Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka |
| Vaalmeeki wrote Ramayana. The story of Lord Rama was in existence, though not as a written document, long before Vaalmeeki wrote Ramayana. Centuries later, Kamban, Tulsidaas, and many wrote Ramayana. It is accepted that Lord Rama was an avatar of God Vishnu. |
| The Ramayana was read with deep interest and admiration in Sri Lanka from ancient times. King Kumaradasa (506 – 516) wrote the Janaki-harana, The Abduction of SITA a work based on the Characters of the Ramayana. |
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| The Mahavamsa records the fact that there were folk traditions pertaining to the Ramayana around the 12th Century. |
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People of Sri Lanka from generation to generation believe that King Ravana ruled this country. There is much legendary evidence. For example, people believe that Thiru Koneswaram in Trincomalee was constructed by God Shiva for the devotion of King Ravana. |
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The hot wells at Kanniya were constructed by King Ravana.
According to Ramayana, King Ravana brought Sitadevi from India in a “Pushpakavimana” which is widely known in Sri Lanka as “Dandu monara yanthraya”. |
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| The Haggala Botanical Gardens, which is a tourist attraction, is located in a setting of superb natural beauty. It is surrounded by hills covered with thick vegetation. Local tradition claims that the Hanumanji found Sitadevi at this place.
Although, Ravana and Vibushana are brothers, they were men of opposite ways. Ravana swayed from the path of Dharma while his astute younger brother was steadfast in his adherence to the principals of dharma. |
| Ravana is portrayed as a valiant warrior, a mighty king, an ardent devotee of Siva, also pioneered in arts and crafts, architecture, medicine, aeronautical engineering and warfare technologies. Through the boons conferred by God Siva he obtained irresistible prowers. |
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| Vibushana who became an accomplice of Lord Rama was consecrated as Lord of Lanka on the demise of King Ravana. He was instrumental for the restoration of peace, and prosperity. He is even now deified as a guardian god of Lanka and of Buddhism. Lord Rama, Sitadevi, Luxmana, and Hanuman have found a significant place in Sri Lanka culture and tradition. |
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There are many traditions and legends, which seek to explain the origin of place names by connecting with stories derived from the Ramayana. They are found in several parts of the island. Some of them are named after Rama, Ravana and Sita
Large number of foreigners are now visiting the Sita Amman temple in Sita Eliya. This temple was recently renovated and a special pooja was held on 28th January 2008. Nearly 200 Indians attended this special pooja. Tour guides have expressed to us the emotional feelings of the Lord Rama devotees when they visit this temple. Further, large number of locals visit this temple. |
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Saint Shri Morari Bapu from India visited Sri Lanka in August last year for the second time. To listen to his “Ram Katha” nearly 1,200 of his devotees visited Sri Lanka. |
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| According to the literature review carried by the Sri Lanka Tourism there are nearly 30 sites connected to Ramayana in Sri Lanka. The launch was carried out in New Delhi on 17th January 2008 and the response received was really immense. |
| On the 5th of February a presentation was made to the members of Sri Lanka Association for Inbound Tour Operators. The purpose of this seminar (held on 12th February 2008) is to educate the interested parties on the Ramayana related sites in Sri Lanka. |
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Capital city of King Ravana - Weragantota, Seetha Kotuwa, and Gurulupotha.
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. Sitadevi was kept in this palace until she was moved to Ashoka Vatika. The remains that are found are the remnants of later civilizations. This place is now called Sita Kotuwa which means Sita’s fort and got its name because of Sita devi’s stay here. There was an aircraft repair center in the capital city. This place is known as Gurulupotha. In Valmiki’s depiction King Ravana’s vimana resembled a huge peacock. The Vimana in Sinhala language means Dhandu monara which is known as flying peacock, and hence the name Gurulupotha, which means parts of birds. |
