Kanniya Hot Wells near Trincomalee

There is a list of about 50 sites in Sri Lanka connected to the Ramayana epic. The major battle taking place on the island of Lanka is the namegiving event of the Yuddha-Kanda, the sixth book of the epic. Most of the Ramyana trail sites are newly established for pilgrims from India, usually because they bear a name including „Rama“ or „Sita“. However, there are some places in Sri Lanka which have a much older Hindu tradition and some of them are connected with characters from the Ramayana epic. For example, one of the traditional sites of Hindu worship is Munnesvaram near Chilaw, which is said to have been founded by Lord Rama, the hero of the Ramayana. Near Trincomalee is another traditional Ramayana site. The hot wells of Kanniya, also transliterated Kanniyai or Kennia, are believed to have been created by Ravana, the antagonist of Rama in the battle of Lanka. When his mother died, Ravana needed water for the burial rites, Ravana stuck the earth with his spear in seven spots, hot fountains sprang from them. Despite his crime of abducting Sita, the consort of Rama, Ravana is revered by some Hindusas a mighter healer. Not surprisingly, though, the hot wells of Kanniya are said to have healing power.

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