Rameshwaram
is an island- of Lord Rama's temple at Tamil Nadu is a terrific destination.
Along with being a major pilgrimage for the Hindus, Rameshwaram is a
happening holiday spot too.The religious island is spread in an area of 61.8
square kilometers and happens to be in the shape of a conch. The Ramanatha
Swamy Temple occupies major area of Rameshwaram. The masterpiece of
Dravidian architecture boasts of the largest temple corridor in India.
Different rulers built the Ramanatha Swamy Temple over a period of time
starting from the 12th century. The temple comprises of twenty-two wells
where the taste of the water of each well is different from the other. The
waters of the wells are believed to possess medicinal properties.
Links :
» Air link : The religious land of Rameshwaram is well
connected with the other major cities of India. The nearest airport at
Madurai is 163 kilometers away, takes care of the air travel of people from
across the globe.
» Rail & Road link : The rail and road network connects
Rameshwaram with Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Thanjavur and other
important cities. The two kilometer long Indira Gandhi Bridge connects the
island of Rameshwaram with the mainland of Mandapam. For traveling in town
you may opt for hiring jeeps, auto rickshaws and even cycle rickshaws.
The legend bestowed upon the land !
Rameshwaram is where Lord Rama rested and prayed after his triumph over the
demon king Ravan. A sacred site for both Vaishnavites and Shaivities, no
Hindu pilgrimage is complete without a visit to this holy city. The island
of Rameshwaram is one of the most venerable temple towns in India without a
visit to which, the pilgrimage of a devout Hindu is not complete. According
to the epic Ramayana, Lord Rama(an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the
protector), rested here before and after his battles with Ravana, the demon
king, in Sri Lanka, just 24 kilometers away.
Magnetic
pull of the town!
» Ramanathaswamy Temple :
A fine example of late Dravidian architecture, this temple is most renowned
for its magnificent corridors lined with massive sculptured pillars, noted
for their elaborate design, style and rich carving. Legend has it that Rama
sanctified this place by worshipping Siva here after the battle of Sri
Lanka. Construction of the temple began in the 12th century AD and additions
were made over the centuries by various rulers, so that today its gopuram is
53 m high. Only Hindus may enter the inner sanctum.
» Kothandaraswamy Temple & Dhanushkodi :
Twelve km from town, this temple was the only structure to survive the 1964
cyclone which washed the rest of the village away. Legend states that
Vibishana, brother of Sita's kidnapper Ravana, surrendered to Rama at this
spot.
» Adam's Bridge :
Adam's Bridge is the name given to the chain of reefs, sandbanks and islets
that almost connects Sri Lanka with India. According to legend, this is the
series of stepping stones used by Hanuman to follow Ravana, in his bid to
rescue Sita.
» Beach :
Dhanushkodi is the best. Closer to town, try the one in front of the Hotel
Tamil Nadu. Most of the time you'll have it to yourself as the pilgrims
prefer to do their auspicious wading at Agni Theertham, the seashore closest
to the temple.
» Gandhamadana Parvatam :
The stepped mandapam or hall, about a mile and a half west of the
Ramanathaswamy Temple offers an excellent view of the countryside. There is
a footprint here believed to be of Lord Rama.
Accommodation
There are several hotels, lodges, cottages and hostel that provide ample
services and facilities for a comfortable stay. The pilgrims may opt for the
dormitory service at the temple. Since throughout the twelve months in a
year Rameshwaram remains hot and humid there is not much temperature
variation that is experienced though it is most pleasant between October and
March.
Rameshwaram
Tourism
