Mathura, Oct. 20 -- Members of the Saraswat Brahmin community on Tuesday offered special prayers and performed aarti to Ravan on the occasion of Vijayadashami, with the Patron of Lankesh Bhakt Mandal, Omveer Saraswat, condemning the burning of Ravan's effigy and highlighting his stature as a scholar.

Omveer said Ravan belonged to the Saraswat community and was a profound scholar, adding that the community condemned the act of burning his effigy.

He also recounted the narrative of Ravan serving as the acharya (priest or preceptor) for Lord Ram during the installation of Lord Shiva at Rameshwaram when Lord Ram was in exile.

He further said that, according to accounts recorded in various narratives, Lord Ram and Laxman were present before...