TravTalk India Online Magazine
Sri Lanka is home to more than 50 Ramayana sites. The island nation has much to offer by way of religious gems such as the Sigiriya rock; Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple, nestled amidst scenic Nuwara Eliya; and Dambulla Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Vartik Sethi from Sri Lanka
The scenic island nation of Sri Lanka offers more than beaches and pristine waters. It is home to over 50 sites that play a role in the ancient Indian epic – Ramayana.
Munneswaram Temple, Chilaw
Munneswaram Temple puts forth a really interesting episode from the Ramayana. Lord Rama, after defeating Ravana (a Brahmin), felt he was being chased by a curse. The curse is believed to be a concomitant of the Brahmahathi Dosha (killing of a Brahmin). It was here that Lord Shiva advised Lord Rama to carve and worship four lingams to get rid of the curse.
Dambulla Caves
Amidst Sri Lanka’s volatile history, the Dambulla Golden Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a peaceful refuge. During the reign of Anuradha Pura kings, promoting Buddhism was quintessential to their campaign. They built several monasteries with Buddhist murals enshrined inside.
Sigiriya Rock
The Sigiriya rock is a major tourist attraction in Sri Lanka which is about 20 minutes away from Heritance Kandalama. This gigantic steep rock in the middle of nowhere is a manifestation of nature’s miracle.
The deep pools at the entrance appear shallow to the naked eye and had functional fountains installed centuries ago. It is believed that Ravana used these illusions to flood the entrance at will, to keep intruders from entering his palace.
Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple
Nuwara Eliya provides a contrast from the rest of Sri Lanka. Amidst the beautiful weather, scenic hills and tea gardens is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and marks his search for Sita Devi on the hills of Ramboda.
Ashoka Vatika
According to folklore, Ashoka Vatika (or the pleasure garden of Ravana) is where the demon king is believed to have kept Sita after her abduction. This is a modern form of garden which pleases the eye with its medley of colors.
The cool temperature at this kaleidoscopic paradise fosters a variety of roses, orchids, and spices.
Divurumpola
Divurumpola, which means ‘a place of oath’, is where Sita Devi is believed to have undergone the ‘agnee pariksha’. The temple is kept at high regard for oath taking and even the legal system of Sri Lanka has a provision for making and accepting the oaths taken here while settling disputes.
Kelaniya Temple
Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple linked to the coronation of Vibeeshana by Lakshmana after the death of Ravana. The murals enshrined at this temple are an exquisite example of the sculptor’s art that beautifully narrates the story of this place.
