Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple
Description
Sri Bhakta Hanuman Kovil Temple is one of the critical Hanuman Temples in Sri Lanka located on the peak of the stunning scenic hill in Ramboda 30 KM northern to Nuwara Eliya. The Chinmaya Mission of Sri Lanka formed this Hanuman Temple in Ramboda. Shri Bhakta Hanuman Kovil temple is devoted to the God Hanuman, and this is one of the important sites of the Ramayana Tour in Sri Lanka. In addition, guests can observe the 18 feet Hanuman statue, the tallest Hanuman sculpture in Sri Lanka.
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Chinmaya Mission
Before delving into the history and significance of the Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple, it's important to understand the organization that constructed it - the Chinmaya Mission. The Chinmaya Mission was started in India in 1953 by followers of His Holiness Swami Chinmayananda, a world-famous Vedanta teacher. It is a spiritual renaissance movement that now includes many spiritual, educational, and charitable activities.
History of Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple
The Chinmaya Mission of Sri Lanka built the Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple in 1999. According to the Ramayana Yatra Sri Lanka, this is where Lord Hanuman stopped to rest on his way to look for Sita Devi. Interestingly, a village called "Ravana Goda" is close to the temple, and the Tamil word for Ramboda, Rampadai, means "Rama's force," which is why Ramboda is believed to be the area where Rama collected his troops. The Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple also houses the tallest Hanuman statue in Sri Lanka, standing at 18 feet.
Significance of Hanuman in Sri Lanka
Traditionally, Hanuman was not as popular among Sri Lankan Tamil devotees as in India because he devastated parts of the island with his burning tail. However, in recent times, Hindu missionaries and local Tamil spiritual leaders have also begun building shrines for worshipping Hanuman in Sri Lanka.
Pooja at Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple
During the full moon Poya days, the Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple holds a special pooja. This is a big event where the statue of Lord Hanuman is decorated with flowers and silk. The celebrations for Hanuman Jayanthi, the birthday of Lord Hanuman, start here ten days before and end in an inspiring manner with chariots and parades.
Location of Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple
The Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple is located in Thawalamtenne, Rambda, on the Kandy Nuwara Eliya main road, which is 45 km from Kandy and takes approximately 1.5 hours to drive towards the hill station.
Contact Information and Opening Hours
The contact number for the Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple is 052 225 9645 (from outside Sri Lanka, +9452 225 9645). The temple is open daily, 365 days a year, from 7 AM to 1 PM and 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM. There are no entrance fees, but visitors may donate a reasonable amount. It's important to note that visitors must wear a charming dress that covers their knees and shoulders.
