Is Ravana being Worshiped in Sri Lanka
( by Lokanath Mishra)
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In the island nation of Sri Lanka, a fascinating phenomenon can be observed – the worship of Ravana, the legendary king of Lanka. While Ravana is often depicted as the antagonist in the Ramayana, in Sri Lanka, he is revered as a national hero and a symbol of Sinhalese pride.
One of the most prominent temples dedicated to Ravana worship is located in Kaduwela, a town in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. The Ravana Temple, also known as the Ravana Devalaya, is a sacred site where devotees offer prayers and worship to Ravana.
Ravana worship in Sri Lanka is a complex phenomenon that reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage. For many Sri Lankans, Ravana represents a symbol of national pride and resistance against foreign invaders. His legendary exploits and achievements are celebrated in various forms of art, literature, and music.
The Ravana Temple in Kaduwela is a modern structure that blends traditional Sri Lankan architecture with contemporary designs. The temple complex features a spacious prayer hall, a sacred shrine dedicated to Ravana, and various other facilities for devotees.
Devotees visiting the temple offer prayers, flowers, and other offerings to Ravana, seeking his blessings and protection. The temple’s priests perform various rituals and ceremonies, including the daily puja (worship) and special festivals like the Ravana Festival.
Other Ravana Temples in Sri Lanka:
While the Ravana Temple in Kaduwela is one of the most prominent, there are other temples and shrines dedicated to Ravana worship throughout Sri Lanka. Some notable examples include:
1. Ravana Ella Temple in Ella: A ancient temple located near the Ravana Ella waterfall, which is believed to be the place where Ravana’s wife, Mandodari, bathed.
2. Ravana Cave Temple in Welimada: A cave temple located in the Badulla District, which features ancient rock inscriptions and paintings depicting Ravana’s life.
3. Ravana Devalaya in Matale: A temple located in the Matale District, which is dedicated to Ravana worship and features various rituals and ceremonies throughout the year.
Ravana worship in Sri Lanka is a unique and fascinating phenomenon that reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage. The Ravana Temple in Kaduwela, along with other temples and shrines throughout the island, serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Ravana and his significance in Sri Lankan culture.
Previously known as the abode of the great demon Ravana, Sri Lanka holds religious significance among the Hindus. In fact, the people of South India as well as Sri Lankans revere him as divine for his wisdom and knowledge and have dedicated many Ravana temples in Sri Lanka.
However, in the present times, it has attracted many tourists owing to the beautiful topography of its island, a hub to exotic wildlife, serene beaches as well as its cultural heritage.
In the previous years, the Sri Lankan government has made attempts to promote tourism through the Sri Lanka Ramayana Tour which explores multiple Ravana temples in Sri Lanka attracting a huge population of tourists all over the world. There are more than 50 Ramayana places in Sri Lanka ranging from Ravana temples to the place where Sita was confined as well as the Ram Setu.
Are you a mythology enthusiast and love to explore historically significant places? If yes, then these Ramayana places in Sri Lanka should be your go-to. Here is a list of Ravana temples in Sri Lanka that you can visit:
1. Ella
Ella is a town in Uva province of Sri Lanka famous for its Ravana caves and Ravana waterfalls. There is a man-made cave which paves way to many larger caves and according to legends, these caves were once inhabited by Ravana.
A 1,080-feet high waterfall can also be spotted around these caves. These caves hold religious significance to the Ramayana places in Sri Lanka.
Ella-ravana-temple-sri-lanka
2. Thiru Koneswaram Temple
The legend dictates that the Thiru Koneswaram Temple was built by Sage Agastya as directed by Lord Shiva since he was impressed by the devotion of Ravana towards him and thus is one of the important Ravana temples in Sri Lanka.
According to the legends, Ravana, along with his mother, worshipped Lord Shiva here. The temple is located in the town of Trincomalee which is also known for its beautiful and serene beaches. It is believed that Lord Rama erected the second lingam here after he killed Ravana to atone for his Brahmanical sin.