Have you ever imagined that you can walk into the shoes of the goddess Sita? To experience the divine essence of the same earth, on which she was taken captive and to see the grandiose miracle of Angkor Wat?
This is now more accessible to the religious Hindus of Madhya Pradesh. The Sita Temple tour programme of Sri Lanka has been introduced under the scheme of the Madhya Pradesh Government, Department of religious Trusts and Endowments. The project will be aimed at offering financial aid to pilgrims living in the state so they can be able to identify with these mythical locations of the Ramayana.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this wonderful opportunity.
A Journey Through Legend and Faith
This special pilgrimage touches three legendary places, which are very woven with Hindu myths:
- Sita Temple (Sri Lanka): It was believed that, this was the place where Ravana imprisoned Goddess Sita. The temple is a great witness of her strength and devotion.
- Ashok Vatika (Sri Lanka): The gorgeous garden in which Sita spent her days in the captivity of the shadow of the Ashoka tree. It is the land of sacred beauty and spirituality.
- Angkor Wat (Cambodia): Not strictly speaking related to the Ramayana, Angkor Wat is the biggest complex of Hindu temples in the world, with a lot of bas-reliefs covered with the scenes of the legendary epic. The site is a miracle of an old building and UNESCO World Heritage.
Financial Benefits: Making Your Pilgrimage More Accessible
Being aware of the expenses incurred in international tours, the Madhya Pradesh government provides a lot of financial support to the deserving pilgrims.
- You will receive a reimbursement of 50% of your total pilgrimage expenses.
- This assistance is capped at a maximum of ₹30,000.
- The reimbursement is granted upon submitting proof of your actual expenditure.
Are You Eligible?
To avail of this financial aid, you must meet the following criteria:
- ✅ You must be a native resident of Madhya Pradesh and hold a valid domicile certificate.
- ✅ You must have completed the pilgrimage to all three specified sites: the Sita Temple and Ashok Vatika in Sri Lanka, and the Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia.
- ✅ You must not be an income taxpayer.
- ✅ This financial assistance can be claimed only once in a lifetime.
How to Apply: A Simple, Offline Process
The application process is straightforward and is conducted offline:
- Complete Your Pilgrimage: First, you must finish your journey to all three temples.
- Gather Your Documents: Collect all the required paperwork (see list below).
- Submit Your Application: Within 60 days of completing your pilgrimage, submit the prescribed application form along with all certified documents to your District Collector’s office in Madhya Pradesh.
- Receive Your Grant: The Collector’s office will verify your documents and, upon approval, disburse the grant amount directly to your bank account.
Checklist of Required Documents
Make sure you have the following ready for a smooth application process:
- A recent passport-sized photograph.
- Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card is preferred).
- A valid Domicile Certificate of Madhya Pradesh.
- A clear photocopy of your Passport with relevant visa stamps.
- Detailed documents and receipts for expenses incurred during the journey.
- A certificate confirming your visit to the Sita Temple, Ashok Vatika, and Angkor Wat. (This is typically obtained from the temples or your tour operator).
- A copy of your bank passbook or bank account details for the reimbursement.
- Any other documents as specified by the application form.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is eligible for the Sri Lanka Sita Temple Tour scheme?
This is available to the native inhabitants of Madhya Pradesh who have already paid the pilgrimage at the designated temples in Sri Lanka and Cambodia and are not paying any income tax.
Q2: How much financial assistance can I receive?
You are eligible to be reimbursed 50 percent of your total trip cost, with a limit of ₹30,000.
Q3: How do I apply for the financial assistance?
You are required to do it offline by filing the requisite form in the office of your District Collector with all the necessary documents within the period of 60 days of your journey.
Q4: I am a taxpayer. Can I still apply?
No there is no scheme to be offered to those who are income taxpayers.
Q5: How long do I have to apply after my pilgrimage?
You have to file your application and not later than 60 days after the journey.
Q6: How will I receive the money?
The grant amount will be disbursed by the District Collector’s office directly into your bank account after successful verification.
Q7: Can I get assistance for visiting other temples not mentioned in the scheme?
No, the refund will strictly be limited to the trips that are made to the Sita Temple and the Ashok Vatika located in Sri Lanka and in the Angkor Wat Temple located in Cambodia.
Q8: Can I apply for this assistance more than once?
No, a person can get this financial aid once in his or her life.
Q9: I live in Madhya Pradesh but am not originally from here. Am I eligible?
No, the plan is targeted at people who are native Madhya Pradesh residents. As evidence, a domicile certificate is needed.
Ready to embark on your spiritual adventure?
Assuming that you meet the eligibility requirements, then this scheme is a marvelous chance to realise your religious dream. Make sure you pack all your travelling papers and bills at the end of the day and submit within the 60 day period to get your financial support.
To get up-to-date and the actual form of application, call the Department of religious Trusts and Endowments, or the office of a District Collector in Madhya Pradesh.