Shivraj Singh Chouhan laid foundation for new Sita Mandir in Sri Lanka

Foundation laid for new Sita mandir in Sri Lanka

Pioneer News Service | Bhopal

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan performed bhoomipujan of a new Sita Mata Mandir at Capitola near Sri Lankan capital Colombo on Saturday afternoon. The function, in which Chouhan was the chief guest, was presided over by Uva province Chief Minister Shasheendra Rajpakse.  

Those present at the function included Rajya Sabha MP Chandan Mitra, Sri Lanka’s Water Resources Minister Dinesh Gunavar-dana, Dayanand Saraswati, Ministers of Uva province and Buddhist religious leader Mahanayaka Thoro. The temple is being built at the site where Sita undertook agni pariksha.

At the function, Chouhan announced a grant of Rs 1 crore for construction of the temple. The CM also promised to provide Rs 1 crore for Baudh University, which would be developed at World Heritage Sanchi in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh.

Chouhan said Sita is revered by Indians and Sri Lankans. He said both countries had a glorious past. The CM hoped the temple would further cement Indo-Sri Lankan ties and also give a boost to religious tourism. He expressed his gratitude to the Buddhist monastery for providing land for the temple.

The Chief Minister said Buddhism, born in India, had given the message of peace, love and peaceful co-existence to the world. He wished prosperity for the host country.

Earlier, Chouhan reached Capitola from Colombo and visited Ramayan-era Ashok Vatika. According to Ramayan, Ravan had kept Sita here. Chouhan also performed puja at the old Sita Mata Mandir at Ashok Vatika.

Chouhan also inspected Roya Vegetable Park at Paradenia. He also met Buddhist religious head Mahanayak Thoro. Besides, he visited Kandy and inspected water supply system there. The CM also offered prayers at Dalda Maligava Mandir. He also attended a dinner hosted in his honour by Sri Lankan Prime Minister DM Jayaratne. On Sunday, the Chief Minister will return to Bhopal.

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