Sita Tear Pond Agnipareeksha Ravana Chariot Photo Essay

I have posted blogs from the references of Sinhalese literature on Ramayana.

I am posting the Historical places associated with the Ramayana in Sri Lanka,

Ashokavana , where Sita was imprisoned ,

Where she took bath.Her Tears as a Pond to-day and

The spot where the Agni Pareeksha,Ordeal by Fire was confuted for Sita by Lord Rama.

I will be posting more on this subject.

The stream that runs from the hill, catered to the needs of Sitadevi during her stay at Ashok Vatika. She is said to have bathed in this stream. 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. 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.

Sita Temple Sita Elia — Sita Temple Ashokavana,SitaElia Sri Lanka,Sita is reported to have taken bath in the stream nearby.

The summit of the mountain next to the mountain range overlooking Frotoft Estate in Pussallawa is the place where Lord Hanuman first set his foot on mainland Lanka. This mountain known as Pawala Malai is visible from this mountain range. These hills stand tall in-between King Ravana‘s capital city and Ashoka Vatika.

The barren land atop themountain range is believed to be the route in which King Ravana took Sitadevi from his capital city Lankapura to Ashoka Vatika, which was a paradise on earth. Till date no vegetation grows on this passage except grass. King Ravana is believed to have taken this passage on top of these hills to show Sitadevi the beauty of his kingdom.

The Sita tear pond is found en route by the chariot route, is believed to have been formed by the tears of Sitadevi and has not dried up since, even during severe droughts when the adjoining rivers dry up.

Sita's Tear Pond Sri Lanka — Tears Pond of Sita Sri Lanka.Sita is supposed to have shed tears when she was kept in Ashokavana and the tears have formed into a Pond

The place where the Chariot of Ravana rode.

The Path of Ravana's Chariot Sri Lanka — Ravana rode his chariot here. Click to enlarge image source http://trips.lakdasun.org/chariot-path-of-ravana-sitha-on-top-of-piduruthalagala-range-and-james-taylors-loolecondera.htm

Ishtripura means an area of women in Sinhalese. This was one of the places to which King Ravana shifted Sitadevi as a precautionary measure which he was forced to take by Lord Hanuman’s advent. There are lots of intruding tunnels and caves in this area. This seems to be a part of a great ingenious network of paths, which is interconnected to all the major areas of King Ravana’s city. Sitadevi took bath in this very stream and had dried her hair sitting on a rock and put clips to her hair, hence this rock is known as Konda Kattu Gala. This is situated in the Welimada Area.

Istripura Lanka — Istripura,City of women where Sita was moved.

Divurumpola means a ‘place of oath’. This is the place where Sita underwent the “Agni” test. She came unscathed and proved her innocence and purity.

The message of Rama’s victory over Ravana was sent to Sita. After a bath and adorned with jewels she was taken on a palanquin before Rama. Meeting her husband after such a long time she was overcome with emotion, but Rama seemed lost in thought. At length he spoke, “I have killed my enemy. I have done my duty as a true king. But you have lived for a year in the enemy’s abode. It is not proper I take you back now.”

Sita was shocked. “You have broken my heart” she said, “only the uncultured speak like this”. Have you forgotten the noble family I come from? Is it my fault Ravana carried me off by force? All the time, my mind, my heart, and soul were fixed on you alone, my lord!”

She turned to Lakshmana and said with tears streaming from her eyes, “prepare for me a fire. That is the only remedy for this sorrow of mine.” Lakshmana in suppressed anger, looked at Rama’s face, but there was no softening, he lighted a big fire. Sita reverently went round her husband and approached the blazing fire. Joining her palms in salutation, she said, “if I am pure, o fire, protect me.” With these words she jumped into the flames. Then arose from out of the flames Agni, the fire-god, whom she had invoked. He lifted Sita from the flames unharmed, and presented her to Rama. “Don’t I know that she is spotless and pure at heart?” cried Rama, standing up to receive her. It’s for the sake of the world that I made her go through this ordeal of fire, so that the truth may be known to all.”