The Visit to this Sri Rama Bhaktha Hanuman Temple, at Ramboda, a part of Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka was a part of Sri Lanka’s ( Ezha Nadu ) Paadal Petra sthalangal Visit scheduled between 28th November to 2nd December 2013. Utilising this opportunity, we have Visited some, Shiva, Murugan, Amman Temples and Epic Ramayan associated sites of Sri Lanka.
Shri Bhaktha Hanuman temple is associated with the Epic Ramayan. In India there were more than 20 Ramayans, like Valmiki Ramayan, Thulasidas Ramayan, Kambar Ramayan etc. In Indian Ramayans, Rama is focussed as God and Ravana is considered as a tyrant who abducted Sita. Similarly, in Sri Lanka too have several Ramayans written by various authors and one such epic Janaki Harana was written by King Kumaradasa ( 506 – 516 CE ), which focuses on abduction of Sita. Vibheesana is focused as the follower of Dharma and Ravana as a great warrior and even won the heart of Lord Shiva. In the epics Hanuman helps Rama, since Rama’s exile from his country. Like any other Gods of Hinduism, this monkey faced Hanuman is worshiped for getting Victory, Courage etc,. This Sri Bhaktha Hanuman temple is on the hill Ramboda, Nuwara Eliya – the City of Lights, in central part of Sri Lanka, where the Hanuman landed in search of Sita. The temple is about a KM off from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya main Road.
The Presiding Deity : Sri Rama Bhaktha Hanuman
Some of the salient features of this temple are....
On the base of this hill there is a small Vinayagar sannidhi called Sri Varadharaja Vinayagar. The Hanuman Temple on a small hill, with neatly paved steps with names inscribed, gifted by the Devotees from India, to climb up from the road. Stucco images of Sri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman are on the top of the front portico. Moolavar Hanuman is in in standing posture in anjali hastam about 4.8 meters tall. A Dhyaneswarar /Shiva Lingam, Rama, Sita and Lakshmana, are in inner praharam on the back side of the sanctum Sanctorum.
A Meditation hall is at the basement, where a Hanuman’s portrait is hung on the wall. The Chinmaya Mission Book stall and Vegetarian restaurant is before the temple.
Vinayagar Temple
ARCHITECTURE
The temple about 4 feet high from the ground level with 7 steps. The temple consists of Sanctum Sanctorum, a maha mandapam and a basement. The sanctum sanctorum is on a padma bandha adhistanam with three patta kumudam. The deity Hanuman is about 4.8 meters ( 18 feet ) tall. A Three tier Nagara Vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum. Maha nasis are are on the 4 cardinal directions of the sigaram. There is no stucco images on the Vimanam.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
It was Gurudev’s sankalpa, when he visited Sri Lanka in 1980 to set up a spiritual centre at Ramboda. Chinmaya Mission , with the blessings of Gurudev, purchased 10 acres of Land in 1981 at Wvandan Hills and named as “Rambodha”. This is situated in the central part of Sri Lanka 3200 feet above MSL. Originally the temple was existed under a thatched roof. The present temple was built and is being maintained by Chinmaya Mission. Moolavar was sculpted at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu and shifted Colombo through ship and then shifted to site by Road, in procession. Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 08th April 2001, in the holy presence of Pujya Guruji H H Swami Tejomayananda.
A school and tailoring classes are conducted through Chinmaya mission to the under privileged local people as a part of social welfare schemes of Chinmaya Mission.
LEGENDS
This Hanuman temple sthala purana is associated with the Epic Ramayana. After Ravana abducted Sita to Sri Lanka and kept as a prisoner, Hanuman came in search of Sita. It is believed that Hanuman landed on this hill first, during the search of Sita.
The place Ramboda means – Rambadai – Rama’s fore, hence it is believed that Rama, collected his force for the war with Ravana at this place.
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Special poojas are conducted every full moon day, Hanuman Jayanthi in which local and other country Devotees also participate. Hanuman is decorated in an elaborate manner on that day.
Special poojas are conducted in the month Margazhi and Thai months ( December – January ). Annadhanam is served on Full moon days.
TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.45 Hrs and 15.30 Hrs to 18.30 Hrs.
CONTACT DETAILS
The land line number may be contacted +94-76-7718299
E- mail address : Chinmayatemple.lanka@chinmayamission.com
Temple Website : https://www.chinmayamission.com/where-we-are/temples-shrines-33/
HOW TO REACH
The temple is 1.7 KM from Ramboda Bus Stop, 30 KM from Nuwara Eliya, 45 KM from Kandy, 155 KM from Colombo.
Nearest Railway station is Great Western 26 KM.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
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