Smriti Irani in a choking, emotional voice described how 'anti-nationals' at JNU celebrated Mahishasur Martyrdom Day. And suddenly Parliament turned into a battleground, where ministers demanded justice from the evil people who populate our universities and are insulting Hinduism. Except the reality of Hinduism is quite different from what is usually projected by many right wings groups like the RSS and its ilk. The rather liberal religion has demons and gods who aren't always black and white, but painted various shades of grey. This is why there are people across India who pray to deities who are considered evil or demonic by mainstream Hindus. Here are four of the 'demonic' deities: Ravana: The Hindu festival of Dussehra celebrates the killing of demon king Ravana by Lord Rama, considering it a victory of good over evil. However, there are many Hindus who revere Ravana, considered the grandson of Brahma, the creator of the Universe. In fact, Ravana is the deity of around 70 tribal communities, including Gonds, Bhillas, Parjas and Kolams. In some places of Vidisha, Mandsaur, Ratlam and Indore districts in Madhya Pradesh, the effigy of Ravana is not burnt on Dussehra, but instead, the people welcome the 10-headed demon king. There's even a village in Vidisha district called Ravangram. Some other places in India that have temples for Ravana are Mandsaur district in Rajasthan, Bisrakh in Uttar Pradesh, Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh and Baijnath in Himachal Pradesh.

Shukracharya

Shukracharya is described as the guru of asuras/demons in Hindu mythology. Being a devotee of Lord Shiva (God of Destruction), Shukracharya played a key role in mentoring the Asuras in their fight against Devas (Gods).

Despite being depicted as a shrewd and tactical figure who always devised ways to defeat Lord Vishnu, there is a temple in Kopargaon, Maharashtra where people come to worship Shukracharya.