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NUWARA ELIYA, the picturesque Sri Lankan hill station known for its fine quality tea, has seen a growing traffic of visitors to what tourist brochures term "the only Sita temple in the world". The recently constructed complex, which is patterned on the modern south Indian temple, is set in idyllic countryside beside a clear stream. Adjacent to it is another new temple dedicated to Hanuman, the monkey-god, who according to mythology was instrumental in rescuing Sita from Lanka. The location and historicity of the temples situated in the country's plantation heartland has in recent years given rise to a controversy, which is taking on some divisive overtones in this island nation already torn by ethnic strife.

The Seetha Amman Temple Trust decided some years ago to build a Sita temple at a spot believed to be the exact place where Sita was held captive by the demon-king Ravana in the Lanka of the epic, Ramayana. Myth has it that Sita, the wife of King Rama, was imprisoned in the Ashoka forests of the region. The temple trustees believe that this is no myth and that Sita's imprisonment at this spot is a historical fact.

Realising the tourism potential of such a temple, the Sri Lankan Ministry of Tourism plans to make it the centre of a sacred site cum pilgrim complex. It earmarked 12.8 hectares around the temple for further development. The move was held up following strong objections by Buddhist organizations and environmental groups.

The president of the Seetha Amman Trust and Central Province Minister for Tourism, V. Radha Krishnan, offered the following as evidence that Sita once stayed in these parts: the concentration of Ashoka trees - various versions of the Ramayana state that Sita's home in Lanka was inside a thick Ashoka forest (Ashoka Vana) - and the discovery about a century ago of three idols, one of which was that of Sita. It is believed that the idols have been worshipped at this spot for centuries. There is also a belief that Ravana's palace existed somewhere in the vicinity. Clearly, this "evidence" can hardly stand up to any test of historical validation.

Saraca asoca (the Ashoka tree;"sorrow-less") sacred tree in Hinduism

The ashoka tree is considered sacred throughout the Indian subcontinent, especially in India and Sri Lanka. This tree has many folklorical, religious and literary associations in the region. In Hinduism the ashoka is considered a sacred tree. Not counting a multitude of local traditions connected to it, the ashoka tree is worshipped in Chaitra, the first month of the Hindu Calendar. It is also associated with Kamadeva, the Hindu god of Love, who included an Ashoka blossom among the five flowers in his quiver. Hence, the ashoka tree is often mentioned in classical Indian religious and amorous poetry, having at least 16 different names in Sanskrit referring to the tree or its flowers.In Mahākāvya, or Indian epic poetry, the ashoka tree is mentioned in the Ramayana in reference to the Ashoka Vatika (garden of Ashoka trees) where Hanuman first meets Sita

The temple complex is situated approximately 5 km from the Nuwara Eliya town on the road to Kandy. The two new temples exist on a quarter-acre strip of land . One temple is dedicated to Sita, and the other to Hanuman.

The Sita temple looks like any modern-day temple with a multi-coloured dome filled with mythological figures. Three new statues - of Rama, Sita and Laxman - have been installed in the new structure. On the side closer to the river bank is a small shrine with the three darkened idols which were found a century ago.

About a century ago of three idols were discovered in the stream, one of which was that of Sita. It is believed that the idols have been worshipped at this spot for centuries. Now there is temple for Lord Rama, Sitadevi, Luxshmana, and Hanuman by the side of this stream. On the side closer to the river bank is a small shrine with the three darkened idols which were found a century ago.

The three darkened idols

which were found a

century ago.

"There is a rock on the opposite bank where Sita sat and meditated. Also this Ashoka forest is a clear indication that she came here when she was brought to Lanka," said G.T. Prabhakaran, who is in charge of the temple. There is also a belief that at a particular point in the stream, the water has no taste. "This is the spot she cursed. You cannot drink the water. Drink it further downstream," one temple worker said. Temple workers are keen to show visitors the spot where Sita bathed, the stone she sat on, and where she prayed. Beliefs here are evidently strong and devotees are convinced that this episode of the Ramayana epic did indeed take place here.

Most places of worship in Sri Lanka

(as in India) have legends, beliefs and

myths associated with them. These in fact lend a special

charm to such places.

While the Ceylon Tourism Board and the Central Province government has plans to develop the Sita Eliya area on the lines of historical cum sacred sites such as Anuradhapura, Sigiriya and Kandy, they also have ideas of starting other tourist attractions such as golf courses and boating on Nuwara Eliya's lake.

Ramayan sites in Sri Lanka

It is interesting to note that foot prints akin to Lord Hanuman's are found by this river and some are of small size and some are of large size, which tells us of the immense powers of Hanuman transforming himself into any size.

According to the legend, this is where Hanuman searched for Sita in the jungles above and behind the temple. There is supposed to be a stretch of barren land known as the ‘Chariot Path' on which Ravana took Sita to Ashoka Vatika to showcase the beauty of his kingdom to her. There is also said to be a pond - the ‘Sita Tear Pond' - here, which was formed from Sita's tears.

The belief is that “Hanuman safeguards whoever who believes in Hanuman”. 

The red colour is for making tilaka.The Tilaka is normally a vermilion mark applied on the forehead. This mark has a religious significance and is a visible sign of a person as belonging to a particular religious faith.

Text: InternetPictures: Sanda Foişoreanu Nicoleta Leu InternetCopyright: All the images belong to their authors

Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanuwww.slideshare.net/michaelasanda

Sound: Hanuman Chalisa (Windblown Version) by Brenda McMorrow