Was Ravana’s golden Lanka located in present-day Sri Lanka? If so, what happened to its gold, where did Hanuman Ji meet Sita Ji, and could ancient structures still hold clues about the Ramayana?
These questions form the centre of an intriguing conversation between Supertalks host Raghav Sharma and Abhishek Kar. Following his recent trip to Sri Lanka, Abhishek shares his observations about Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the places associated with Ravana, and the locations connected to Hanuman Ji’s search for Sita Ji.
The conversation goes beyond familiar stories. It explores local traditions, ancient architecture, geographical connections and the possibility of discovering more about the past through on-site investigation. At the same time, it raises an important question: how do we distinguish archaeological evidence from interpretations rooted in religious tradition?
Why Did Abhishek Kar Visit Sri Lanka to Investigate Ravana’s Lanka?
Sri Lanka has several locations associated with episodes from the Ramayana. For Abhishek Kar, the opportunity to visit these places offered a chance to examine their geography and architecture rather than rely entirely on stories passed down over generations.
One of the most interesting places he discusses is Sigiriya, a massive rock formation crowned by the remains of an ancient palace complex. Located several hours by road from Colombo, the UNESCO-listed site is widely known as Sigiriya Rock Fortress or the Lion Rock.
During the podcast, Abhishek explains that he spoke with local people and guides while exploring the site. He also discusses why some people associate Sigiriya with Ravana’s Lanka, even though its established archaeological history is associated with King Kashyapa and the ancient royal complex.
The distinction matters. A place can carry several cultural interpretations, but establishing its historical identity requires evidence that can be independently examined.
Is Sigiriya Rock Fortress Really Ravana’s Lanka?
Sigiriya is one of the most visually striking locations discussed in the episode. Built around a towering rock formation, the ancient complex contains the remains of structures, landscaped gardens, water features and distinctive lion-paw gateways.
Abhishek draws attention to its elevated position, the engineering involved in its construction and the unusual features visible across the site. He questions whether its design could offer clues about the stories associated with Ravana.
The podcast also explores the possibility that the fortress had a much older history than the structures commonly associated with King Kashyapa.
However, the claim that Sigiriya was Ravana’s capital remains an interpretation rather than an established archaeological conclusion. Its documented history and the Ramayana tradition need to be examined separately before drawing definitive conclusions.
That tension between established history and alternative interpretations makes Sigiriya one of the most compelling subjects in the conversation.
What Is the Mystery Behind Sigiriya’s Giant Lion Paws?
One of the most memorable moments in the discussion concerns the enormous lion-paw structures at the entrance to Sigiriya.
Abhishek questions whether the structures resemble the paws of a lion or another kind of creature. The conversation then moves towards ancient beings described in Indian traditions, including Yali, a mythical creature commonly depicted with a combination of animal features.
The discussion also brings Indrajit, Ravana’s son, into the picture. According to the Ramayana tradition, Indrajit was a powerful warrior associated with extraordinary weapons and formidable abilities.
Could the architecture at Sigiriya be connected to these stories? The episode explores this possibility, although the identification of the lion-paw structures as evidence of mythical creatures is speculative rather than archaeologically established.
The larger question is whether ancient structures can be understood fully through their surviving remains alone, or whether local stories and traditional accounts also deserve to be recorded and investigated.
Where Did Ravana’s Golden Lanka and Its Treasures Go?
The image of Lanka as a magnificent golden kingdom is deeply embedded in popular retellings of the Ramayana. Yet the question of where its wealth went remains difficult to answer.
In the podcast, Abhishek discusses how centuries of human activity, changing kingdoms, excavation and environmental damage can alter the appearance of ancient sites. He also draws attention to darkened rock surfaces and the paintings found at Sigiriya.
These observations lead to a broader discussion about what survives from ancient civilisations and what may have disappeared over time.
But there is an important distinction between exploring the fate of historical treasures and proving that a particular archaeological site was the golden Lanka described in the Ramayana. The latter would require evidence directly connecting the site to that account.
The episode uses this mystery to encourage listeners to look more closely at the relationship between ancient literature, surviving monuments and the archaeological record.
Where Are Ashok Vatika and the Places Associated With Sita Ji?
The conversation then moves from Sigiriya towards Nuwara Eliya, a region associated with several locations connected to the Ramayana tradition.
Abhishek discusses the Seetha Amman Temple and the nearby forest area traditionally identified with Ashok Vatika. According to the Ramayana, Ashok Vatika was where Sita Ji stayed after Ravana brought her to Lanka. It was also where Hanuman Ji found her and delivered Lord Rama’s message.
The podcast explores these geographical associations and their importance to pilgrims and visitors interested in the Ramayana.
Abhishek also mentions a Hanuman temple in the region and discusses the locations associated with Hanuman Ji’s journey through Lanka.
These sites remain important places of religious and cultural significance. Their traditional identifications, however, should not automatically be treated as archaeological proof of every event described in the epic.
Could Ritigala Mountain Hold Clues About the Sanjeevani Story?
Another fascinating subject in the episode is Ritigala, a mountain in Sri Lanka associated in local traditions with the story of Hanuman Ji and the Sanjeevani herb.
In the Ramayana, Hanuman Ji travels to the Himalayas to obtain a life-saving herb for Lakshmana. Unable to identify it, he carries an entire mountain back.
Abhishek discusses claims about unusual plant species found around Ritigala and the suggestion that some Himalayan plants in the region could be connected to this story.
The idea is intriguing because it brings together botany, geography and religious tradition. However, establishing whether particular plants are native or introduced requires botanical identification and evidence about their natural distribution. Their presence alone would not establish the historicity of the Sanjeevani episode.
The discussion nevertheless opens an interesting avenue for further research into Sri Lanka’s biodiversity and the traditional stories associated with its landscapes.
What Does the Podcast Say About Hanuman Ji’s Height and Ram Setu?
The conversation also explores two subjects that frequently attract attention among people interested in the Ramayana: Hanuman Ji’s extraordinary size and the existence of Ram Setu.
Abhishek refers to a large footprint associated with Hanuman Ji and discusses the possibility of interpreting it in the context of the Eight Siddhis described in Hindu tradition. These include Anima, the ability to become extremely small, and Mahima, the ability to expand in size.
He also discusses Ram Setu, the chain of shoals between India and Sri Lanka commonly known internationally as Adam’s Bridge.
These topics illustrate how religious accounts, physical geography and modern interpretations often intersect. A footprint cannot reliably establish a person’s height without validated archaeological context, and the geological existence of Ram Setu does not, by itself, prove every historical detail associated with the Ramayana.
The episode invites listeners to explore these questions while keeping faith-based interpretations and scientific evidence distinct.
What Are Abhishek Kar’s Predictions for 2027?
Towards the end of the conversation, the discussion moves beyond ancient history to the future.
Abhishek shares his predictions for 2027, including a possible recovery in the Indian stock market, more severe natural disasters and significant political developments.
These are his personal forecasts, not verified outcomes. Financial markets, natural disasters and political events depend on many changing factors, so such predictions should not be treated as reliable forecasts without supporting evidence.
The episode also touches on changing health and lifestyle narratives. Abhishek encourages people to question popular advice rather than follow every new trend unquestioningly.
This final section connects with a broader theme running throughout the conversation: the importance of independent thinking, whether examining ancient history or evaluating modern claims.
What Can We Learn From the Supertalks Podcast With Abhishek Kar?
The conversation between Raghav Sharma and Abhishek Kar brings together the Ramayana, Sri Lankan heritage, ancient architecture, religious traditions and unanswered historical questions.
From Sigiriya’s dramatic rock fortress to the locations associated with Ashok Vatika and Ritigala, the episode examines places that continue to inspire curiosity. It also raises questions about how ancient civilisations built their structures, how cultural memories survive and how researchers can investigate claims that connect physical locations with epic narratives.
For listeners interested in the Ramayana, Ravana’s Lanka and the mysteries of ancient India and Sri Lanka, this episode offers several subjects worth exploring further.
The most useful takeaway is to remain curious while examining the evidence. Religious traditions provide important cultural and spiritual context, while archaeology, historical records and scientific research help test claims about the past.
Watch the full conversation on the Supertalks podcast to hear Abhishek Kar explain his observations from Sri Lanka and discuss the mysteries that inspired his investigation.
Disclaimer: This article summarises the views and interpretations discussed by Abhishek Kar during the Supertalks podcast. Claims connecting specific Sri Lankan archaeological sites with Ravana’s Lanka, identifying physical structures with events from the Ramayana, and predicting future events should be treated as interpretations or personal opinions unless independently supported by reliable evidence.
