As the bus wound its way through rain-washed, misty roads and came to a halt before the Seeta Amman Kovil near Nuwara Eliya, it felt as though we had journeyed straight into the pages of the great epic — the Ramayana. Stepping out into the cool, moisture-laden breeze, we could almost hear the wind whispering a single name — “Seeta… Seeta.” A troupe of playful, miniature monkeys looked at us with curious eyes as they scampered over the statues of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman that stand guard at the entrance — silent sentinels of faith and legend. We were visiting the ancient Sita temple in Sri Lanka on the sidelines of the Sri Lanka MICE Expo 2025.
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The Legend of Ashok Vatika – Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
In the mist-clad serenity of Nuwara Eliya, legend whispers that this was where Ravana held Sita captive — the fabled Ashok Vatika of the Ramayana. Today, the Seeta Amman Kovil rises on that sacred ground, where the sorrow of separation once met the strength of devotion, and where myth still breathes through mountain winds. As you walk towards the Sita Amman Temple, you can almost feel the grief of Sita and Rama in the Ramayana.
The mind flies to that part of the Ramayana where Lord Rama finds out that Sita has been abducted, and breaks down in anguish. This has been beautifully described by C.Rajagopalachari in his English translation of the epic thus: “When Rama returned to the forest clearing and found Sita gone, his heart was pierced with grief. The serenity of the forest turned cruel, and every tree, every bird seemed to mock his loss. He called out her name again and again, searching in vain through the woods, unable to accept that she was gone.”
In the Ramayana, Sita’s abduction unfolds when Ravana, the king of Lanka, deceives her by appearing as a mendicant while Rama and Lakshmana are away. The moment she crosses the line of protection (Lakshman Rekha) drawn by Lakshmana, Ravana reveals his true form and carries her away in his celestial chariot ( Pushpak Vimana). As they soar across the sky, the noble vulture Jatayu bravely intercepts them, battling Ravana to save Sita, but is mortally wounded. Ravana then takes Sita to his kingdom in Lanka and confines her in the lush gardens of Ashok Vatika, where she awaits rescue and the arrival of Lord Ram with unwavering faith.
The Raakshasis took Seeta to the Asoka garden. It was a beautiful park attached to the women’s apartments. The trees were full of flowers and fruit, and beautiful birds played among them. Here, surrounded and guarded by terribly ugly Raakshasis , Seeta was kept prisoner. Though overwhelmed by grief, she had the faith that Raama and Lakshmana would somehow discover where she was and rescue her, that her lord would destroy Raavana and take her back to a happy life with him. Sustained by this faith, she was neither frightened by threats nor deceived by temptations. Not for one day, or two, but for months, Seeta suffered thus a close prisoner in the Asoka garden. Excerpt From Raamayana by C.Rajagopalachari
Visiting Seeta Amman Kovil – Sita Temple Sri Lanka
A visit to Sri Lanka is incomplete without a pilgrimage to the Seeta Amman Temple, especially for those who revere the Ramayana and its enduring legacy. The temple stands right on the main road, and a colourful south Indian style gopuram that is brightly painted in gold and brick red colours rises from the ground against the lush backdrop of trees that sway in the breeze as if in welcome.
Statues of Shri Ram, Lakshman, Sita, and Hanuman in the classic pose that one is familiar can be seen beside the gopuram. Small monkeys scamper around the entrance and climb upon the statues mischieviously. A small flight of stairs leads down to the temple, which is below the level of the road. The temple consists of three small shrines.
The main one in the centre is of course dedicated to Seeta who is worshipped here as Seeta Amman or Mother Sita. It is indeed one of the rare temples that is dedicated to Seeta. The shrine to the right of the main sanctum is dedicated to Ram, Lakshman, and Sita. We were told by the priest in charge of worship here that the idols worshipped here were, “Swayambhu,” or self-manifested.
In its earliest form, this sacred site was marked by a modest shrine, where unhewn stones symbolized Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita. With the arrival of the Indian Tamil community, brought to Sri Lanka as indentured labourers during the British era, the simple shrine was transformed into the temple that stands today. Through generations, the Indian Tamils of Sri Lanka have continued to preserve and care for this hallowed place, keeping alive both their faith and the timeless legend of the Ramayana.
Seeta Amman Kovil | Seeta Amman Temple – The Mountain Stream That Echoes With Sita’s Anguish
Beside the Seeta Amman Temple in Nuwara Eliya flows a crystal-clear mountain stream, fed by the mists and rains of Sri Lanka’s central highlands. According to legend, this is the stream where Sita is believed to have bathed during her captivity in Ashok Vatika, seeking solace in its cool, pure waters. Even today, the gentle murmur of the stream lends the temple an air of serenity and sanctity.
The water flows over dark granite rocks, bordered by ferns, wildflowers, and moss that thrive in the damp mountain air. Devotees often pause here to offer prayers or collect a small amount of the sacred water, believed to hold spiritual purity. As the stream winds its way through the valley, it seems to carry with it whispers of the ancient epic — a living reminder of faith, endurance, and the divine grace that once touched this tranquil landscape.
Hanuman’s Footprints Near Seetha Amman Kovil Nuwara Eliya
The mountain stream that was once sanctified by the feet of the divine Mother herself, washes a large rock on the side perenially. This rock is special, as its beleived that it was here that Seeta sat when in captivity, and it is here that Hanuman appeared before here.
The large rock bears the footprint of Hanuman, a tangible symbol of his legendary visit to Ashok Vatika. According to tradition, it was here that Hanuman first set foot in Lanka while searching for Sita. Pilgrims approach the spot with reverence, seeing in the impression a bridge between myth and reality — a reminder of devotion, courage, and divine intervention. A small footbridge fords the stream and leads to the rock, allowing visitors access to worship the footprings of Hanuman.
At one end of the footbridge is the statue of Hanuman tearing open his chest to reveal the image of Rama and Sita in his heart.
Rajagopalachari’s Ramayana beautifully recounts Hanuman’s encounter with Sita in Ashok Vatika. Stealthily entering the garden, he observed her grace and sorrow before revealing himself as Rama’s messenger. In their sacred dialogue, Hanuman conveyed Rama’s love and promise of rescue, restoring hope to the captive princess. He presented Rama’s mudrika (ring) to Sita, a token of divine presence and unwavering devotion. This brief exchange, tender yet resolute, transformed the shadows of captivity into the first glimmers of hope, immortalizing the eternal bond of love, loyalty, and dharma.
Seeta Amman Kovil And The Hakgala Botanical Garden
The Hakgala Botanical Garden which is about a kilometre from the Seeta Amman Temple is believed to have been part of Ashoka Vatika, the place where Ravana held Sita captive. The surrounding hills and valleys are believed to be part of the same verdant landscape described in the Ramayana. Today, the Hakgala gardens, with their misty terraces, vibrant orchids, and lush greenery, are thought to occupy areas that echo the epic’s mythical grove. Walking through the gardens, visitors can imagine Sita’s time in captivity, feeling a tangible connection between legend, devotion, and the serene natural beauty of the Sri Lankan highlands.
Ravana’s Rock And Seeta Amman Temple
As you stand at the Seeta Amman Kovil in Nuwara Eliya, your gaze naturally drifts to the horizon, where, diagonally opposite the temple, a massive rock rises boldly against the skyline. Known as Ravana’s Rock, this towering cliff seems to hold centuries of legend within its rugged face. Shrouded in the misty highland air, it evokes the dramatic moment from the Ramayana when Ravana carried Sita away.
Ravana’s Rock is a striking natural landmark steeped in legend. According to the Ramayana, it is the cliff from which Ravana is said to have leapt with Sita in his captivity, carrying her to Lanka. The towering rock, surrounded by lush greenery and misty highland air, offers a commanding view of the temple and the surrounding valleys. For pilgrims and travelers, Ravana’s Rock is more than a scenic viewpoint — it is a tangible connection to the epic, evoking awe, reverence, and the enduring power of myth woven into Sri Lanka’s landscapes.
Getting To Sita Temple Sri Lanka | Seeta Amman Kovil
The Seetha Amman Kovil is an integral part of the Ramayana tour in Sri Lanka, and also a very significant aspect of the Ramayana itself. It is indeed, one of the most important Hindu temples in Sri Lanka. It is located at a distance of about 6 kilometres from the town of Nuwara Eliya, and as it lies on the main road, easily accessible by taxi, tuk-tuk, private vehicle, or local bus.
- The Seeta Amman Kovil in Sita Eliya near Nuwara Eliya is about 170 kilometres from Colombo
- The Sita temple is about 80 kilometres from the historic temple town of Kandy
Seeta Amman Kovil Sri Lanka – FAQ
Where is Seeta Amman Kovil located?
The temple is located near Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka, in the village of Seetha Eliya, approximately 6 km from the town centre.
What is the significance of the Sita temple in Nuwara Eliya?
It marks the legendary Ashok Vatika from the Ramayana, where Sita was held captive by Ravana. The temple is a pilgrimage site for devotees and a must-visit for Ramayana enthusiasts.
Who maintains the temple of Sita in Sri Lanka?
The Indian Tamil community in Sri Lanka has preserved and maintained the temple for generations.
What can visitors see inside Seeta Amman Temple?
The temple houses three main shrines: Sita, Rama, and Lakshmana, along with murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana.
Are there other attractions located near the Sita Amman Temple??
Yes — the Hakgala Botanical Garden, the stream where Sita is believed to have bathed, and Ravana’s Rock are all within walking or short driving distance.
How can I reach Sita Temple, Sri Lanka?
Visitors can reach the temple by taxi, tuk-tuk, or local bus from Nuwara Eliya. Parking is available near the temple.
Is there an entrance fee for Seetha Amman Kovil?
No significant fee is required; however, small donations are appreciated to help maintain the temple.
Best time to visit Sita Temple in Sri Lanka?
It is ideal to visit the Seeta Amman Kovil in the morning hours when the misty highlands create a serene atmosphere and the temple is less crowded.
A visit to the Seeta Amman Kovil is more than a journey through Sri Lanka’s misty highlands; it is a step into the living legend of the Ramayana, where devotion, love, and myth breathe through every stone, stream, and sacred grove. Here, history and legend intertwine, leaving every traveler touched by the timeless grace of Sita.
As we turned away from the Seeta Amman Kovil, a quiet ache lingered in our hearts — a fleeting echo of the sorrow Sita endured during her captivity. Yet even amidst that shadow, our spirits were uplifted, drenched in the sweet nectar of hope, the radiance of bliss, and the enduring joy of virtue triumphing over adversity. In that serene highland sanctuary, where legend breathes whispers in every nook and corner, we left with a sense of reverence, wonder, and the timeless resonance of love, devotion, and the triumph of good over evil.
We hope you enjoyed reading about the sacred temple – Seeta Amman Kovil in Sri Lanka, as much as we enjoyed immersing ourselves in the nectar of divine bliss and being an instrument in penning these words. For more of such inspiring, interesting, and informative content, do subscribe to our blog, newsletter, and also connect with us on our social media handles.
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Sandy & Vyjay quit their successful corporate careers to pursue their passion for travel and writing full-time. Their dedication has earned them the “Best Travel Writer” award and numerous accolades on both national and international stages. Focusing on India’s destinations, heritage, and culture, they are passionate advocates for nature and the environment. Through their content, they promote ecotourism and sustainable travel, inspiring others to explore and preserve the beauty of India.
