Universal Cosmology

𝘼𝙩 𝙍𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙖'𝙨 𝘽𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚- 𝘽𝙞𝙨𝙧𝙖𝙠𝙝 (𝘽𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙠𝙝) 𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙜𝙚, 𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙉𝙤𝙞𝙙𝙖, 𝙐𝙩𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙋𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙝, 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙖

The Ravana Temple, known as Raavan Janmabhoomi Mandir, is a unique shrine in Bisrakh village, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India is dedicated to Ravana from the Ramayana Epic. Locals believe it marks Sri Lankan - Hela Emperor Ravana's birthplace as the son of sage Vishrava (Also sometimes known as Vesamuni) The temple forms part of an ancient Shiva shrine where Ravana reportedly performed penance by offering his head ten times to a Shivling being the Greatest Devotee of the Lord Shiva.

Unlike typical Indian temples worshiping Rama, this site reveres Ravana, with idols of his family like Kumbhakarna and Vibhishana. During Dussehra, villagers skip burning Ravana effigies out of respect; in 2024, they installed Ram, Sita, and Lakshman idols alongside.

The Ravana Temple, or Bisrakh Dham, in Bisrakh Jalalpur village features an ancient Shiva temple where locals believe Ravana and his father Vishravas worshipped, with no exact construction date recorded. The Shiva linga, considered swayambhu (self-manifested), was unearthed over 100 years ago, though the site and village are deemed ancient with relics from archaeological digs.

Bisrakh Jalalpur sits in Greater Noida West (Sector 1), Gautam Buddha Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh state, India, about 30 km southeast of New Delhi near Kisan Chowk.

The octagonal Shiva linga stands 2.5 feet above ground, extending 8 feet below, surrounded by sculptures of Ravana, Vibhishana, and family scenes on the prakara walls. A new Ravana Janmabhoomi Mandir is under construction nearby with a 42-foot linga and 5.5-foot Ravana idol, funded at INR Rs 2 crores.

Villagers mourn during Navratri instead of burning Ravana effigies, performing yajnas for his soul at the over 1,000-year-old temples. The 2011 census lists the village population at 5,470, with 77.58% literacy.

Some villages' commercial enterprises still carry Ravana's image at their business premises, making it the only such village in India to date.



References -
[1] Raavan Janmabhoomi Mandir, Greater Noida – A Unique ... https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHITC-3zulQ/?hl=en
[2] Bisrakh Village: The Birthplace of King Ravana https://www.tripoto.com/noida/trips/bisrakh-village-the-birthplace-of-king-ravana-5bc74663a24cc
[3] Inside Noida's Mysterious Ravan Temple: Hidden Cave ... https://www.timesnownews.com/spiritual/noidas-mysterious-temple-ravans-birthplace-temple-with-hidden-cave-shivling-that-made-him-dasmukh-article-151608644

Perimiyankulama Gal Palama (Historical Stone Bridge) over Malwathu Oya, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura was the first Governing and Financial Capital of Sri Lanka in addition to being the Administrative and Cultural Capital.

The city flourished as a political, religious, and economic hub for almost 1,500 years. Its strategic location amidst fertile lands supported extensive agriculture, particularly rice cultivation, which was a key economic activity. The city had a well-organized economy with advanced irrigation systems, trade networks, and craftsmanship, making it the main financial center during its time. In other words, It served as the political and administrative center for the Sinhalese Kingdom from around 377 BCE to 1017 CE, making it the seat of Government.

The road network was in a highly developed state during this era, with major roads leading to Trincomalee, Mannar, Jaffna and the southern kingdoms from Anuradhapura. These roads were not only used for foot traffic but carts carrying goods travelling for trade and commercial activities. With the development of the road network, the ancient kings built sturdy bridges out of granite slabs and pillars. Ruins in various bridges around Anuradhapura can be found across Malwathu Oya, Hal Pan Ela, Kandara Oya, Yan Oya, Kala Oya and Deduru Oya. The road leading to Perimiyankulama Gal Palama is located close to the Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds).

Travelling 3, 4 km from Sangamitta Mawatha, passing some picturesque paddy fields, you can reach the point where this ancient stone bridge crosses the Mawathu Oya. Only a part of this stone bridge can be seen today. Stone slabs are laid across rows of 3 stone pillars.

Universal Cosmology Jithendra Antonio