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Ramayana Trails
Rama Ravana Yudha, the clash of the Titans is a remarkable incident in the history of mankind. Sequences connected to this mega battle were compiled together into a Sanskrit text by sage Valmiki on the title Ramayanam with means Journey of Rama (Rama – Yanam). Further to this, ancient scripts clarifies that deities Sri Maha Vishnu and Sri Devi together with their devotees Jaya and Vijaya came on to the earth as Sri Rama, Sita, Ravana and Kumbakarna respectively to guide human race differentiate good and bad. Thus make the Earth a better living place.
This epic literature influenced many civilizations, penetrated into many cultures and travelled many millenniums to reach our generation. Today’s Sri Lanka which was once the capital island of Mighty Emperor Ravana naturally preserved the memories of the iconic era in over 50 locations. Now the doors are open to the world to explore the following unexplored.
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Legend : There is a stream by the side of the temple. It is believed that Sitadevi bathed in the stream. It is interesting to note that foot prints akin to Lord Hanuman’s are found on the rocks along this river and some are of small size and some are of large size, which indicating the immense power of Lord Hanuman trans forming himself into any size.
Location : Seeta Eliya
Access : Distance from Nuwara Eliya to the site : 03.07km
Time : 30min
Note : Now there is a temple for Lord Rama, Sithadevi, Laxshmana, and Hanuman.
Legend : Lord Rama after his victorious battle left for Ayodhya in one of King Ravana’s vimana’s. He felt he was being followed by “Brahmahasthi Dosham” as he had killed King Ravana who was a Brahmin. He stopped the vimana at this juncture because he felt at this place the11Brahma hasthi Dosham” 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 “Brahmahasthi Dosham”.
Location : About 1.2km from Chilaw town, on Chilaw – Kurunegala Road.
Access : Distance from Colombo to the site : 86.2 km
Time : To reach the site: The trek will take 1 1/2 hours both ways (in addition to time take to reach the Gurulupotha Rest House) To spend at site: 2 hrs.
Note : In Tamil Mun – means long time ago and Eeswaram- means Siva temple. Temple is open from 6.00 a.m to 8.00 p.m. Two annual festivals take place in this temple in February and in August. This temple was destroyed by the Portuguese. It was reconstructed in 1753. Later temple was renovated and reconstructed by Kumaraswmi Kurukkal in 1875. The construction of the “Kopuram” was completed in 1963.
Legend : Gayathri peedam is believed to be the place from where King Ravana’s son Meghanath propitiated Lord Shiva with penance and pooja’s and in turn was granted super natural powers by Lord Shiva.
Location : NuwaraEliya town
Access : Nuwara Eliya to the site : 04.6km
Time : 20 min
Note : This is the first temple built for Gayathri Amman in Sri Lanka, and the Shiva Lingam in this temple was brought from the holy river Narmada.
Legend : Thiru Koneshwaram was built by sage Agasthyar as per the instructions 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 oered his prayers on his return to get rid of the Brahmahasthi Dosham.
Location : In the Trincomalee Town
Access : Distance from Colombo to the site : 257 km
Time : 05 hrs – 5 min walk
Note : This is situated within the Dutch Fort. People are allowed to walk to the temple without any special approval.
Legend : It is believed that the city of Lankapura once stood in these jungles.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. Sita Kotuwa means Sita’s fort and got its name because of Sita devi’s stay here.
Location : Gurulupotha, Hasalaka
Access : DGurulupotha is on the Kandy – Mahiyangana, road at the 63km post, 4 km from Hasalaka town. Trek down 2 km (approx 4 km both ways) from Gurulupotha Rest House.
Distance and Time : Distance from Kandy to the site : 65.4 km Time : 02 hrs – 01 hr walk, Distance from Mahiyanganaya to the site : 12.3 km Time : 30 min – 01 hr walk To spend at site : 2hrs
Note : Archaeological site
Legend : 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 Sinhala language means Dhandu Monara which is known as flying peacock, and hence the name Gurulupotha, which means parts of birds.
Location : As in Sita Kotuwa above
Distance and Time : Distance from Kandy to the site : 65 km Time : 02 hrs – 01 hr walk Distance from Mahiyanganaya to the site : 12.3 km Time : 30 min – 01 hr walk
Time : Time : 05 hrs – 5 min walk
Note : Archaeological site
Legend : It is believed that Lord Hanuman was searching for Sitadevi from these hills of Ramboda.
Location : Thawalamtenne, Ramboda
Access : Kandy – NuwaraEliya road (40km post on A5 route)
Time : Time : 05 hrs – 5 min walk
Note : This is situated within the Dutch Fort. People are allowed to walk to the temple without any special approval.
Legend : According to Rama yana, after meeting Sitadevi Lord Hanuman decided to test the strength of the mighty King Ravana and his army of Rakshasas. In the events that unfolded Lord Hanuman’s tail was set on fire by the rakshasas, who in turn went on to torch some parts of King Ravana’s empire. It is believed that Ussanggoda is one of the torched areas, which is said to have been an airport used by King Ravana.
Location : On the southern coast of the country
Access : 4km off Nonagama on Matara Hambantota road.
Distance and Time : Distance from Colombo to the site : 222 km Time : 03.30 hrs Distance from Ambalanthota to the site : 07.7 km by water Time : 30 min
Note : The soil in this area still has the blackened, burned scorched effect as a reminder of Lord Hanuman’s escapade. It is also evident that the soil in the surrounding area is of different color and has plant life.
Legend : World’s end or Pathala Lok is the place where King Ravana had hidden both Lord Rama and Lakshmana who were later rescued by Lord Hanuman who carried them back on his broad shoulders.
Location : In Horton Plains (closer to Nuwara Eliya)
Distance and Time : Distance from Nuwara Eliya to the site : 37 km Time : 01.30 hrs – 03.30 hrs walk To spend at site : 3 hrs
Note : Involves 8 km of walking
Legend : It is believed that 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 the ground with his trishul 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 each of the seven wells
Location : About 10km from Trincomalee town on the Trincomalee – Anuradhapura road
Distance and Time : Distance from Trincomalee to the site : 10 km Time : 20 min -5 min
Ishtripura
Legend : lshtripura means an area of women in Sinhalese. It is believed that this was one of the places to which King Ravana shifted Sitadevi as a precautionary measure after lord Hanuman’s advent. It is said that Sitadevi took bath in nearby stream and dried her hair sitting on a rock and put clips to her hair, hence this rock is known as Kanda Kattu Gala.
Location : Kirivanagama, Lunuwatte (13km from Welimada)
Access : Welimada Town I Udapussalawa Roardl Lunuwatta I Thrivangama temple (about 17.5km) Proceed on Udapussalawa road from Welimada town. Turn off to Lunuwatte Road. Pass Lunuwatte Town and proceed to Kirivanagama (13km from Welimada). Trek from Kiriwanagama temple, trek approx about 3 km one way.
Distance and Time : Distance from Nuwara Eliya to the site : 27 km Time : 02.30 hrs – 01 hr walk Distance from Welimada to the site : 13 km Time : 01hr – 01hr walk
Note : There are many interconnecting tunnels and caves in this area. This appears to be a part of a great ingenious network of paths, which is connected to all the major areas of King Ravana’s city
Legend : 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, airports and dairy farms. A close look at these tunnels indicates that they are man-made and not natural formations. The Buddhist shrine at Kalutara was where once King Ravana’s palace and a tunnel existed. Existing tunnelmouths are situated lsthripura at Welimada, Ravana cave at Bandarawela,Sena pitiya at Halagala, Ramboda, Labookelle,Wariyapola / Matale and Sitakotuwa/Hasalaka. In addition there are many more tunnels.
Location : From Bandarawela pass Ella to Ravana Cave
Access : Turn off3 Km from Ella on Wellawaya Road. Go up 2 km to Ravana Ella Temple. Trek up hill for about 2 Km
Distance and Time : Distance from Ella to the site : 01 km Time : 15 min – 01 hr walk
Note : To reach the site: The trek is 45 minutes. To spend at site: 02 hrs.
Legend : This is the temple of Lord Karthikeya Subramaniam at Kataragama. Lord Karthikeya was requested to go to the battlefield by Lord lndra on the last day of war. This was done to protect Lord Rama from the wrath of Brahma asthram shot by King Ravana which otherwise would have weakened Lord Rama. Brahmaasthram aimed at Lord Rama for the second time was rendered useless by the presence of Lord Karthikeya
Access : Distance from Colombo to the site : 257 km
Distance and Time : Distance from Colombo to the site : 282 km Time : 06 hrs – 10 min walk Distance from Tissamaharamaya to the site : 18.1 km Time : 30 min – 10 min walk
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.
Location : In the midst of the jungle Wasgamuwa
Access : In side Wasgamuwa National Park. Accessible by 4 wheel drive jeep
Distance and Time : Distance from Kandy to the site : 123 km Time : 02.30 hrs Distance from Mahiyanganaya to the site : 40 km Time : 01hr
Note : Wild life safari could be done.
Legend : During the war, both lord Rama and Lakshmana were hit by powerful arrows, fell unconscious and to bring them back to life Lord Hanuman was instructed to fetch the lifesaving herbs from Himalaya. Lord Hanuman went to Himalayas, lifted the whole hill and brought it,as he was not able to identify the lifesaving herbs alone. It is believed that parts of the hill fell on five places in Sri lanka, namely, Rumasala in Galle, Dolu Kanda in Hiripitiya, Ritigala on the Habarana Anuradhapura road, Thalladi in Mannar and Kachchativu in the north.
Location : Unawatuna, Galle
Access : Distance from Colombo to the site : 128 km Time : 02 hrs Distance from Galle to the site : 05.5 km Time : 15 min To spend at site : 1 hr
Note : There is a statue of Lord Hanuman at the site.
Legend : Same as “Thotupola Kanda at Horton Plains” above.
Location : Kurunegala
Access : Distance from Kandy to the Kurunegala : 45 km Time : 01 hr 21 Minutes.
Note : Very flat area surrounded by hills.
Legend : Researchers believe that there were more than 5 airports which were used by King Ravana and his mighty army to land and take off their vimanas. These Vimanas were used as both goods and passenger carriers. Identified airports are Weregantota in Mahi yangana, Thotupola Kanda at Horton Plains, Usangoda on the Southern Coast, Wariyapola in Kurunegala and Wariyapola in Matale.
Location : Horton Plains
Distance and Time : Distance from Nuwara Eliya to the site : 37 km Time : 01.30 hrs – 30 min walk Distance from Pattipola to the site : 4.5 km Time : 01 hr – 30 min walk
Note : Steep climb
Legend : Thiru Ketheshwaram is the third Lingam in Lanka, which Lord Rama installed and prayed to get rid of the Brahmahasthi Dosham.
Location : In Mannar
Distance and Time : Distance from Anuradhapura to the site : 112 km Time : 02 hrs. Distance from Mannar to the site : 8.7 km Time : 15 min
Note : Steep climb
Legend : It is said that the Dunuvila 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 : Near the 40km post on the Hasalaka – Wasgamuwa road. Outskirts of Wasgamuwa National Park (Matale District).
Access : Kandy I Matale I Rattota I Riverstone I lllukkumbura I Pallegama I Hettipola
Distance and Time : Distance from Kandy to the site : 113 km Time : 02.30 hrs Distance from Mahiyanganaya to the site : 40 km Time : 1.30 hrs
Note : This is the first temple built for Gayathri Amman in Sri Lanka, and the Shiva Lingam in this temple was brought from the holy river Narmada.
Legend : 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 length he spoke, “I have killed my enemy. I have done my duty as a true king. But you have lived in the enemy’s abode. It is not proper that I should take you back now Sitadevi 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 said and turned to Lakshmana and said with tears streaming from her eyes, “Prepare for me a fire, that is the only remedy for this sorrow of mind Lakshmana 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, I am pure! Oh 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, 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 receiver 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 : 20km from Seetha Eliya on NuwaraEliya Welimada road
Distance and Time : Distance from Nuwara Eliya to the site : 17.7 km Time : 01.30 hrs – 5 min walk Distance from Welimada to the site : 03.7 km Time : 20 min – 5 min walk
Legend : 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 Ramalin gam 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
Location : On the Chiaw – Puttalam road about 10km from Chilaw. From Katunayake Airport about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Access : Kandy I Matale I Rattota I Riverstone I lllukkumbura I Pallegama I Hettipola
Distance and Time : Distance from Colombo to the site : 93.6 km Time : 02.30 hrs – 02 min walk Distance from Chillaw to the site : 10 km Time : 20 min – 02 min walk
Note : The annual festival takes place in July for Ten days. To visit temple: from 6.30 a.m to 12.30 p.m and from 4.00 to 7.00 p.m
Legend : It is believed that Kelaniya is the place from where King Vibeeshana ruled after being crowned by Lakshmana. As Lord Rama was in exile for 14 years, could not take part in any coronation ceremony, deputed his younger brother Prince Lakshmana to crown Vibeeshana. Today in this very place a Buddhist shrine and a temple for king Vibeeshana exist. There are murals enshrined outside the Buddhist temple depicting the crowning of King Vibeeshana. Today temples for King Vibeeshana are found throughout Lanka and he is still considered as one of the 4 guardian deities of Sri Lanka. A painting of King Vibeeshana adorns the walls of the new parliament. It is a fact that there is no temple for King Ravana where as many exist for King Vibeeshana. This goes on to prove that his stand towards dharma and justice made him a god in Sri Lanka.
Location : About 10km from Colombo on Colombo-Kandy Road
Legend : It is believed that from here Sugreeva king of the Vanara’s started his Onslaught on King Ravana’s forces.
Location : On the Colombo – Matara main road
Access : Colombo Matara main road
Distance and Time : Distance from Colombo to the site : 164 km Time : 03 hrs Distance from Matara to the site : 24.3 km Time : 45 min
Note : The southern most part of Sri Lanka is called Dondra and futher up towards west is called Seenigama Hikkaduwa