Following The Trail OF Ramayana in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is famous to Hindu devotees as the land of the Demon King Ravana. The Hindu epic, the Ramayana dwells on the beauty and splendour of Sri Lanka, for Ravana was said to be a rich king, the brother of Kubera, the treasurer of the Gods.
Ravana was deemed a great and good king by his own subjects and it is said that he is depicted with 10 heads, not because he was some kind of monster but because he had knowledge worthy of filling 10 heads. Yet all his knowledge, power and achievements had failed to remove his basic desire for women, legend says.
The fault was compounded when he went against all tenets of Hindu Dharma in seeking to seduce another’s wife and kidnapped the Indian princess Sita in her husband’s absence.
There are an estimated 50 sites in Sri Lanka, connected to the Ramayana.
‘’Following the Trail of Ramayana’ is based on research findings that link the sites to Lord Ram, wife Sita and demon king Ravana.
“Currently we are taking steps to promote all 50 sites in collaboration with Sri Lanka tour operators to facilitate Indian Tourists the opportunity to witness and experience the sacredness of these sites.’’
The Ramayana
For over thousands of years, the Ramayana, epic of Asia, has had an unshakeable hold on the beliefs of vast multitude of Asia's teeming millions. As diverse span of humanity as Kashmiri pandits and Combodian fisherman, it is the universal heritage of all humanity.
Emerging from the mists of the forested banks of India's northernmost rivers, the crown jewel of a rich oral tradition, the song of Valmiki has become a pillar of principles, a symbol of the victory of good over evil, and a metaphor for the battle between the forces of light and darkness within every human soul.
The legend of Rams, Prince of Ayodhya, where the darkly handsome prince in exile, unswervingly confronts and overcomes fearsome odds in the form of the mightiest demon-king of his time and the heartbreaking injustices of court intrigues, with equanimity and generosity in thought and action, has also left behind a rich legacy of sites and temples in the country where the most significant events of this epic took place - Lankapura - SriLanka
Sri Lanka's Rich Ramayana Heritage
Sri Lanka is the proud custodian of more than 50 Ramayana sites from the place of Seeta Devi's captivity to the battlefields where vast armies clashed, to the groves of exotic herbs dropped by the monkey god Hanuman, to the ultimate theatre of war where Lord Rama slew Ravana, the ten - headed demon - king.
People living in the areas where great events took place, remember to this day the connection of their soil to the great epic. An oath taken at the spot where Seetha Devi undertook 'Agni Pariksha' is still considered valid in village courts or grama sabhas. The color of the soil of the ancient battlefield is still red today, and is still surrounded by lighter coloured earth. One of the airports of Ravana, torched by Hanuman when he came looking for Seetha Devi, still has a scorched -earth look. A patch of darker soil surrounded by brown earth. Exotic alpine Himalayan species are found suddenly amidst tropical Sri Lankan vegetation, the legacy of Hanuman's heroic voyage carrying a mountain with life- restoring herbs.
Incredibly, the names of places have come down to modern times unchanged. Though great social, cultural and religious changes have taken place in Sri Lanka since.
Ravana was deemed a great and good king by his own subjects and it is said that he is depicted with 10 heads, not because he was some kind of monster but because he had knowledge worthy of filling 10 heads. Yet all his knowledge, power and achievements had failed to remove his basic desire for women, legend says.
The fault was compounded when he went against all tenets of Hindu Dharma in seeking to seduce another’s wife and kidnapped the Indian princess Sita in her husband’s absence.
There are an estimated 50 sites in Sri Lanka, connected to the Ramayana.
‘’Following the Trail of Ramayana’ is based on research findings that link the sites to Lord Ram, wife Sita and demon king Ravana.
“Currently we are taking steps to promote all 50 sites in collaboration with Sri Lanka tour operators to facilitate Indian Tourists the opportunity to witness and experience the sacredness of these sites.’’
The Ramayana
For over thousands of years, the Ramayana, epic of Asia, has had an unshakeable hold on the beliefs of vast multitude of Asia's teeming millions. As diverse span of humanity as Kashmiri pandits and Combodian fisherman, it is the universal heritage of all humanity.
Emerging from the mists of the forested banks of India's northernmost rivers, the crown jewel of a rich oral tradition, the song of Valmiki has become a pillar of principles, a symbol of the victory of good over evil, and a metaphor for the battle between the forces of light and darkness within every human soul.
The legend of Rams, Prince of Ayodhya, where the darkly handsome prince in exile, unswervingly confronts and overcomes fearsome odds in the form of the mightiest demon-king of his time and the heartbreaking injustices of court intrigues, with equanimity and generosity in thought and action, has also left behind a rich legacy of sites and temples in the country where the most significant events of this epic took place - Lankapura - SriLanka
Sri Lanka's Rich Ramayana Heritage
Sri Lanka is the proud custodian of more than 50 Ramayana sites from the place of Seeta Devi's captivity to the battlefields where vast armies clashed, to the groves of exotic herbs dropped by the monkey god Hanuman, to the ultimate theatre of war where Lord Rama slew Ravana, the ten - headed demon - king.
People living in the areas where great events took place, remember to this day the connection of their soil to the great epic. An oath taken at the spot where Seetha Devi undertook 'Agni Pariksha' is still considered valid in village courts or grama sabhas. The color of the soil of the ancient battlefield is still red today, and is still surrounded by lighter coloured earth. One of the airports of Ravana, torched by Hanuman when he came looking for Seetha Devi, still has a scorched -earth look. A patch of darker soil surrounded by brown earth. Exotic alpine Himalayan species are found suddenly amidst tropical Sri Lankan vegetation, the legacy of Hanuman's heroic voyage carrying a mountain with life- restoring herbs.
Incredibly, the names of places have come down to modern times unchanged. Though great social, cultural and religious changes have taken place in Sri Lanka since.
=========================================================================
SITE INFORMTION FOR RAMAYANA TRAILS
Location: Sita Eliya-Nuwara Eliya
This
area is known as Seetha Eliya, close to the resort city of Nuwara Eliya (1950
meter above the sea level).
Ashoka
Vatika was a garden in Lanka, the Kingdom of demon king, Ravana, as mentioned
in the Vishnu Purana and Hindu epic.
It was
the location, where Sita, the wife of Rama was held captive by Ravana, after
her abduction, also because she refused to stay in Ravana's palace, and
preferred to stay under the Ashoka tree, hence the name. It was here that
Ravana's wife Mandodari came to meet her and also where Hanuman met her for the
first time, and identified himself with the finger ring of Rama.
Sita
stayed at Ashok Vatika, till the end of the epic battle between Rama and
Ravana, which resulted in the destruction of Ravana himself and most of this
clan. Much of the Ashoka Vatika was destroyed by Hanuman, when he first visited
Lanka, searching for Sita. Also destroyed was the Pramda Van at the centre of
the Ashok Vatika.
Location: Colombo
This
is the first Anjaneyar Temple in Sri Lanka and also the only Panchamuga (five
faced) Anjaneyar Temple in Sri Lanka. It's the only temple in the world to have
a chariot for Anjaneyar. The chariot festival is held annually end Dec/
beginning of January.
Hanuman's
mother is Anjan. Hanuman is known as Anjan +Aiyar = Anjaneyarin South
India (Hanuman in North India).
3.
Munneshwaram Temple
Location:
Chilaw
Lord
Rama after his victorious battle left for Ayodhya in one of King Ravanaas
vimanaas. He felt he was being followed by a Brahmahasthi Doshama as he
had killed King Ravana who was a Brahmin. He stopped the vimana at this
juncture because he felt at this place the a Brahmahasthi Doshama was
not following him. He ascended from the vimana and asked God Shiva for a
remedy. God Shiva blessed Lord Rama and advised him to install four lingams at
Manavari, Thiru Koneshwaram, Thiru Ketheshwaram and Rameshwaram in India and
pray, as the only remedy to get rid of the a Brahmahasthi Doshama.
Note:
In Tamil Mun-means long time ago and Eeswaram - Siva temple
Temple
is open 6.00 am to 8.00 pm. Two annual festivals take place in this temple in
February and August. This temple was destroyed by the portuguess. It was
reconstructed in 1753. Later temple was renovated and reconstructed by
Kumaraswami Kurukkal in 1875. The construction of the Kopuramâ was
completed in 1963
4. Manavari Temple
Location: Chilaw Puthlam Road
Manavari
is the first place where Lord Rama installed the Siva Lingam and prayed after
the end of the war with King Ravana. This Lingam is called Ramalingam because
it was made by Lord Rama. Apart from this, the Lingam in Rameshwaram is the
only Lingam in the world which is named after Lord Rama.
Note: The annual festival takes place in July for 10
days
.
Lankayam
Shankaridevi starts the sloka of Ashta Dasha shakti peethas. Written by Sri
jagadguru Aadi Shankaracharya.
Shankaridevi
temple in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka is a prominent temple for Hindus, but it is
most rarely visited and it is very least popular in all Asta Dasha Shakti
Peethas.
Shankaridevi
temple Situated in an east coast town of Sri Lanka Trincomalee. Along with the
temple of Shankaridevi, there is a temple of lord Siva. Thirukoneshwaram
temple.
Location:
Trincomalee
Thiru
koneshwaram was built by sage Agasthyar as per the instruction of Lord Shiva
who was impressed by the devotion of King Ravana. This place has the uniqueness
of the Lord building a temple for his devotee as a reward for his devotion.
Lord Rama also offered his prayers on his return to get rid of the Brahmahasthi
Dosham.
Location:
Trincomalee Town
It is
believed that on his return Lord Rama stopped at this place to reach Thiru
Koneshwaram. He rested his bow on the ground here. Bow meaning “vill†and
“undriâ€
meaning “to placeâ€
or “restâ€
in Tamil gave this place Vilundri its name.
Location:
Unawatuna-Galle
During
the war, both Lord Rama and Lukshmana were hit by powerful arrows, fell
unconscious and bring them back to life Lord Hanuman was instructed to fetch
the life saving herbs from Himalaya. Lord Haniman went to Himalayas, lifted the
whole hill and brought it. As he was not able to identify the life saving herbs
alone. It is believed that part of the hill fell on five places in Sri Lanka,
namely, Rumassala in Galle, Dolu Kanda in Hiripitiya, Ritigala on the Habarana
Anuradhapura road, Thalladi in Mannar and Kachchathivu in the north.
Location:
Hiripitiya
Same
as Rumassala Sanjeewani Drops above.
Location:
Habarana- Hill Climb
Same
as Rumassala Sanjeewani Drops above.
Location:
Jaffna
Same
as Rumassala Sanjeewani Drops above.
Location:
Mannar
Same
as Rumassala Sanjeewani Drops above.
Location:
North of Matale
The
cartel of rocks behind the Dunuvila lake are called Laggala which means target
rock. Laggala served as a sentry point to the King Ravana’s army and it was
from this rock the first Glimpse of Lord Rama’s army was seen and reported to
King Ravana. This hill is geographically the highest part of the northern
region of King Ravana’s city and on a clear day north east side that is Thiru
Koneshwaran and North West side that is Talai Mannar could be seen. It is
believed that King Ravana meditated upon Lord Shiva at Thiru Koneshwaram from
this rock.
Location:
Near the 40 Km on the Hasalaka-
Wasgamuwa
Road. outside of wasgamuwa National park (MataleDistric)
It is
said Dunuwilla is the place from where Lord Rama fired the Brahmaasthram at
King Ravana and killed him. Dhunu means arrow and Vila Means Lake. This place
got its name because Lord Rama fired his arrow from this lake.
Location:
Mahiyanganaya-Wasgamuwa Road
It is
believed that King Ravana’s body after his death was kept upon this rock
Yahangala- meaning bedrock. His body was kept here for his countrymen to pay
their last respects to their dear departed king. Geographically this rock is
visible from miles away on its 3 side.
16.
Lord Rama Temple (Rattota)
Location: Rattota- Matale Distric
There
are only a few temples for Lord Rama is Sri Lanka and this is one of them.
Location: Lankapura
It is
believed that there was an aircraft repair center in the capital city of King
Ravana. In Valmiki’s depiction King Ravana’s Vimana resembled a huge
peacock. The Vimana in Singhala language means Dandu Monara which is known as
flying peacock, and hence the name Gurulupotha, which means parts of bird.
Location: Weragantota
Means
‘a place of aircraft landing’ in Sinhala language, is believed to be the
first place where Sitadevi was brought into Lanka in King Ravana's Vimana.
These jungles are the place where the city of Lankapura once stood .The city
had a beautiful palace for queen Mandothari surrounded by waterfalls, streams
and varieties of flora and fauna.
Kondakalai
like many other cities and villages in Sri Lanka also derives its name from the
Ramayana, when King Ravana took Sitadevi in a chariot to Ashoka Vatika her
hairs got deranged because of the speed of the chariot. Konda kalai in tamil
means deranging of hair. Till date the villagers live with legacy of this
event.
Location: Gurulupotha
Hasalaka (Archaeological Site)
The
city had beautiful palace for queen Mandothari surrounded by waterfalls,
streams and varieties flora and fauna. Sitadevi was kept in this palace until
she was moved to Asoka Vatika. Sita Kotuwa means Sita’s fort & got its
name because of Sita devi’s stay here.
Location:
Closer to Avissawella
An
interesting as well as shocking took here. To shatter Lord Rama’s confidence
and halt his progress during the war, Indrajith eldest son of King Ravana
played a trick, with Sitadevi’s look alike. Indrajith beheaded the look alike
in front of Lord Hanuman thinking that it will stop the advancing forces of
Lord Rama. There is a stone in this area called “Rampatha†with
one foot mark which is believed by the people as Lord Rama’s foot mark. This
place is known as Sita Waka
Location: The Jungle on the Top of Ramboda Hills
The
summit of the mountain next to the mountain range overlooking Frotoft Estate in
Pussallawa is the place where Lord Hanuman first set his foot on mainland
Lanka. This mountain known as Pawala Malai is visible from this mountain
range. These hills stand tall in-between King Ravana's capital city and
Ashoka Vatika.The barren land atop themountain range is believed to be the
route in which King Ravana took Sitadevi from his capital city Lankapura to
Ashoka Vatika, which was a paradise on earth. Till date no vegetation grows on
this passage except grass. King Ravana is believed to have taken this passage
on top of these hills to show Sitadevi the beauty of his kingdom.
Location:
Thawalamtenne-Ramboda
It is
believed that Lord Hanuman was searching for Sitadevi from these hills of
Ramboda.
Note:
Chinmaya mission of Sri Lanka has built a temple with Lord Hanuman as the
presiding deity on this hill. On every full moon day special poojas are
conducted and witnessed by thousands of devotees. The status of Lord Hanuman
here is carved out of granite and is 16 feet in height.
Location:
This is the Rock Labookalle estate. Kondagala, Labookelle
It is
believed that after meeting Sitadevi, Lord Hanuman rested on this hill top on
his way back to Lord Rama with the happy news.
Location:
Nuwara Eliya Town
It is
believed to be the place from where King Ravanaâ€s son Meghanath propitiated
Lord Shiva with penance and poojas and in turn was granted super natural powers
by lord Shiva.
26.
Sita Amman Temple
Location:
Sita Eliya- Nuwara Eliya
The
stream that runs from the hill, catered to the needs of Sitadevi during her
stay at Ashoka Vatika. She is said to have bathed in this stream. Now there is
a temple erected for Lord Rama, Sitadevi, Luxshmana and Hanuman by the side of
this stream. It is interesting to note that foot prints akin to Lord Hamunams
are found by this river -some small and some large
Note:
Not accessible freely due to restriction from Department of Wildlife
Conservation
Location:
Walapane Road- Nuwara Eliya
King
Ravana had his dairy farm here. Milk was air lifted to the capital Lankapura
from here using Vimana's. The stone pillars here have the worn out marks cast
by constant use of tying ropes on them.
Location:
Welimada Road- Nuwara Eliya
This
is the place where Sitadevi underwent “Agni†test. Sita reached her
husband. Meeting him after such a long time, she was overcome by joyous
emotion. But Lord Rama appeared to be lost in thought. At lenth he spoke “I
have killed my enemy. I have done my duty as a true king. But you have lived
for a year in the enemy’s abode. It si not proper that I should take you back
now.â€
Sitadevi was shocked. It is my fault that the monster carries me off by force?
All the time, my mind, my heart, and soul were fixed on you and you alone, my
lord!â€
she said and turned to Lukshman and said with tears streaming from her eyes,
“Prepare for me a fire that is the only remedy for this sorrow of mind.â€
Lakshman in suppressed anger, looked at Lord Rama’s face, but saw no sign of
softening. He lighted a big fire. Sitadevi reverently went round her husband
and approached the blazing fire. Joining her palms in salutation, she said,
“If I am pure, O fire, protect me.†With these words she jumped
into the flames, to the horror of the monkeys who stood on all sides watching
the tragic sight. Then arose from out of the flame Agni, the fire-god, whom she
had invoked. He lifted Sitadevi from the flames unharmed, and presented her to
Lord Rama. “Don’t I know that she is spotless and pure at heart?†cried
Lord Rama, standing up to receive her. “It is for the sake of the world that
I made her go through this ordeal of fire, so that the truth may be known to
all.
Location:
Top of the Haggala Rock
The
barren piece of land in the midst of the jungle where Sitadevi was kept as a
captive is called Sita Pokuna, which means Sitas pond in Sinhalese. It is
believed that a pond existed at this site during the captivity of Sitadevi.
Local folklore says that the pond dried up after the departure of Sitadevi from
this site. To-date no vegetation grows on this particular piece of land which
surrounded by dense forests on all sides.
Location:
Kirivanagama, Lunuwatte-Welimada
Ishtripura
means an area of women in Singhalese. It is believed that this was one of the
palace to which King Ravana shifted Sitadevi as a precautionary measure after
Lord Hanuman advent. It is said that Sitadevi took bath in nearby steam and
dried her hair sitting on a rock and put clips to her hair, hence this rock is
known as Konda Kattu Gala.
31. Worlds End or
Pathala Lok
Location: In
Horton Plains- Closed to Nuwara Eliya
Worlds
end or Pathala Lok is the palace where Mahi Ravanan had hidden both Lord Rama
and Lakshmana who were later rescued by Lord Hamuman who carried them back on
his broad shoulders.
Note: Involves 8 km of walking
32.
Ravana Goda
Location: Kotmale Area Opposite to Ramboda Rock
It is
a place where Sitadevi stayed during her transit. This area is also linked with
tunnels and caves, which runs through to other parts of King Ravana's kingdom.
This is situated in the Kotmala area opposite to Ramboda rock. The main cave
entrance was closed by an earth-slip in 1947. Locals believe this part of the
complex was used as a prison by Ravana. The cave complex has not been fully
explored.
Location:
Ella- Wallawaya Road
These
tunnels prove beyond doubt the architectural brilliance of King Ravana. These tunnels
served as a quick means of transport through the hills and also as a secret
passage. These tunnels networked all the important cities, airport and dairy
farms. A close look at these tunnels indicates that they are palace and a
tunnel existed. Existing tunnels mouths are situated – Ishtripura at
Welimada, Ravana cave at Bandarawela, Senapitiya at Halagala, Ramboda,
Labokelle, Wariyapola, Mataleand Sitakotuwa Hasalaka. In addition there are
many more tunnels.
Location:
Ella- Wallawaya Road
A
breathtaking waterfall, 1080 feet high (cascades into several falls) close to
the road from Ella to Wellawaya about 6 Km south from Ella. The stream, a
tributary of Kirindi Oya plunges with a foaming spray over a series of ledges
into the valley close to a bend in the road. The waters rise from Wewatenna
highland above the rocks. In general the rocky underground of the waterfalls in
Sri Lanka consists of hard gneiss or granite, but here the material is
khondalite, a kind of limestone which undergoes decay faster. This has resulted
in many caves being formed near the falls. King Ravana of Ramayana legend is
said to have lived in one of the caves above the waterfalls.
Location:
Wallawaya- Monaragala Road
It is
said that this particular piece land can never bear any vegetation as this
served as the battlefield and had borne the brunt of destruction.
Location:
South East of Sri Lanka
This
is the temple of the Lord Karthikeya Subramaniam at Kataragama. Lord Karthikeya
was requested to go to the battle field by Lord Indra on the last day of the
war. This was done to protect Lord Rama from the wrath of Brahmaastharam shot
by King Ravana which otherwise would have weakened Lord Rama. Brahmaastharam
aimed at Lord Rama for the second time was rendered useless by the presence of
Lord Karthikeya
.
Location:
On the southern coast of the country
According
to Ramayana, after meeting Sitadevi lord Hanuman decided to test the strength
of the mighty King Ravana and his army of Rakshasas. In the event that infolded
lord Hanumans tail was set on fire by Rakskasas, who in turn went on to
torch some parts of King Ravanas empire. It is believed that Ussangoda is
one of the torched areas, which is said to have been an airport use by King
Ravana.
Location:
Hikkaduwa
It is
believed that from here Sugreeve king of the Vanaras started his onslaught
on King Ravanas forces.
39.
Kirinda Ravana's Fortress
Location:
End of the Yala National Park
The
temple of the Kirinda marks the place where Princes Viharamaha Devi landed when
her Father, a King of Kelaniya, set her adrift on a Golden Boat in the Indian
Ocean.
The King who tortured to death a member of the Sanga believed that the subsequent sea inundation that consumed a great part of his Kingdom was the punishment that came as Roth of the Gods, which could be atoned only by sacrificing his Daughter.
However the princes who survived and came Ashore in the Southeast Point of Kirinda was wedded by the King Kawantissa who ruled in that region and their son was the famous King Dutugemunu who succeeded in liberating Sri Lanka from the Indians and also repulsed many invasions.
The King who tortured to death a member of the Sanga believed that the subsequent sea inundation that consumed a great part of his Kingdom was the punishment that came as Roth of the Gods, which could be atoned only by sacrificing his Daughter.
However the princes who survived and came Ashore in the Southeast Point of Kirinda was wedded by the King Kawantissa who ruled in that region and their son was the famous King Dutugemunu who succeeded in liberating Sri Lanka from the Indians and also repulsed many invasions.
40.
Naga Pushani Amman Temple
Location:
Jaffna
The annual festival of the Sri Nagapooshani Amman
Kovil on Nainativu Island was held from the 04th to the 19th June 2008 under
the patronage of the Sri Lanka Navy. This years festival, attended by a
large number of Hindu devotees from and around the Jaffna Peninsula, was a
grand success.
41.
Hakgala Botanical Garden
Location:
Nuwara Eliya Wimada Road
Hakgala
botanical garden was one of the pleasure garden of king Ravana,this garden was
expanded during the British period and has a wide variety of flowers including
an excellent collections of orchids,this is the exotic pleasure garden where
king ravana kept the depressed sita,insisting that she marries him,it was here
where the heat warming meeting took place between her and hanuman, who brought
her rama's ring with the news that rama was looking for her,he offered to carry
her back ,but she refused saying it would be an insult to rama's honor it she
did so,part of this majestic garden still exists ,it is also said that hanuman
Nealy destroyed it in order to prove to ravana of the forces a gains him.
42.
Pulasthi Statue
Location:
Polonnaruwa
In
Polonnaruwa to the north of the Pothgul Vehera is a granite boulder, adorned
with a large statue. This is one of the finest statues in the Island and
measures 11 feet 6 inches in height. The historians and the archaeologists have
not confirmed its identity to date. Some refer to it as the statue of
King Parakramabahu because its closeness to one of his major irrigation works;
others refer to it as Rishi
Pulasthis statue. The presence of a Brahmanical sacred thread that runs from the left shoulder across the body and the Ola leaf book that he carries confirms that it is of Rishi Pulasthi.
The third option is because Polonnaruwa was referred as Pulasthipura in primeval times. Prof Anuradha Seneviratna says that there is a worn out Rock Inscription which reads as PULA THASA behind the head of the statue. It proves that this statue is of Rishi Pulasthi.
Pulasthis statue. The presence of a Brahmanical sacred thread that runs from the left shoulder across the body and the Ola leaf book that he carries confirms that it is of Rishi Pulasthi.
The third option is because Polonnaruwa was referred as Pulasthipura in primeval times. Prof Anuradha Seneviratna says that there is a worn out Rock Inscription which reads as PULA THASA behind the head of the statue. It proves that this statue is of Rishi Pulasthi.
43.
Rishi Visravasmuni
Location:
Anuradhapura
This
stone monument placed at the celebrated Vessamuniya presently known as
Isurumuniya Viharaya is of a bare bodied personality in deep meditation and
significant bearing. A head of a horse can be seen behind the right shoulder.
This sculpture has a head dressing and a sacred thread(poona noola)- a thread which is worn by ancient monastic personnel can
be seen. The histories of these monuments are not properly explored by the
archaeologists. They have a very irregular view about this outstanding
sculpture and have named it as a Man and Horse. How they have come to
these conclusions are not known.
This celebrated sculpture is of Rishi Visravasmuni and his white horse.
This celebrated sculpture is of Rishi Visravasmuni and his white horse.
Location:Sigiriya
Legend:
This is called Cobra Hooded Cave as it has its shape. The tradition states
that Sita was held in captivity here. There are many pre-historic drawings on
its ceiling. There is a distinct link between Sita and the cave and it the
following is inscribed, Parumaka naguliya lenea It would have been
inscribed after Rawanaas period but positively it has a connection to
Sitaas stay in this cave, as the word naguliya refers to Sita.
|
Location:
About 10 km from Trincomalee town on the Trincomalee - Anuradhapura road.
Legend Kanniya is the place where King Ravana carried out the last rites for his mother. When he was not able to find water to perform his rites, he in sheer anger pierced his trishul on the ground seven times, and water started gushing out immediately. It is believed that the anger of the king subsided on seeing the water and similarly the warmth of the water also reduced. The temperature of the water is different in all the seven wells.
Location:
Mattale
Legend Researchers have found out more than 5 airports believed to have been used by King Ravana and his mighty army to land and take off their vimana's. These Vimana's were used as goods and passenger carriers. Identified airports are Weregantota in Mahiyangana, Thotupola Kanda at Hoton Plains, Usangoda on the Southern Coast, Wariyapola in Kurunegala and Wariyapola in Mattale Minimum time needed at the site 10 minutes Special mention very flat area surrnded by hills.
Location:
Batticaloa town
Amarnthakali is believed to be the place where Lord Rama, Seethadevi and Lakshmana had their first meal after the ravages of the war. There is also a lake at this place known as Hanuman Lake or the old lake, which served to extinguish the fire set on lord hanuman's tail. Today there exists a temple for Kali Amman , Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha.
Location:
Northern Jaffna Peninsula
Legend When Lord Rama's army entered Lanka they took positions on different sides to attack King Ravana and his army. The army that was situated on the northern side faced a severe water crisis. Lord Rama at this juncture shot a powerful arrow into the ground and water sprung out immediately. Till date there is a well situated at this very spot called Nilawarai in Puthoor. It is a fact that this well has never dried up and caters to the needs of the local folks even during severe droughts. Minimum time needed at the site 20 minute Special mention Not accessible due to security situation in the country.
Location:
Side of Nuwara Eliya/Welimada road
Minimum
time needed at the site 30 minutes
Location:
In the Eastern Coast of Ampara
Legend Thirukovil is the place where King Ravana mother's palace stood. The whole place was submerged, and a temple has been built on the shores now. Minimum time needed at the site 20 minutes.
Location:
Puttur, Jaffna
Legend Lord Rama aimed an arrow in this area to obtain water. To this well there is no end. The water from this well is not salty and used for drinking. It should be mentioned in the nearby area the water is very salty.
