Seetha Amman Temple, or Seetha Eliya Seethai Amman Thirukkovil, also known as Ashok Vatika Sita Temple, is an ancient Vaishnavite Hindu temple located in the Nuwara Eliya District of Central Sri Lanka. The temple's folklore is deeply connected to the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. According to the epic, after Sita was abducted by King Ravana of Lanka, she was brought to this location. Ravana sought vengeance against Rama and Lakshmana to avenge the disrespect shown to his sister, Shurpanakha.[1]
| Seethai Amman Temple | |
|---|---|
சீத்தா எலிய சீதையம்மன் கோவில் සීතා එළිය සීතා අම්මන් දේවස්ථානය अशोक वाटिका सीता देवी मंदिर | |
 by Buddhika Mawella 2010 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | Nuwara Eliya |
| Province | Central Province |
| Deity | Sita |
| Features |
|
| Location | |
| Location | Sita Eliya |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
  Shown within Sri Lanka | |
| Geographic coordinates | 6°56′00″N 80°48′38″E / 6.9332°N 80.8105°E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Hindu Temple |
| Style | Tamil Architecture |
| Direction of façade | East |
In the Ramayana, Ravana offered Sita a place in his palace, but she refused, choosing instead to remain in exile for 14 years, waiting for Rama to rescue her. Ravana then created a natural garden, now known as Hakgala Botanical Garden, near the temple where Sita could wait. The nearby river is said to be the place where Sita bathed under the guard of Asura women and meditated until Rama's arrival. It is also believed to be the site where Hanuman first met Sita and gave her Rama's wedding ring as a sign of hope.This temple is believed to be the only Sita temple in the world.[2]
Initially, this site featured a simple temple with stones representing Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita. When Indian Tamils arrived as indentured workers brought by the British, they constructed the current temple. To this day, the temple is maintained by the Indian Tamils of Sri Lanka, rather than the native Sri Lankan Tamils. It is primarily visited by Indians as a pilgrimage to one of the Ramayana Sthalas.[3]
Location
editSita Eliya Sita Temple is located 8 km (5.0 mi) southeast of the main town of Nuwara Eliya, along the Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Highway. Approximately 1.7 km (1.1 mi) southeast of the temple lies Hakgala Botanical Garden, believed to be the garden created by Ravana for Sita according to the Ramayana.[4]
Legend
editSeetha Eliya Seethai Amman Thirukkovil, also known as Ashok Vatika Sita Temple, is believed to be the site where Sita was held captive by the Rakshasa king Ravana, according to the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. Sita prayed daily for her husband Rama to rescue her from this place. The temple is located in the Nuwara Eliya District of Central Sri Lanka and is surrounded by significant mythological landmarks.[citation needed]
Near the temple runs a stream, said to have been formed to meet the needs of Sita Devi during her captivity at Ashok Vatika. It is believed that Sita bathed in this stream. On the rock face across the stream are circular depressions, which are regarded as the footprints of Hanuman. According to the Ramayana, Hanuman met Sita at this location and gave her Rama's wedding ring as a sign of hope. Additionally, Ravana had created a natural garden, now known as Hakgala Botanical Garden, for Sita to wait for Rama's arrival. This site, rich in mythological significance, continues to attract devotees and tourists who revere the story of Sita's devotion and endurance.[5]
References
edit- ^ Goonatilake, Susantha (2014). "Introduction to the Issue on the Rāmāyaṇa". Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka. New Series, Vol. 59, No. 2 (Special Issue on the Ramayana): 1–21. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
- ^ "WWW Virtual Library: Sita Eliya / Seetha Eliya / Sitha Eliya".
- ^ "Ramayanaya". www.srilanka.travel. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ Sinha, Amitabh (26 April 2023). "'Epic' Ties: Sri Lankan PM Unveils Special Cover for Sita Temple in Nuwara Eliya, Ramayana Trail to Be Made More Attractive". News18.
- ^ "Seetha Amman Temple Seetha Eliya Sri Lanka - ramayana in Sri Lanka". www.travel-culture.com. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
