According to Ramayanaya one of the major Sanskrit epic, after capturing Sita, wife of Rama she was held captive for eleven years at this exact location by Sri Lanka’s demon king Ravana. She has been constantly praying for Rama to come and rescue her. Hearing her prayers Hanuman came to rescue her and met her at this place. However she stayed here till the epic battle between Rama and Ravana ended. The hollowed circular areas on the rock face painted in gold are believed to be the footsteps of Hanuman.
The temple is quite popular among local and forieng Hindu devotees. It can be easily accessed from Nuwara Eliya and just located by the side of the main road towards Welimada.