Lankaa and Raamaayan
Here are details of 20 places to be seen in Srilanka-Raamaayan Sites
(1) Weragantota - Close to Mahiyanganaya Town
Legend - In Sinhalese language, Weragantota means a place for aircraft to
land. It is believed to be the first place where
Seetaa Jee was brought into Lankaa in the Raavna's Vimaan.
(2) Naag Dweep - Northern Jaffna Peninsula
Legend - Here Hanumaan was tested by Surasaa, the mother of Naag for his
valor and intelligence. To reach there - Jaffna Punkudithiv, Naag Dweep.
Minimum time needed to reach the site is 2 hours from Jaffna town. This
island is now known as Naag Dweep and consists of an Amman temple and a
Buddhist shrine.
(3) Seetaa Pokuna - At the top
of Haggala Rock Jungle
Legend - The barren piece of land in the midst of the jungle is the place
where Seetaa Jee was kept captive. It is called Seetaa Pokuna, which means
Seetaa's pond in Sinhalese. It is believed that a pond existed at this site
during the captivity of Seetaa Jee. Local folklore says that it is after
Seetaa Jee had left this place the pond dried up and till to date no
vegetation grows on this particular piece of land, surrounded by dense
forests on all sides. It is not accessible freely due to restriction from
Department of Wild life Conservation.
(4) Ussanggoda - This is
situated on the Southern Coast.
Legend - According to Raamaayan, after meeting Seetaa Jee, Hanumaan decided
to test the strength of the mighty King Raavan and his army of Raakshas, so
he got tied by Meghnaad and went to Raavan's court. There Raavan ordered to
burn his tail by tying rags drenched in oil and setting fire to it.
Hanumaan's tail was set on fire and Hanumaan went to burn Raavan's Lankaa.
Ussanggoda is one of those burnt areas, which is said to have been an
airport used by Raavan. One can reach there as it is 4 kms off Nonagama on
Matara Hambantota road. Minimum time needed at the site one hour.
This area still holds the blackened, burned scorched effect as a reminder of
Hanumaan's burning. It is also evident that the adjoining surrounding area
has plant life. Its soil is all together of a different color.
(5) Raavan Cave - From
Banderawela pass Ella to Raavan Cave
Legend - These tunnels prove beyond doubt the architectural brilliance of
Raavan. 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, airports and
dairy farms. A close look at these tunnels indicates that they are man-made
and not natural formations. We can see the Buddhist shrine at Kalutara. It
was where once Raavan's palace and a tunnel existed.
Existing tunnel mouths are situated - Isthripur at Welimada, Raavan cave at
Bandarawela, Senapitiya at Halagala, Ramboda, Labookelle, Wariyapola/Matale,
and Sitakotuwa/Hasalaka. In addition there are many more tunnels. Minimum
time needed at the site 2 hours.
(6) Dondra, Seenigama,
Hikkaduwa - By the side of Colombo to Matara main road
The southern most part of Sri Lanka is called Dondra and further up towards
west is called Seenigama Hikkaduwa.
Legend - These are the places from where Sugreev started his onslaught on
Raavan's forces. One can reach there by Colombo-Matara main road.
(7) Kachchativu, Sanjeevanee drops - Jaffna
Legend - At different points of time during the war both Raam and Lakshman
were hit by powerful arrows of Meghnaad and Raavan, fell unconscious and to
bring them back to life Hanumaan was instructed to fetch the life saving
herbs from Himaalaya. Hanuman went to the hill, lifted the whole hill and
brought it, as he was not able to identify the Sanjeevanee herb. Parts from
the hill fell on five places in Sri Lanka, namely, Rumasala in Galle, Dolu
Kanda in Hiripitiya, Ritigala on the Habarana Anuraadhaa Pur Road, Thalladi
in Mannar and Kachchativu in the North. One can reach there by boat from
Jaffna. Minimum time needed to reach there is 3 hours.
(8) Dolu Kanda, Sanjeevanee drops - Hiripitiya
Legend - At different points of time during the war both Raam and Lakshman
were hit by powerful arrows of Meghnaad and Raavan, fell unconscious and to
bring them back to life Hanumaan was instructed to fetch the life saving
herbs from Himaalaya. Hanuman went to the hill, lifted the whole hill and
brought it, as he was not able to identify the Sanjeevanee herb. Parts from
the hill fell on five places in Sri Lanka, namely, Rumasala in Galle, Dolu
Kanda in Hiripitiya, Ritigala on the Habarana Anuraadhaa Pur Road, Thalladi
in Mannar and Kachchativu in the North. It is 15 kms from Wariyapola.
Minimum time needed at the site 1 hour.
(9) Yehangala - In the
Mahiyanganaya - Wasgamuwa road.
Legend - Raavan's body after his death was kept upon this rock, Yehangala,
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 sides.
(10) Amman Kovil, Vantharumulai - Ambalthada, Vantharumulai
It is believed that Raam, Seetaa Jee, Lakshman and Hanumaan rested at this
place after the turmoil's of the war. Today the Eastern University is
situated at this place. It can be reached on the Polonnaruwa - Batticaloa
Road about 20 kilometers from Batticaloa. Minimum time needed at the site
20 minutes.
(11) Muneeshwaram - About 12
kilometers from Chilaw town
Legend - Raam after his victorious battle left for Ayodhyaa in Pushpak Vimaan.
He felt that He was being followed by Brahm Hatyaa Dosh as he had killed Raavan
who was a Braahman. He stopped the Vimaan at this juncture because he felt at
this place the Brahm Hatyaa Dosh was not following Him. He descended from
the Vimaan and asked God Shiv for a remedy. God Shiv blessed Raam and advised
him installing and praying four Ling at Manavaree, Thiru Koneshwaram, Thiru
Ketheshwaram and Rameshwaram in India, as the only remedy to get rid of this
Dosh. Minimum time needed to reach there is about 30 minutes
(12) Thiru Koneshwaram Temple - In the Trincomalee town
Legend - Thiru Koneshwaram Temple was built by sage Agasthyar as per the
instructions of Lord Shiv who was impressed by the devotion of Raavan. This
place has the uniqueness of the Lord building a temple for his devotee as a
reward for his devotion. Raam also offered his prayers on his return to get
himself rid of the Brahm Hatyaa Dosh. Minimum time needed to reach there one
hour.
It is situated within the Dutch Fort. People are allowed to walk to the temple
without any special approval. However to take vehicle there needs to obtain
approval from the Army Head Quarters in Trincomalee.
(13) Kanniya - About 10 km
from Trincomalee town on the Trincomalee-Anuraadhaa Pur Road.
Legend - Kanniya is the place where Raavan carried out the last rites for
his mother. When he was not able to find water to perform her rites, he in
sheer anger pierced his Trishool on the ground 7 times, and water started
gushing out immediately. It is believed that the anger of Raavan got subsided
on seeing the water and similarly the warmth of the water also reduced. The
temperature of the water is different in all the 7 wells. Minimum time needed
at the site 20 minutes.
(14) Wariyapola in Mattale
Legend - Researchers have found out more than 5 airports believed to have
been used by Raavan and his mighty army for their Vimaan. These Vimaan 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. It is a very flat area surrounded by hills.
(15) Panchamuga Anjaneyaar
Temple - No 3/11, Sri Bodhirukkarama Road, (Vihaar Lane) Kalubowila,
Dehiwela
Legend - A temple dedicated to Hanumaan in Sri Lanka. The only temple in the
world to have a chariot for Hanumaan.
(16) Seetaa Kotuwa - Gurulupotha
Legend - These jungles are the place where the city of Lankaa Puree once
stood. The city had a beautiful palace for queen Mandodaree surrounded by
waterfalls, streams and varieties of flora and fauna. Seetaa Jee was kept in
this palace until she was moved to Ashok Vaatikaa. Seetaa Kotuwa means
Seetaa's fort and got its name because Seetaa Jee stayed here. It is on
Mahiyangana - Kandy road; 10 kms from Mahiyangana Junction. Minimum time
needed at the site 2 hours.
(17) The Chariot Path and
Seetaa Tear Pond - The jungle on the top of Ramboda Hills. Between Raavan's
capital city and Ashok Vaatikaa
Legend - The barren land here is believed to be the route in which Raavan
took Seetaa from Lankaa Puree to Ashok Vaatikaa, which was a paradise on
Earth. To date no vegetation grows on this passage except grass. Raavan is
believed to have taken this passage on top of these hills to show Seetaa the
beauty of his kingdom. One can reach there by Estate Road from Labookelle.
Minimum time needed at the site half a day.
There is a pond found on the en route, is believed to have been formed by
the tears of Seetaa and has not
dried up even during severe droughts when the adjoining rivers dry up. In
this area, there are many large trees whose bright red blooms add color to
the scenery. These flowers are called Seetaa flowers. The peculiarity of
these flowers is the configuration of the petal's, stamen and pistil's,
which resemble a human figure carrying a bow, and is said to represent Raam.
These flowers are unique only to this area in the whole of Sri Lanka.
(18) Seetaa Amman Temple - At
Seetha Eliya
Legend - A temple for Raam, Seetaa, Lakshman, and Hanumaan. Minimum time
needed at the site 20 minutes. There is a stream by the side of the temple.
Seetaa has said to have bathed in this stream. It is interesting to note
that foot prints akin to Hanumaan are found by this river and some are of
small size and some are of large size, which tell us of the immense powers
of Hanuman transforming himself into any size.
(19) Ishtree Pur, Konda Kattu
Gala - This is situated in the Welimada Area.
Legend - Ishtree Pur means an area of women in Sinhalese. This was one of
the places to which Raavan shifted Seetaa Jee as a
precautionary measure which he was forced to take by Hanumaan's coming to
Lankaa. Seetaa Jee took bath in this very stream and had dried her hair
sitting on a rock and put clips to her hair, hence this rock is known as
Konda Kattu Gala. One can reach there - Welimada town / Udapussalawa Roard /
Lunuwatta / Thrivangama temple (about 17.5 km). Minimum time needed at the
site about 2 hours.
There are lots of intruding
tunnels and caves in this area. This seems to be a part of a great ingenious
network of paths, which is interconnected to all the major areas of Raavan's
city.
(20) Gayatri Peetham - This is
situated in the Nuwera Eliya town.
Legend - Gayatri peedam is believed to be the place from where Raavan's son
Meghanaad propitiated Shivawith penance
and Poojaa and in turn was granted super natural powers by him. Minimum time
needed at the site 20 minutes. This is the first and the foremost temple
built for Gayatri Amman in Sri Lanka, and the Shiv Ling found in this temple
is brought from the holy river Narmadaa.
(21) Seetaa Waka - Situated close to Avisawella
Legend - An interesting as well as shocking episode took place here. To
shatter Raam's confidence and halt His progress
during the war, Indrajeet played a trick, with Seetaa Jee's look alike.
Indrajeet beheaded the look alike in front of Hanumaan thinking that it will
stop the advancing forces of Raam. There is a stone in this area called "Rampathagala"
with one foot mark which is traditionally believed by the people as Raam's
foot mark. This place is known as Seetaa Waka
(22)) Dunuvila - In the Matale district on the out skirts of Wasgamuwa
National Park
Legend - Dunuvila is the place from where Raam fired the Brahmaastra at
Raavan, which eventually killed him. Dhunu means arrow and Vila means Lake.
This place got its name because Raam fired his arrow from this lake. One can
reach there Kandy / Matale / Rathota / Rivestone / Illukkubura / Pallegama /
Hettipola. Minimum time needed at the site 20 minutes.
(23) Thalladi, Sanjeevanee drops - Manner
Legend - At different points of time during the war both Raam and Lakshman
were hit by powerful arrows of Meghnaad and Raavan, fell unconscious and to
bring them back to life Hanumaan was instructed to fetch the life saving
herbs from Himaalaya. Hanuman went to the hill, lifted the whole hill and
brought it, as he was not able to identify the Sanjeevanee herb. Parts from
the hill fell on five places in Sri Lanka, namely, Rumasala in Galle, Dolu
Kanda in Hiripitiya, Ritigala on the Habarana Anuraadhaa Pur Road, Thalladi
in Mannar and Kachchativu in the North. It is not possible to visit at
present.
(24) Laggala - North of Matale
Legend - The cartels behind the Dunuvila Lake are called Laggala which when
translated into English gives us the meaning target rock. Laggala served as
a sentry point to Raavan's army and it was from this rock the first Glimpse
of Raam's army
was sighted and informed to Raavan. This hill is geographically the highest
part of the northern region of Raavan's city and on a clear day the
North-East side that is Thiru Koneshwaran and North-West side that is Talai
Mannar could be seen even today. Raavan is believed to have done meditation
on this rock and prayed Shiv at Thiru Koneshwaran from this point.
(25) Divurumpola - 20 Kilometers from Seetaa Eliya on Neliya Welimada
road
Legend - This is the place where Seetaa underwent "Agni" test. Seetaa
reached her husband. Meeting Him after such a long time, she was overcome by
joyous emotion. But Raam seemed to be lost in thought. At length 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 is not proper that I should take you
back now.
Seetaa was shocked. Is it my fault that the monster carried me off by
force? All the time, my mind, my heart, and soul were fixed on you and you
alone, my Lord. She turned to Lakshman and said with tears streaming from
her eyes, Prepare for me a fire, That is the only remedy for this sorrow of
mind. Lakshman in suppressed anger, looked at Raam's face, but saw no sign
of softening. He lighted a big fire. Seetaa 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 flames Agni Dev, the fire-god, whom she had
invoked. He lifted Seetaa from the flames unharmed, and presented her to
Raam. "Don't I know that she is spotless and pure at heart?" cried Raam,
standing up to receive her. It is for the sake of the wicked that I made her
go through this ordeal of fire, so that the truth may be known to all.
Minimum time needed at the site 30 minutes.
It is a popular place of worship among locals in that area. Divurumpola
means a place of oath. Today the temple is revered
for the oath taken by Seetaa Jee and even the legal system permits and
accepts the swearing done at this temple while settling disputes between
parties.
(26) Amarnthakalee - It is situated in the Batticaloa town
Legend Amarnthakalee is believed to be the place where Raam, Seetaa Jee and
Lakshman had their first meal after the ravages of the war. There is also a
lake at this place known as Hanumaan Lake or the old lake, which served to
extinguish the fire set on Hanumaan's tail. Today their exists a temple for
Kaalee Amman, Shiv and Ganesh. Minimum time needed at the site 20 minutes.
(27) Manavari - On the Chilaw - Puttalam road about 10 km from Chilaw.
From Katunayake airport about 1.30 hours.
Legend - Manavari is the first place where Raam installed and prayed Shiv
Ling after the end of the war with Raavan. To this date this Ling is called
as Raam Ling Shivam. Raameshwaram is the only other lingam in the world
named after Raam. Minimum time needed at the site 20 minutes. The annual
festival take place in July for ten days. To visit temple: from 6.30 am to
12.30 pm, and from 4.00 to 7.00 pm.
(28) Thiru Ketheswaram - In Mannar (3rd Ling)
Legend - Thiru Ketheshwaram is the third Ling in Lankaa, which was installed
and prayed by Raam to get rid of the Brahm Hatyaa Dosh. It is not possible
to visit at present.
(29) Gavagala (Gaushaalaa) - At Harasbedda on Nuwera Eliya Walapane Road.
Route: N'Eliya / Ragala / Manthrithanna.
Legend - Raavan had his dairy farm here. Milk was air lifted to the capital
Lankaa Puree from here using Vimaan. The stone
pillars here has the worn out marks cast by constant use of tying ropes on
them. Minimum time needed at the site one hour.
(30) Kondakalai - At Rambodda
Legend - Kondakalai like many other cities and villages in Lanka also
derives its name from the Raamaayan, when Raavan took Seetaa Jee in a
chariot to Ashok Vaatikaa 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.
(31) Raam Temple at Rathoda
Reach there by Kandy / Matale / Rathota. Minimum time needed at the site
About 20 minutes. There are only a few Raam Temples in Sri Lanka and this is
one of them.
(32) Gurulupotha
Legend - There was an aircraft repair center in the capital city of Raavan.
In Vaalmeeki's depiction Raavan's Vimaan resembled a huge peacock. The
Vimaan in Sinhalese language means Dhandu Monara which is known as flying
peacock, and hence the name Gurulupotha, which means parts of birds. One can
reach there on Mahiyangana - Kandy road; 10 kms from Mahiyangana Junction.
(33) Sri Bhakt Hanumaan Temple - Ramboda
Legend - On these hills of Ramboda where Hanumaan was searching for Seetaa
Jee, Chinmaya Mission of Sri Lanka built a temple with Hanuman as the
presiding deity. One can reach there Kandy / Nuwara Eliya road (40 km post
on A5 route). Minimum time needed at the site about 30 minutes. On every
Full Moon day special Poojaa are conducted and witnessed by thousands of
devotees. The image of Hanumaan here is 16 feet high.
(34) Mani Kattuther - This is a rock in the Labukalle estate
Legend - Hanumaan met Seetaa Jee, then on his way to announce this happy
information to Raam, rested on this hill top. One can reach here in 15
minutes by foot on estate road from Labookele. Minimum time needed at the
site one hour. Today an open temple with statues of Raam, Seetaa Jee,
Lakshman and Hanumaan stands on top of it. Locals very often visit this
temple.
(35) Raavan Goda - At Kotmala area opposite to Ramboda rock.
Legend - It is a place where Seetaa Jee stayed during her transit. This area
is also linked with tunnels and caves, which runs
through to other parts of Raavan's kingdom. One can reach here - Turn off
from Tavalantenna on Knady Nuwara Eliya Road. Minimum time needed at the
site one hour. Going here is extremely difficult, access is by foot to cave
entrances.
(36) Nilawarai - Situated in the Northern Jaffna Peninsula.
Legend - When Raam's army entered Lanka they took positions on different
sides to attack Raavan and his army. The army that was situated on the
Northern side faced a severe water crisis. Raam 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 minutes. Not accessible due to security situation in the country.
(37) Yudhuganawa - situated in the midst of the jungle Wasgamuwa
Legend - It is said that this particular piece of land can never bear any
vegetation as this served as the battlefield and had
borne the brunt of destruction. One can reach here - In side Wasgamuwa
National Park. Accessible by 4 wheel drive jeep. Wild life safari could be
done.
(38) Rumassala Sanjeevani drops - Unawattuna, Galle
Legend - At different points of time during the war both Raam and Lakshman
were hit by powerful arrows of Meghnaad and Raavan, fell unconscious and to
bring them back to life Hanumaan was instructed to fetch the life saving
herbs from Himaalaya. Hanuman went to the hill, lifted the whole hill and
brought it, as he was not able to identify the Sanjeevanee herb. Parts from
the hill fell on five places in Sri Lanka, namely, Rumasala in Galle, Dolu
Kanda in Hiripitiya, Ritigala on the Habarana Anuraadhaa Pur Road, Thalladi
in Mannar and Kachchativu in the North. Minimum time needed at the site One
hour. Hanumaan's statue is found at the site.
(39) Ritigala, Sanjeevani drops - Habarana
Legend - At different points of time during the war both Raam and Lakshman
were hit by powerful arrows of Meghnaad and Raavan, fell unconscious and to
bring them back to life Hanumaan was instructed to fetch the life saving
herbs from Himaalaya. Hanuman went to the hill, lifted the whole hill and
brought it, as he was not able to identify the Sanjeevanee herb. Parts from
the hill fell on five places in Sri Lanka, namely, Rumasala in Galle, Dolu
Kanda in Hiripitiya, Ritigala on the Habarana Anuraadhaa Pur Road, Thalladi
in Mannar and Kachchativu in the North. It can be accessed - 10 kms from
Habarana on Maradankadawa Road, turn off and further 10 kilo meters which
leads to Ritigala. Minimum time needed at the site 3 hours. Requires hill
climbing.
(40) Kataragama - It is situated in the South East of Sri Lanka.
Legend - This is the temple of Karttikeya Subramaniam at Kataragama.
Kaarttikeya was requested to go to the battlefield by Indra on the last day
of war. This was done to protect Raam from the wrath of Brahmaastra aimed by
Raavan which other wise would have weakened Raam. The benefit was one of the
most powerful weapon Brahmaastra aimed at Raam for the second time was
rendered useless by the presence of Kaarttikeya. Minimum time needed at the
site one hour. it is a very popular place of worship among Sri Lankans.
I have never read this in both
Raamaayan and Maanas.
(41) Kelaniya Buddhist temple - About 10 km from Colombo on Colombo-Kandy
Road
Legend - Kelaniya is the place where Vibheeshan ruled after being crowned by
Lakshman. As Raam was in exile for 14 years, could not take part in any
coronation ceremony, so He sent His younger brother Lakshman to crown
Vibbeeshan. Today in this very place a Buddhist shrine and a temple for
Vibheeshan exist. There are murals enshrined outside the Buddhist temple
depicting the crowning of King Vibheeshan. Today temples for Vibheeshan are
found through out Lankaa and he is still considered as one of the 4 guardian
Deities of Sri Lanka. A painting of Vibheeshan adorns the walls of the new
parliament building also. It is a fact that there is no temple for Raavan
where as many exist for Vibheeshan. This goes on to prove that his stand
towards dharma and justice made him a god is Sri Lanka. Minimum time needed
at the site 30 minutes.
(42) Vilundri - In the Trincomalee town
Legend - On his return Raam stopped at this place to reach Thiru Koneshwaram.
He rested his bow on the ground here. Bow
meaning vil and Undri meaning resting, in Tamil gave this place Vilundri its
name. Minimum time needed at the site 20 minutes
(43) Thirukovil - In the Eastern Coast of Ampara
Legend - Thirukovil is the place where Raavan's 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.
(44) Thotupola Kanda at Hoton Plains - Horton Plains
Legend - Researchers have found out more than 5 airports believed to have
been used by Raavan and his mighty army to land and take off their Vimaan.
These Vimaan 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 3 hours. Steep climbing.
(45) Nilavari - Puttur, Jaffna
Legend - Raam 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.
|
