole day.
- This temple is mainly popular among the local people. Generally all the rituals are conducted by the local residents. Perhaps that is why I found a complete lack of tourist related facilities here.
- Along with visiting the temple, you should also take a walk in Bisrakh village. Despite seeming modern, your experience in this village will not be ordinary, but your experience will definitely be unique.
