Bhakta Shri Hanuman Temple in Sri Lanka
By Lokanath Mishra-
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A big Shri Hanuman Temple is Located in the Ramboda area of Sri Lanka, this is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the loyal devotee and companion of Lord Rama. The name of this temple is Bhakta Hanuman Temple.According to legend, Hanuman was instrumental in searching for Sita, Rama’s wife, who was held captive by Ravana, the king of Lanka. The temple complex features a series of caves and shrines, including a sacred chamber where devotees claim to have experienced a divine presence. Many believe that Hanuman himself appears in the temple, often in the form of a mysterious, unseen force. Hanuman is the living God. In
the Sita Temple, located in the Nuwara Eliya , Sri Lanka you can see the footprints of Prabhu Shri Hanuman.
While the presence of a divine human presence in the Hanuman Temple and the ancient footprints in the Sita Temple are steeped in legend and mystery, they remain an integral part of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.
The Chinmaya mission of Sri Lanka has built the temple of Lord Hanuman . The temple is on a stunning location that looks out towards part of the Kotmale valley approximately 40 minutes drive from Spring Acre on the A5 highway in the direction of Kandy.
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 temple itself is one of the more enterprising establishments devoted to this legend, and contains a granite statue of Lord Hanuman that is said to be over 40 feet tall.It is believed that Lord Hanuman was searching for Sitadevi from these hills of Ramboda. The Ramboda area is believed to be an area where Rama’s forces were gathered against Ravana. Ram Padai means Rama’s Force. The hills of Ramboda is also believed where Hanuman was searching for Sitadevi.
On every full moon day special poojas are conducted and witnessed by thousands of devotees. Senthooram” is being appiled to Sri Baktha Hanuman. “Senthooram” symbolises victory. “Senthooram” is only offered at Hanuman temples
Flowers, silk and different colored wool is also used to make garlands for special occasions. Other items are used for decoration of the temple, especially a brass statue of Sri Baktha Hanuman. Garlands made of flowers are available for a nominal charge to be offered at the Sri Baktha Hanuman temple ever since its inception in 1916.
The belief is that “Hanuman safeguards whoever who prays Him. Jai Shri Hanuman.