Situated in Ramboda in Nuwara Eliya, the Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple is among the most sacred sites dedicated to the fiercest warrior among Rama’s supposedly simian Vanara allies. Lord Hanuman is a colorful character in the Hindu pantheon, an anthropomorphic monkey with a vast array of abilities, including shape-shifting, size-shifting, flight, and supernatural strength. During the early Iron Age invasion as per the Ramayana Hanuman was captured by Ravana’s soldiers, and his tail was set on fire. Upon escaping he flew around, burning over half of Lankapura before reporting back to his commanders. The term “Ramboda” is a derivative of “Ramapadi”, or “Rama’s force”. Rama is said to have begun gathering his troops in this area.

The Ramboda Falls here is one of the most beautiful places to see in Nuwara Eliya.

The Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple itself is a beautiful structure, perfectly white, standing out like a sculpture of ivory almost among the verdant hills surrounding it. Even the central tower or vimanam, which is generally incredibly ornate, is left in a pure white. Inside the sanctum of the temple is a massive statue of the god himself. It is eighteen feet tall and an unnervingly deep black, although his monkey-like facial and physical features are quite clearly displayed via the idol. He is dressed in rich orange shades which match his skin quite beautifully and he stands beneath a carved, golden thorana.

Written by Vasika Udurawane for Travel Lanka Compass