Sri Lanka: Memories of Ashok Vatika fresh, worship took place where Ravana had imprisoned Mother Sita

In Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, the serene surroundings of the Sita Amman Temple are ablaze with spiritual fervor as the auspicious Kumbhabhishekam puja is performed. Attracted by the reverence of this occasion, devotees from far and wide have gathered at this holy place.

The ritual known as Kumbhabhishekam, which represents the divine energy's renewal within its sacred realm, is at the center of the ceremony. Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, was one of the distinguished guests who graced the occasion and emphasized the importance of this sacred assembly on a cross-cultural level.

Deeply mythological in significance, Seetha Amman Temple is situated in the sleepy village of Seetha Eliya. It is said to be the location where Goddess Sita was held captive by Ravana in the old legends. Five dedicated Kalash filled with Saryu water have been ceremoniously brought from the holy city of Ayodhya, adding to the ceremony's sanctity and giving the proceedings a sense of symbolic sanctity and spiritual resonance.

Temple scenes depict scenes of meticulous preparations, devotees enthusiastically participating in the rituals, their faces glowing with devotion and reverence. The atmosphere is filled with a sense of divine presence and transcendence, as prayers for blessings and divine grace echo through the temple complex.

A day earlier, India's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha along with Members of Parliament and other dignitaries inaugurated the Rath Yatra of sacred Saryu water from Mayurapati Sri Badrakali Amman Kovil.

It is notable that the sacred water drawn from the revered Saryu River in Ayodhya, India marks the auspicious beginning of the journey scheduled for the Sita Amman temple at Sita Eliya. Resonating with ancient traditions and divine reverence, this event symbolizes the deep cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka. The Rath Yatra, a procession of spiritual significance, began amid chanting and bhajans, offering blessings for the success and sanctity of the endeavor.

The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said, “Good start. The Rath Yatra of the sacred Saryu water from Mayurapati Sri Badrakali Amman Kovil, Colombo to Ayodhya was flagged off by High Commissioner Santosh Jha, Parliamentarians, and other dignitaries. This holy water will be used for the Kumbhabhishekam of Sita Amman Temple at Sita Eliya.

Saryu water, revered for its sacredness in Hindu mythology, holds deep significance in religious rituals, as it is believed to purify and sanctify the surrounding environment. As it sets out on its journey to Sita Eliya, it brings with it the hopes and prayers of the devotees for the prosperity and well-being of all.

Sita Amman Temple, situated amidst the picturesque landscape of Sita Eliya, is a cherished pilgrimage site for devotees, steeped in the legends of Ramayana. The upcoming Kumbhabhishekam ceremony, which will be graced with the sacred Saryu water, is an important occasion in the history of the temple, promising divine blessings and spiritual rejuvenation.

Sita Amman Temple is located in the hills of Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka. It is believed that this is the same Ashok Vatika mentioned in Ramayana. Mother Sita was imprisoned by Ravana in Ashok Vatika itself. When Lord Hanuman was searching for Mother Sita, he first reached here.