Did the title intrigue you? If you are a believer of Hinduism or are aware of the ancient epic of Mahabharata, you would certainly not associate Duryodhana to a God. But this is the beauty of India and Hinduism that you have acceptance of all beings in some culture or form.
Duryodhana, the eldest of the Kauravas and often remembered as the villain of the Mahabharata has two temples of his own - Kerala and Uttarakhand
Malanada Duryodhana Temple - Kerala
This temple is located in the Kollam district of Kerala. The striking feature of the temple is that it does not have any idol of Duryodhana, but only a platform. He is worshipped as "Malayappoopan". Interestingly, the temple also has deities of Karna, Shakuni, Dushala, Drona and Bheeshma. There is an amazing story behind the creation of this temple:
It is said that when Duryodhana escaped from wax palace in search of the exiled Pandavas, he landed at this place tired and thirsty. An old lady and other people of the tribes served him water and food and took great care. After knowing that Duryodhana is a King, the tribes felt honoured that he accepted food from them and thereby held him in high regards. Duryodhana was happy with their gesture and prayed to Lord Shiva from a hill nearby. He prayed for the people's well-being. Eventually a temple was created for him and people started worshipping him as God.
Instagram Pic Credits: poruvazhymalanadatemple
Duryodhana Temple - Jakhol, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is known as "Devbhoomi" (Land Of Gods) and it is surprising to know that this pious land has a temple dedicated to the chief antagonist of Mahabharata. The local historians believe that the deity is of Duryodhana, however, local villagers consider it as Lord Someshwara, a manifestation of Lord Shiva as over a period of time they have distanced themselves from the negative image of Duryodhana.
During his quest for Pandavas in their exiled period, Duryodhana reached the Jausar Bawal region in the Garhwal Himalaya. He was so enthralled by the beauty of this land that he requested Lord Mahasu, the reigning God, to grant him some piece of land so that he can take care of the people. He was granted his will by the divine.
About 13kms from there in Osla, a temple was built for him by the inhabitants of Saur. When Kauravas were defeated and Duryodhana was killed, his followers wept so profusely that a river was formed, named Tapas, which is today known as Tons river.
The Sayanas and the the Bajgis of the Jausar-Bawal district, along with the chief priest, carry Duryodhana's idol from Jakhol village on the 21st of Ashada month (21st June to 21st July).The idol travels to Fitori village in Mori district, then to Kotegaon and Datmir. After 20 days the procession ends to Osla. On the 15th day of Pausha (December/Jan month), the idol is welcomed back at Jakhol with enthralling celebration with drums.
Pic Credits: Times of India
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