| Seethai Amman Temple | |
|---|---|
சீத்தா எலிய சீதையம்மன் கோவில் සීතා එළිය සීතා අම්මන් දේවස්ථානය अशोक वाटिका सीता देवी मंदिर | |
 by Buddhika Mawella 2010 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | Nuwara Eliya |
| Province | Central Province |
| Deity | Sita |
| Features |
|
| Location | |
| Location | Sita Eliya |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
  Shown within Sri Lanka | |
| Geographic coordinates | 6°56′00″N80°48′38″E / 6.9332°N 80.8105°E /6.9332; 80.8105 |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Hindu Temple |
| Style | Tamil Architecture |
| Direction of façade | East |
Seetha Amman Temple, orSeetha EliyaSeethai Amman Thirukkovil, also known asAshok Vatika Sita Temple, is an ancientVaishnaviteHindu temple located in theNuwara Eliya District ofCentralSri Lanka. The temple's folklore is deeply connected to theHindu epic, theRamayana. According to the epic, after Sita was abducted by KingRavana ofLanka, she was brought to this location. Ravana sought vengeance againstRama andLakshmana to avenge the disrespect shown to his sister,Shurpanakha.[1]
In the Ramayana, Ravana offered Sita a place in his palace, but she refused, choosing instead to remain in exile for 14 years, waiting for Rama to rescue her. Ravana then created a natural garden, now known asHakgala Botanical Garden, near the temple where Sita could wait. The nearby river is said to be the place where Sita bathed under the guard ofAsura women andmeditated until Rama's arrival. It is also believed to be the site whereHanuman first met Sita and gave her Rama'swedding ring as a sign of hope.This temple is believed to be the only Sita temple in the world.[2]
Initially, this site featured a simple temple with stones representingRama,Lakshmana, andSita. WhenIndian Tamils arrived as indentured workers brought by theBritish, they constructed the current temple. To this day, the temple is maintained by the Indian Tamils of Sri Lanka, rather than the nativeSri Lankan Tamils. It is primarily visited by Indians as a pilgrimage to one of theRamayana Sthalas.[3]
Sita Eliya Sita Temple is located 8 km (5.0 mi) southeast of the main town of Nuwara Eliya, along the Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Highway. Approximately 1.7 km (1.1 mi) southeast of the temple lies Hakgala Botanical Garden, believed to be the garden created by Ravana for Sita according to the Ramayana.[4]
Seetha Eliya Seethai Amman Thirukkovil, also known as Ashok Vatika Sita Temple, is believed to be the site where Sita was held captive by the Rakshasa king Ravana, according to the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. Sita prayed daily for her husband Rama to rescue her from this place. The temple is located in the Nuwara Eliya District of Central Sri Lanka and is surrounded by significant mythological landmarks.[citation needed]
Near the temple runs a stream, said to have been formed to meet the needs of Sita Devi during her captivity at Ashok Vatika. It is believed that Sita bathed in this stream. On the rock face across the stream are circular depressions, which are regarded as the footprints of Hanuman. According to the Ramayana, Hanuman met Sita at this location and gave her Rama's wedding ring as a sign of hope. Additionally, Ravana had created a natural garden, now known as Hakgala Botanical Garden, for Sita to wait for Rama's arrival. This site, rich in mythological significance, continues to attract devotees and tourists who revere the story of Sita's devotion and endurance.[5]
