Ritigala: Fetched by Hanuman, It's a Haven of Herbs

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Ritigala: Fetched by Hanuman, It's a Haven of Herbs

Source: Free Press Journal

 

BY KAMLESH K

 

The history of Ritigala in Sri Lanka dates back to the year 177 BC

when Buddhism was established here. This mountain can be reached from

the Maradankadawala and Habarana Road and is just forty kilometres

South-east from the ancient city of Anuradhapura. At 2514 feet,

Ritigala is the highest mountain in the North Central Province. Many

archaeologists have also studied this mountain to get an insight into

the early history of this country. Geologically Ritigala belongs to

the metamorphosed igneous and sedimentary rocks of the Precambrian

period.

 

Ritigala is also associated with some very interesting legends.

According to local belief, Hanuman had jumped across to India from

this place to tell Lord Rama that he had found Sita that was at that

time held in captivity by Ravana. But this is not the end to legends.

 

It is also believed that when Hanuman was sent to get the magical

herb to cure Rama's younger brother, Lakshman, he forgot the name of

the herb and hence brought a large part of the Himalayan mountain

range to Sri Lanka to get the herb. Ritigala is part of that range

that was brought by Hanuman. According to other mythology stories and

legends, medicinal and rare herbs and plants can be found in

abundance at Ritigala.

 

In the old days when Buddhism was established in this island country,

Ritigala was chosen for the construction of Vihares (temples). The

first of such temples, Lanka Vihare, was made in the second century

BC. A century later, Aritta Vihare, was built. Later in the ninth

century AD King Sena made additions to the existing Vihares by

constructing a large complex in the higher part of the hill for

special priests called Pansukulikas.

 

At the foot of the mountains one can see the bandha pokuma that has

been built by King Pandukabhaya in 307 BC. This gives rise to another

interesting legend.

 

It is believed that King Pandukabhaya was hiding from his uncles who

were trying to kill him. He made a palace here and fought bravely

against his uncles and ultimately won the battle. This palace was

later donated to the Buddhist monks to use it as a monastery. The

king had also built an underground tunnel that lead to Anuradhapura.

The entrance of the tunnel is visible even today.

 

The mountain also has a large number of caves, broken Buddhist

granite statues and inscriptions that corroborate the rich and

ancient Buddhist culture that bloomed here in the ancient days.

Almost seventy caves have been found till date. Also excellent water

drainage system and fountains can be found at many places.

 

The ruins also give an insight into the living style of the ancient

kings who lived here. There are delicate and intricate designed steps

and passage ways. The pillars have lost their entire colour and are

loaded with fungus that can be seen on almost all the pillars. Around

three decades back, the ruins were in a very bad shape with most of

them covered in layers of mud. The Department of Archaeology restored

many of them with great care. The king's toilet and the ayurvedic

centre are some of the places that have been restored.

 

The popularity of Ritigala can be traced back to the old English

colonial days. Many famous English climbers have climbed this

mountain. In fact, the first Archaeological Commissioner, H.C.P.

Bell, surveyor J.B.M. Ridout and Henry Trimen who wrote the handbook

Flora of Ceylon are just a few among the long list of distinguished

people who have scaled Ritigala. A government agent, R. W. Levers

also erected a bungalow near the plateau of Ritigala. The present day

Ritigala is a rich haven for natural vegetation that also includes

many rare herbs and plants.

 

There are numerous wild and herbal trees on this mountain. Although

Ritigala is surrounded by dry and humid climate, the foot of this

hill is cool and misty that makes the whole region very pleasant.

This is also one of the most unique features of Ritigala. Due to its

cool and wet climate many plants and vegetations can be found here

that are not usually found in the adjacent plains.

 

Incidentally, Ritigala was given the status of Strict Nature Reserve

on 7th November 1941 due to the rich source of flora and fauna. It is

said that some of the species of plants that are found at Ritigala

are found nowhere else in the world. After making this place a Strict

Nature Reserve the control was handed over to Department of Wildlife

Conservation.