Sites in Sri By Stephen Knapp

The Ramayana is an ancient Sanskrit epic attributed to the poet and an important part of the Hindu canon. One of the most important literary works of ancient , the Ramayana consists of 7 chapters (Kanda), and narrates the story of ’s wife being abducted by , the demon () king of Lanka.

According to the Ramayana, King Ravana brought Sita Devi from India in a “Pushpaka Vimana” which is widely known in as the “Dandu Monara Yanthranaya,” or Large Peacock Machine in Sinhala.

The Ramayana has fascinated many generations, and had a profound impact on art and culture in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

For over thousands of years, the Ramayana, epic of Asia, has had an unshakeable hold on the beliefs of vast Sri Lanka is the proud custodian of more multitudes of Asia’s teeming millions. As than 50 Ramayana sites from the place of diverse span of humanity as Kashmiri Sita Devi’s captivity to the battlefields pandits and Cambodian fishermen, it is where vast armies clashed, to the groves the universal heritage of all humanity. of exotic herbs dropped by , to the ultimate theater of war where Lord A rich legacy of sites and temples in the Rama slew Ravana, the ten-headed country where the most significant events demon-king. of this epic took place - Lankapura - Sri Lanka. Though some people do not believe People living in the areas where great that the present Sri Lanka is the one events took place remember to this day the mentioned in the Ramayana, when we connection of their soil to the great epic. investigate the area, there is still much An oath taken at the spot where Sita Devi convincing tradition therein and many undertook “Agni Pariksha” is still sites identified with the Ramayana. considered valid in village courts or grama

22 Arsha Vidya Newsletter - September 2012 sabhas. The color of the soil of the ancient was unmarried. Surpanakha, who felt battlefield is still red today, and is still humiliated by this, tried to attack Sita in surrounded by lighter colored earth. One anger saying Sita was the cause of the of the airports of Ravana, torched by men’s contempt for her. then Hanuman when he came looking for Sita intervened and cut off Surpanakha’s nose. Devi, still has a scorched-earth look. A patch of darker soil surrounded by brown Surpanakha, terrified and in pain, flew at earth. Exotic alpine Himalayan species are once to Lanka to seek the protection of found suddenly amidst tropical Sri Lankan Ravana. When Ravana asked his sister for vegetation, the legacy of Hanuman’s heroic the cause, Surpanakha said that she had voyage carrying a mountain with life- seen Sita, a lady of incomparable beauty, restoring herbs. and wanted to bring her for Ravana. Ravana resolved to take revenge for the Incredibly, the names of places have come insult his sister had suffered, as well as down to modern times unchanged. to get lovely Sita for him self, and set out Though great social, cultural and religious to abduct Sita and bring her to Lanka. changes have taken place in Sri Lanka since. Ravana, using a golden deer as a decoy, visited Sita when she was alone. In the Sri Lanka shares a special bond with India guise of an old sage, he abducted and geographically, historically, culturally and brought her to Weragantota in Lanka in spiritually. The Ramayana begins with his plane, the Pushpaka vimana. Ayodhya in India and climaxes at Lankapura. Weragantota means the “place of aircraft landing” in Sinhala. This is the first place People in Sri Lanka through generations Sita Devi was brought to Lankapura believed that king Ravana ruled this (capita city of king Ravana). These jungles country. There are many sites in Sri Lanka are the place where the city of Lankapura which are connected to the Ramayana. once stood. The city had a beautiful palace Below is a list of places which have been for Queen Mandothari surrounded by identified as connected to the Ramayana waterfalls, streams and varieties of flora and listed in sequential order. and fauna. Sita Devi was kept at Queen Mandothari’s palace at Lankapura. The The Kidnapping of Sita by Ravana place Sita was held captive is called Sita Ravana was the king of Lanka and Kotuwa, which means “Sita’s Fort” in another 9 kingdoms. He was known as Sinhala. It is believed Ravana had an Dasis (or Dasa Shirsha) meaning 10 aircraft repair center at Gurulupotha close heads, because he had ten crowns, one to Sita Kotuwa. Sita devi was kept in each for his ten kingdoms. queen Mandothari’s palace until she was moved to Sita Kotuwa and then on to His sister Surpanakha went to Ashoka Vatika. The remains that are Jambudweepa for some business. found here are the remnants of later Surpanakha chanced upon Rama at his civilizations. In Valmiki’s depiction, King hermitage and became enamored with the Ravana’s vimana resembled a huge handsome prince. Rama being faithful to peacock. The vimana in Sinhala language his wife, Sita, did not respond and asked means “Dhandu Monara” which is known Surpanakha to approach Lakshmana who as “flying peacock,” and hence the name

Arsha Vidya Newsletter - September 2012 23 Gurulupotha, which means “parts of deities have been worshipped at this spot birds” in Sinhala. This is also called for centuries. Now there is temple for Lord Gavagala. Rama, Sitadevi, Lakshmana, and Hanuman by the side of this stream. Sita Taken from Sita Kotuwa to Ashok Vatika (also known as Ashoka / Asoka The summit of the mountain next to the Vanam) mountain range overlooking Frotoft Estate in Pussallawa is the place where Ravana moved Sita from Sita Kotuwa to Hanuman first set his foot on mainland Ashok Vatika the salubrious garden in the Lanka. This mountain known as Pawala mountains. The route too was said to be Malai is visible from this mountain range. spectacularly beautiful, as Ravana wanted These hills stand tall in-between King to show Sita the beauty of his kingdom. Ravana’s capital city and Ashoka Vatika. The barren land atop the mountain range is believed to be the route in which King The Sita tear pond is found en route by Ravana took Sita devi from his capital city the chariot route, and is believed to have Lankapura to Ashoka Vatika, which was been formed by the tears of Sita devi. It a paradise on earth. The Chariot Path has not dried up since, even during severe atop the mountain range is still visible. Till droughts when the adjoining rivers dry up. date no vegetation grows on this passage Visitors could also see the famed Sita except grass. King Ravana is believed to Flowers which are endemic to this area. have taken this passage on top of these In this area there are many large trees hills to show Sita devi the beauty of his whose bright red blooms add color to the kingdom. scenery. These flowers are called Sita flowers. The peculiarity of these flowers Ashok Vatika is the garden where Ravana is the configuration of the petal’s, stamen held Sita captive. This is in the area of Sita and pistils, which resemble a human Eliya, close to the city of . figure carrying a bow, and is said to The stream that runs from the hill catered represent Lord Rama. These flowers are to the needs of Sita devi during her stay unique only to this area in the whole of at Ashok Vatika. She is said to have Sri Lanka. bathed in this stream. The Hakgala Gardens located at the base of the Hakgala Search for Sita Rock forms part of the famed Ashok , ruler of the or special Vatika. The Sita Pokuna is a barren area monkey kingdom, ordered his monkey atop the Hakgala Rock Jungle where Sita armies to search for Sita in all four corners was kept captive. The Sita Amman of the earth. Hanuman, , Temple is located at this spot. It is and other heroes traveled southwards. interesting to note that foot prints akin to Hanuman was the only one strong enough Hanuman’s are found by this river and to cross the ocean to reach Lanka. Whilst some are of small size and some are of crossing the ocean, Hanuman was tested large size, which tells us of the immense by Surasa Devi, the Naga maiden en-route powers of Hanuman transforming himself to Lanka. This place is now called into any size. Nagadipa. About a century ago three images were Hanuman meets Sita at Ashok Vatika and discovered in the stream, one of which is Captured by Ravana was that of Sita. It is believed that the

24 Arsha Vidya Newsletter - September 2012 Hanuman after meeting Sita at Ashok consume anything provided by King Vatika, decided to test the strength of King Ravana, scattered the rice balls all over the Ravana and his army of . He place during her journey, and they are invited battle by uprooting trees and found till date along the chariot track. The destroying the garden. Upon being local people call these rice balls Sita Gooli captured by the Rakshasa guards, and they prescribe them for their children Hanuman was brought in the presence of as a cure for stomach disorders and Ravana. As a punishment, Hanuman’s tail headaches. The farmers too keep them in was set on fire. Hanuman in turn set fire their cash boxes or grain pots for to the houses in the city. Ussangoda is one prosperity. It is claimed that carbon dated such torched area. testing has been done in Tokyo and Delhi on these rice balls and ascertained them On the way back to India Hanuman rested to be more than five thousand years old. at Mani Kattuthar. The hilltop where Hanuman is believed to have rested after Sita is Hidden after the visit of meeting Sita devi is known as Mani Hanuman Kattuthar. This is a rock in the Labookelle Upon hearing Hanuman’s threat and estate. Hanuman met Sita devi and on his way to announce this happy information seeing his capabilities, King Ravana decided to hide Sita at various secret to Lord Rama, rested on this hilltop. locations as a precautionary measure. Today an open temple with statues of Lord Rama, Sita devi, Lakshmana, and Ravanagoda, which means Ravana’s place in the Kotmale area, is one such complex Hanuman stands on top of it. Locals visit of tunnels and caves. the temple often. Istripura is another ingenious network of Near by is the village of Kondagala, known as Kondakalai in Tamil, where Sita paths which are interconnected with all major areas of king Ravana’s city. Istripura is said to have deranged her hair whilst means “Area of Women” in Sinhala. This passing the place. Kondakalai (Kondagala), like many other cities and refers to the retinue of ladies Ravana made available to look after Sita. villages in Sri Lanka, also derives its name from the Ramayana. When King Ravana Konda Kattu Gala refers to the many took Sita devi in a chariot to Ashoka intruding tunnels and caves in this area. Vatika, her hairs got deranged because of This seems to be a part of a great the speed of the chariot. “Konda kalai” in ingenious network of paths, which is Tamil means “deranging of hair.” Till date interconnected to all the major areas of the villagers live with the legacy of this King Ravana’s city. Sita devi took bath in event. this very stream and had dried her hair sitting on a rock and put clips to her hair, The village also contains Sita Gooli which are rice balls offered by Ravana to Sita; hence this rock is known as Konda Kattu Gala. This is situated in the Welimada which she refused and threw away. When Area. King Ravana carried Sita devi on his chariot to Ashoka Vatika, he provided her Tunnel Network with vitaminized rice balls for refreshment. But Sita devi who did not want to This tunnel network proves beyond doubt the architectural brilliance of King Ravana.

Arsha Vidya Newsletter - September 2012 25 These tunnels served as a quick means of Yudhaganawa, meaning battlefield in transport through the hills and also as a Sinhala, is a place in Wasgamuwa where secret passage and networked all the the major battles took place. important cities, airports and dairy farms. Upon being hit by ’s Brahmastra, A close look at these tunnels indicates that both Rama, Lakshmana and the monkey they are man-made and not natural army lay unconscious on the battle field. formations. The Buddhist shrine at To cure them, Jambavan the veteran Kalutara was once where King Ravana’s monkey instructed Hanuman to go to palace and a tunnel existed. Additional Sanjeevani Parvatha, the hill of herbs existing tunnel mouths are situated at between Rishhaba and Kilasa peaks in the Welimada, Ravana cave at Bandarawela, Himalayas and bring the necessary Senapitiya at Halagala, Ramboda, medicinal herbs. As he could not identify Labookelle, Wariyapola/Matale, and which herbs to select, Hanuman uprooted Sitakotuwa/Hasalaka, along with many the entire peak with all the herbs growing more tunnels. Some have also said that there from the mountain and returned to Ravana had a tunnel that went all the way Lanka. to South America, in which he had stored much of his gold and treasury. Parts of the hill fell on five places in Sri Lanka; namely Rumassala in Galle, Preparing for Battle Dolukanda in Hiripitiya, Ritigala close to Gayathri Peedum is believed to be the place Habarana on the Habarana from where King Ravana’s son Meghanath road, Talladi in Mannar, and propitiated Lord Shiva with penance and Katchchathivu in the north. pujas, and in turn was granted super Lord Karthikaya Subramaniyam was natural powers by Lord Shiva prior to the requested to go to battle by Lord Indra to battle. Neelawari is located in the North protect Lord Rama from king Ravana’s of the country in the Jaffna peninsula and Brahmastra. This was at , is where Lord Rama shot an arrow to the which is now a very popular place for ground to obtain water for his army upon worship among Sri Lankans. arriving at Lanka. The Fall of Ravana Dondra, Seenigama & Hikkaduwa are places in the South of Lanka where Dunuvila lake is a place from which Lord Sugriva (king of , the special Rama fired the Brahmastra arrow at king species of monkeys) prepared for his Ravana who was directing the war from onslaught on King Ravana’s forces from Laggala. It is here that King Ravana was the Southern flank. killed by Lord Rama’s brahmastharam. The top of Laggala is flat and is believed to War Breaks Out have been affected by the power of the During the height of the battle Indrajit, brahmastharam. “Dhunu” means “arrow” elder son of Ravana beheaded a lookalike and “Vila” means “Lake,” so it gets its of Sita Devi in front of Hanuman to break name from this pastime. his spirit. This place is known as Sitawaka The name Laggala is derived from the in the Avissawella area. Sinhala term “Elakke Gala”, which means Target Rock. Laggala served as a sentry point to observe Lord Rama’s army. The

26 Arsha Vidya Newsletter - September 2012 cartels behind the Dunuvila lake are called speak like this. Have you forgotten the Laggala. It was from this rock the first noble family I come from? Is it my fault glimpse of Lord Rama’s army was sighted Ravana carried me off by force? All the and informed to King Ravana. This hill is time, my mind, my heart, and soul were geographically the highest part of the fixed on you alone, my lord!” northern region of King Ravana’s city and She turned to Lakshmana and said with on a clear day the north east side that is tears streaming from her eyes, “prepare for Thiru Koneshwaran and north west side me a fire. That is the only remedy for this that is Talai Mannar can be seen even sorrow of mine.” Lakshmana, in today. King Ravana is believed to have suppressed anger, looked at Rama’s face, done meditation on this rock and prayed but there was no softening, he lighted a to Lord Shiva at Thiru Koneshwaran from big fire. Sita reverently went round her this point. husband and approached the blazing fire. After Ravana’s death, his body was kept Joining her palms in salutation, she said, at Yahangala, meaning “Bed Rock” in “if I am pure, O fire, protect me.” With Sinhala. This is situated along the these words she jumped into the flames. Mahiyanganaya - Wasgamuwa road. King Then arose from out of the flames, Agni Ravana’s body was kept upon this rock so the fire-god, whom she had invoked. He his countrymen could pay their last lifted Sita from the flames unharmed, and respects to their dear departed king. presented her to Rama. “Don’t I know that Geographically this rock is visible from she is spotless and pure at heart?” cried miles away on its 3 sides. Rama, standing up to receive her. “It’s for After the War the sake of the world that I made her go through this ordeal of fire, so that the truth Sita met Rama after the war, and may be known to all.” Divurumpola is the place she under went The spot was initially fenced and walled the “Agni” test of fire where she proved to protect it from the surrounding her innocence and purity to Rama. wilderness. Then a sapling of the Divurumpola means the “Place of Oath” Anuradhapura bodhi tree (one of the 30 in Sinhala. She came out unscathed and original saplings) was planted as a mark proved her innocence and purity. of respect for the place. A small pagoda The message of Rama’s victory over was built subsequently under the Bodhi Ravana was sent to Sita. After a bath and tree. The temple depicts paintings of the adorned with jewels she was taken on a Ramayana epic. palanquin before Rama. Meeting her Today the temple is revered for the oath husband after such a long time she was taken by Sita devi and even the legal overcome with emotion, but Rama seemed system permits and accepts the swearing lost in thought. At length he spoke, “I done at this temple while settling disputes have killed my enemy. I have done my between parties. duty as a true king. But you have lived for a year in the enemy’s abode. It is not Vantharamulai is a place that Lord Rama, proper I take you back now.” Sita Devi, Lakshmana, and Hanuman rested after the turmoil of the war. Sita was shocked. “You have broken my Amaranthakali is believed to be the place heart” she said, “only the uncultured

Arsha Vidya Newsletter - September 2012 27 where they had the first meal after the guardian deities of Sri Lanka, and temples war. for Vibishana are found throughout Sri Lanka. A painting of King Vibishana also When returning to India in one of King adorns the new Parliament of Sri Lanka. Ravana’s vimanas, Rama felt he was In fact, there are no temples dedicated for followed by a Brahmahasti Dhosham, a Ravana, but many exist for Vibishana; this malevolent black shadow or dark cloud goes to prove that his stand towards Vedic capable of taking His life, as He had killed Dharma & justice made people to revere Ravana, a Brahmin. When the vimana was him as a god in Sri Lanka. passing over Munneswaram, He felt the vimana vibrating, and at Muneswaram The Kelani River is mentioned in the realized the “Brahmaasthi Dosham” was Valmiki Ramayana and Vibishana’s palace not following him at this particular point. was said to be on the banks of this river. So Rama felt safe from the “Brahmahasti The reason Lakshmana crowned Dhosham” at Munneswaram. So Lord Vibishana was because Lord Rama had to Rama stopped the vimana at this juncture return to India to continue his self-exile of and asked Lord Shiva for a remedy. This 14 years to honor the commitment to His is the place where Lord Rama prayed to father, King Dasarath of Ayodhya. King Lord Shiva and where Shiva blessed Lord Vibishana was considered a fair king, as Rama and advised installing and praying he supported Rama against his own to four lingams to get rid of the Dhosham. brother’s injustice. Many devotees that The first Lingam was installed at visit King Vibishana’s shrine pray to him Manavari about 5 Km from here, near the asking his intervention to a fair recourse banks of Deduru Oya. This was followed to their problems. by the lingams at Thiru Koheneshwaram, Other Places of Interests Connected to the Thiru Ketheshwaram, and Rameshwaram in India. Ramayana in Sri Lanka 1. Kanniya - The place where King Ravana It is believed that Munneswaram predates carried out the last rites for his mother. the Ramayana and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was located here. 2. Gavagala or Ghoushala - King Ravana’s Munneswaram means the first temple for dairy farm. Shiva (Munnu + Easwaran). A Shiva 3. Airports of King Ravana: Lingam was already here when lord Rama Thotupolakanda (means “Mountain Port” visited the place. in Sinhala) at Horton plains After King Ravana’s death, Ravana’s Weragantota (means “Place of Aircraft” brother was coroneted as a landing in Sinhala) in Mahiyangana king of Lanka by Lakshmana at Kelaniya. Ussangoda (means “Area of Lift” in Kelaniya is the closest site to Colombo Sinhala) in the Southern coast connected to the Ramayana. Wariapola (means “Aircraft Port” in There exists a Buddhist temple, the Sinhala) in Matale and Kurunagala. Kelaniya Buddhist Temple and shrine for 4. Neelawari — A place where Lord Rama King Vibishana. There are murals aimed an arrow to obtain water. enshrined outside the Buddhist temple 5. Panchamukha Anjanaya Temple, depicting the crowning of Vibishana. Kalubowila – This is the first Anjaneyar Vibishana is considered one of the four Temple in Sri Lanka and also the only

28 Arsha Vidya Newsletter - September 2012 Panchamukha (five faced) Anjaneyar which otherwise would have weakened Temple in Sri Lanka. It is the only temple Lord Rama. The benefit was that the most in the world to have a chariot for Ajanyar. powerful brahmasthra weapon aimed at The chariot festival is held annually at end Lord Rama for the second time was of December to the beginning of January. rendered useless by the presence of Lord Hanuman’s mother is Anjan. Hanuman is Karthikeya. known as Anjan + Aiyar = Anjaneyar in 13. Ussangoda – According to the South India (Hamuman in North India). Ramayana, after meeting Sita devi, 6. Rama Temple at Rattota — One of the Hanuman dedicated to test the strength of few Rama’s temple in Sri Lanka. the mighty King Ravana and his army of 7. Maha Ravanagoda / Kuda Ravanagoda Rakshasas. In the events that unfolded, — Ravana’s places in the south. Hanuman’s tail was set on fire by the Rakshasas, who in turn went on to torch 8. Veedurupola - Buddhist temple some parts of King Ravana’s empire. dedicated to research on Ramayana. Ussangoda is one of the torched areas, 9. Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple — on the which is said to have been an airport used hills of Ramboda is a place where by King Ravana. Hanuman was searching for Sita Devi. The 14. Vishnu Devala, Dondra – These are the name is also associated with Rama’s places from where King Sugriva of the army. Rampadai means Rama’s force in Vanara’s started his onslaught on King Tamil. The Chinmaya mission of Sri Lanka Ravana’s force. built a temple with Hanuman as the presiding deity. On every full moon day 15. Ravana Goda – This is a place where special pujas are conducted and witnessed Sita devi stayed during her transit. This by thousands of devotees. area is also linked with tunnels and caves, which runs through to other parts of King 10. Manavari Temple is the first lingam Ravana’s kingdom. This is situated in the installed and prayed to Lord Rama and till Kotmala area opposite to Ramboda rock. date this lingam is called as Ramalinga The main cave entrance was closed by an Shivan. Rameshwaram is the only other earth-slip in 1947. Locals believe this part lingam in the world named after Lord of the complex was used as a prison by Rama. Ravana. The cave complex has not been 11. Rama Temple - Rattota. There are a fully explored. few Rama temples in Sri Lanka, this is one of them. This is the only Rama temple in 16. Ravana’s mummy – An additional site this area. This is a privately managed connected to local belief, but yet to be temple. This is one of the most scenic discovered is the place where locals routes to travel from Matale to visit believe Ravana’s mummified body is Laggala (on the northern side of Knuckles). hidden within the mountain range of 12. Kataragama Temple – This is the Harasbatha, Ragala and Walapane. temple of Lord Karthikeya Subramaniam References at Kataragama. Lord Karthikeya was requested to go to the battlefield by Lord http://www.sltda.gov.lk/ramayana and Indra on the last day of war. This was http://www.tourslanka.com/ramayana- done to protect Lord Rama from the wrath sri-lanka/tours/ramayana-site-tours- of the Brahmastra aimed by King Ravana excursions.php

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