Tracing Bhagwan Shri Ram’s Journey in Sri Lanka

Visiting Ramayana trail had been our dream. We were not sure if any landmarks, symbols or points are left in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is land of Ram or Ravan? During our recent visit to trace footsteps of Bhagwan Ram, Mata Sita and Bhakta Hanuman ji, we encountered several interesting and pleasant but many painful experiences.

Sri Lanka was a Hindu Nation for several centuries back, then converted to a Buddhist nation. At present there are 65% Buddhists, 15% Hindu, 10% each Muslims and Christians. On the surface it looks very integrated well-knit society but as a Hindu we felt hurt, because almost with all Hindu monuments, Stupa or Buddha Statue was installed and Hindu Mandir was pushed on the back side. For Sri Lankans today, Ram and Ravan both are irrelevant. Now Government of India is working hard to manifest the sites of Ramayana trail. Hindus are visiting Sri Lanka in large numbers from all over the world.
The total land area of Sri Lanka is 65,610 sq. km. and is astonishingly varied. A length of 435 km (270 miles) North to South and breadth of 240 km (150 miles) East to West encompasses beautiful tropical beaches. Actual working ground of Ramayana trail is about 200 km. Real action place of Ramayana trail is from Sigiriya (Ravana’s Palace) to Nuwara Eliya (Ashok Vatika and last battle ground where Ravana was killed). Below are the details of the prominent temples and places.

1) Munneswaram temple

This regional Hindu temple complex has been in existence for at least 1000 years as myths surrounded with the temple associate with the epic Ramayana. In Tamil, “Mun” means long time ago and “Eswaram” means Shiva temple. So, this also can be considered as one of the ancient and popular Hindu temples in Sri Lanka Puttalam district. This temple is in Munneswaram, which is a village with mixed Sinhala and Tamil population situated in the Tamil division region (Demala Pattuva).

2) Manavari temple

It is one of the important Hindu Temples located in Chilaw, Puttalam District of Northwestern province. Bhagwan Sri Ram wanted to do penance after killing Ravana, a Brahmin. Therefore, while going back to Ayodhya, he installed and prayed the Shiva lingam after the war with king Ravana. It is believed to be the only lingam which has been named after him other than the one in Rameshwaram, India.

3) Sigiriya Rock Fortress

It is considered Ravana’s Original Palace (though there is no landmark of Ravana palace inside, it is of previous kings). On the top is the entertainment complex of Ravana and his queens from where the whole Lanka can be watched. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. Sigiriya serves as a fine example of ancient urban planning. Sigiriya is a significant site of the Cultural Triangle and perhaps Sri Lanka’s most iconic historical destination. It is also called a lion rock as it looks like a lion from front and looks like an elephant from the back. The next mountain is called the helipad to land the Pushpak Vimana. The lion rock is surrounded by about 10 feet water reservoirs then six feet solid boundary wall, as mentioned in Ramayan serial when Lanka was described.

4) Koneswaram Temple in Trincomalee

The grand Koneswaram Temple stands on Swami Rock cliff. It is the oldest temple in Sri Lanka. While this is a Grand Shiva temple, it is also a Shakti Peeth, where Mata Sati’s groin is found. The holy complex contains ornate shrines and a massive statue of Shiva. Nearby Gokanna Temple has panoramic views over the city and the coastline. Perched atop Swami Rock in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, the Koneswaram Temple is a magnificent Hindu shrine that holds deep spiritual significance. We also visited small cave in the side of the temple, where Ravana worshiped Bhagwan Shiva and got the boon, Chadrahas sword etc. As per common belief, this is the place where Ravana recited Shiv Tandav Stotra.

5) Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple

It is dedicated to the worship of Lord Hanuman and is situated in the city of Ramboda, amidst lush greenery. The temple is revered by devotees who come to pay their respect and seek blessing. In front of the temple, there is a large mountain, where it is believed that after landing at the coast of Lanka, Bhakta Hanuman ji rested on this mountain in the night, and the next day he met Mata Sita.

6) The Seetha Aman Temple and the Ashok Vatika

The Seetha Amman Temple in Nuwara Eliya, is believed to be where Sita was held captive by Ravana in the Ramayana. The temple complex is surrounded by lush greenery and includes shrines dedicated to Sita, Rama, Lakshmana, Hanuman, and Ravana. On the back side, there is a mountain, a forest and a very fast-flowing river. They have a marked spot where Sita Mata was sitting under the Ashok tree. The rocks near the river have small and large spots, looks like footsteps. They are considered footsteps of Hanuman ji when he was small and big in his form.

7) The Agni Pariksha place and the last battle site between Bhagwan Ram and Ravan

We were not sure initially to visit this place where Mata Sita gave Agni Pareeksha. This is also the last battle ground of war between Ram and Ravan. It is believed that Ravan was killed here. Being a Buddhist Nation, we saw Stupa in several Hindu Mandirs. The main space is taken by Stupa and the side corner was given to a mandir. There are huge trees and it’s believed that this is the place where Sita Mata gave Agni Pariksha. The young and learned priest gave us detailed commentary, then he took us in front of a small room/mandir. He had a large key in his hand and invited the senior most woman in the group and asked her to open the door. Inside, we found a large statue of Mata Sita. All women were standing in the front, Priest lit the lamp and prepared the Pooja thali. He directly put his finger in the flame, we all did pooja of Mata Sita. Priest directed us to touch the sindoor and put our palm on the palm of Mata Sita. We felt strong vibrations on our palm, it was a very divine experience.

8) Nikumbla Mata Mandir

This is Gaytri Mata mandir, but believed to be Nikumbla Mata mandir, where Meghnad performed pooja to become undefeatable and to kill Laxman.

9) Ravan Fall and Ravan Caves

There was a big talk about Ravan caves and a waterfall. As we approached famous Yala forests, we saw a huge waterfall and water coming from the mountain. It is called Ravana Fall. Ravana caves were nearby but unreachable. It is a turtle shaped huge cave where Ravan used to park his Pushpak Vimaan as per common belief.

10) Kelaniya Vibhishana Temple (Buddhist Temple)

Ramayana states that after the death of King Ravana, King Vibhishana was crowned by Lakshmana, Kelaniya is the place that was ruled by Vibhishana. This mandir is in a huge complex north of Columbo. Outside walls are full of sculptures of Vibhishana Abhishek. Inside the mandir also has many wall paintings, but the main deity was Bhagwan Buddha. That was a total surprise. It was very painful to see Mandir outside in a small room.

11) Panchamuga Anjaneya Mandir

This is the famous Hanuman mandir, where Hanuman ji has five faces. Main entrance of mandir is very impressive.

12) Ussangoda

It is located near the southern coast of Sri Lanka, this is a fascinating site known for its striking red soil and unique geological formations. This place is considered the landing spot of Hanuman ji in Sri Lanka.