My visit to Sri Lanka ( part-6)
( by Lokanath Mishra)
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On the morning of December 23, 2024, I bid farewell to Nuwara Eliya and embarked on a journey to Yala, a town in southern Sri Lanka. As I traveled along the scenic roads, I stumbled upon a fascinating site – Ravana Falls, where, according to legend, Mandodari, Ravana’s wife, would bathe.Touring the idyllic town of Ella would be incomplete if one misses out on experiencing the wonder of Ravana Falls. Renowned for being one of Sri Lanka’s widest waterfalls, this 82 ft. the cascading body of water is nestled within the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary and a further six km from the Ella Railway Station. While providing outstanding opportunities for a leisurely swim, adventure seekers will also find that climbing some of the rocks located nearby affords awe-inspiring vistas of both the falls as well as some of Ella’s treasured surroundings. It is a popular sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka and currently ranks as one of the widest waterfalls in the country. It is best visited during the local wet season when the water is said to resemble an Areca flower with withering petals. This is situated in the 12-13thmilepost of Ella Wellawaya road. Ravana Falls can also be reached by travelling 10km towards Wellawaya from Kubalwela junction in Badulla Bandarawela road and could be a quick stop along the way as it can be viewed from the main road.
This spot is a significant landmark, providing evidence of the Ramayana’s historical roots. The falls, surrounded by lush greenery, are a breathtaking sight, and I felt as though I had stepped into the ancient world of the Ramayana. Then I visited, the Sita Mata Temple where Mata Sita was entered into fire in Sri Lanka. This is another Testament to the Ramayana’s Historical Significance.
Located in the Nuwara Eliya district of Sri Lanka lies the revered Sita Mata Temple, a sacred site that holds immense significance in the Ramayana narrative. This temple is believed to be the spot where Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, entered the fire to prove her chastity, a pivotal event in the Ramayana.
According to the Ramayana, after Ravana’s defeat and Sita’s rescue, Rama expressed doubts about Sita’s fidelity, given her prolonged captivity with Ravana. To prove her innocence and chastity, Sita willingly underwent the Agni Pariksha, or trial by fire.
The Sita Mata Temple in Sri Lanka is believed to be the exact location where this dramatic event unfolded. The temple’s sanctum sanctorum features a sacred fire pit, marking the spot where Sita entered the flames.🔥
The Sita Mata Temple serves as a tangible link to the Ramayana narrative, providing archaeological and historical evidence that supports the epic’s historical significance. The temple’s existence, along with other Ramayana-related sites in Sri Lanka, underscores the notion that the epic is rooted in actual events and figures.
The Sita Mata Temple’s architecture and artifacts offer valuable insights into the Ramayana’s historical context. The temple’s design and layout reflect a blend of ancient Sri Lankan and Indian architectural styles, highlighting the cultural exchange and influences that existed between the two regions during the Ramayana era.
The Sita Mata Temple in Sri Lanka stands as a powerful testament to the Ramayana’s historical authenticity. This sacred site, along with other Ramayana-related locations in Sri Lanka and India, provides a tangible connection to the epic’s narrative, underscoring the notion that the Ramayana is rooted in actual events and figures.
As we explore the Sita Mata Temple and other Ramayana-related sites, we are reminded that the epic is not merely a mythological narrative but a historical account that has shaped the cultural, social, and spiritual landscape of India and Sri Lanka.
After visiting the Ravana Falls and Sita Mata temple , I headed to Yala National Park, hoping to catch a glimpse of the park’s incredible wildlife. Unfortunately, the park was quiet, and I didn’t spot any animals, despite the high entrance fees and charges of Safari’s vehicle 🚗. Only I saw few wild elephants, deers🦌 , pigs 🐖, buffaloes 🦬, monkeys 🐒 , peacocks 🦚 etc. It was a bit disappointing .
As the day drew to a close, I checked into the Tamarind Tree Hotel, where I relaxed and unwound after a long day of travel. The hotel’s is not comfortable and staff are not friendly and the cost of food is very high. Any way after some difficulties, it made for a pleasant stay, and I looked forward to a good night’s rest before embarking on the next leg of my journey. ( to be continued)
