Gayathri Peedam (Nuwara Eliya), Sri Lanka

Gayathri Peedam, also known as the Sri Lankatheeswarar Temple, is a small Hindu ashram temple on the edge of Nuwara Eliya. It is described as the first temple in Sri Lanka built for the goddess Gayathri, and it was founded by a Tamil holy man known as the Gayathri Siddhar. For visitors following the Ramayana trail, it has a second claim: tradition identifies this spot with Nikumbhila, where Ravana's son Meghanada prayed to Shiva.

The legend

In the Ramayana, Meghanada, also called Indrajit, was a mighty warrior who performed penance and fire rituals to win powers from Lord Shiva before going into battle. Local tradition says those rituals took place here. As with other Ramayana sites on the island, this is a matter of belief and not of historical record. Read more in our guide to Ramayana sites.

What to see

• The Gayathri shrine, with an image of the goddess, is the heart of the temple.
• The Shiva lingam is said to have been brought from the Narmada river in India, which gives it special importance for devotees.
• The meditation hall is quiet, and visitors are welcome to sit for a while.

The complex is small and simple, and it works well for a short, peaceful stop. It doesn't have the scale of the big temples in Jaffna or Trincomalee.

Visiting

Dress modestly, remove your shoes, and keep your phone on silent. Ask before taking photographs inside. The priests are generally happy to explain the temple to respectful visitors, and a small donation is appreciated. Opening hours follow the puja schedule, with a break around midday, so mornings and late afternoons are safest.

Nuwara Eliya is cool all year, and often misty. January to April tends to be the clearest season.

Getting there

The temple is about 2 km from the centre of Nuwara Eliya, a few minutes by tuk-tuk. It is easy to combine with Seetha Amman Temple and Hakgala Botanical Garden on the road south of town, and with Divurumpola a little further on. Our 7-day Ramayana itinerary covers the full route, and the Hindu temples guide covers etiquette.