Diwali travel: Searching for Lord Ram in Sri Lanka

Diwali is probably the best time to explore stories around the Ramayana, which makes the Diwali debut of Ekaant Sarhad Paar, a new travel show, well timed. Hosted by actor Akul Tripathi, the show takes us through Sri Lanka while exploring how much has changed in its cultural exchange with India since the time of the epic.

AkulâÂÂÂu00c2u0080ÂÂÂu00c2u0088Tripathi meditates during his sojourn in Sri Lanka

"Most Indian kids have grown up on stories of 'Sone Ki Lanka', so I felt a familiarity with the place when I travelled through Colombo," he says. But, he had to move beyond the urban centre if he wished to embark on a Ramayana trail. While researching the country, Tripathi says they learnt that Sri Lanka was is steeped in folklore. "While scientists may be convinced that its separation from the original land mass is a result of seismic and volcanic activity, who is to say that the myth that it took place because of the misdeeds of Ravana, is not true? For me, mythology is unverified history."

Fresh from his experiences, Tripathi charts the experience-Ramayana-in-Sri Lanka trail for Sunday mid-day readers.

Go atop Ravana's helipad

Sigiriya

Sigirya in a still from the TV show

The rocky outcrop of Sigiriya near Dambulla town in central Sri Lanka is a must-see on every history buff's Sri Lanka bucket list. With almost vertical walls, the 660-feet-tall rock plateau stands in the middle of a tropical forest. "It is said that Ravana had airplane hangars for his Pushpaka vimana. After using a plane that originally belonged to his step brother, Kubera, Ravana landed on top of the Sigirya rock with Sita in tow. Here, he constructed a golden palace studded with gems for himself and his nine ministers. Each one was beautifully embedded with jewels," Tripathi recounts. The association of the country with gems is strong. "In fact, the ancient name for Sri Lanka was Ratnadweep."

The climb uphill

Tripathi warns that the climb up is not for the faint-hearted or those with knee problems, although the view from the flattop of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is to die for. "It's a tough climb and you have to stop often to catch your breath, but there's enough to see enroute," Tripathi says. Interestingly, on the way up, he visited the Sita Kotuwa, her first temporary prison.

Aerial view of the place

"There's also a cave at walking distance from the rock where Ravana is believed to have kept Sita captive," he says. The gateway to Sigiriya is in the form of a lion carved from a rock.

Trace the spread of Buddhism

Mihinthale

Traces of HInduism are evident at Mihinthale

Mihinthale on the outskirts of Anuradhapura is where Mahindra, the son of great Indian emperor Ashoka, appeared before the king of Anuradhapura, King Devanampiyatissa, during a deer hunt. "It's significant because it marked the beginning of Buddhism in Sri Lanka since Mahindra, who was sent by his father to spread the teachings of the Buddha," Tripathi says. But, traces of Hinduism are evident in the area. Tripathi recalls sighting a Ganesha idol at the entrance to a stupa nearby. "There are several temples dedicated to Hindu gods in the vicinity. We're guessing that before Buddhist influence spread, Hinduism was prevalent in the area."

Where Sita walked in fire

Divurumpola

Divurumpola. Pic /Flikr/Amila Tennakoon

Tripathi recommends a visit to Divurumpola, known for an important milestone in the Ramayan, the Agni Pariksha. "Divurumpola is where Sita proved her fidelity to Ram. Until today, it is a popular place of worship for locals," says Tripathi. "It turns out that Divurumpola also means place of oath in Sinhalese," he reveals.

Where Ram prayed to Shiva

Manavari Temple

The Manavari temple is located 6 km north of Chilaw

The Manavari Temple is where Lord Ram is believed to have first installed a Shiva lingam. "It is the only lingam in the world other than Rameshwaram that is named after Lord Rama. Killing a Brahmin was a sin and known as Brahmahatya. As penance, the lingam was installed by Lord Rama [since Ravana was a half-Brahmin, half-demon and a devout Shiva bhakt]."