Rameswaram, a small island in the Gulf of Mannar, is a major pilgrim centre .It is connected to the mainland by road and rail bridges.
Rameswaram is holy, because Sri Rama, on his return from Sri Lanka, offered his thanks to Lord Shiva and performed pooja to wash away his sins which he got by killing Demon King, Ravana.
Rameswaram is known for its theerthas( wells ) in and around the main temple. This place is equally sacred to both Vaishnavites and Saivites.
According to Hindu Mithology, if one will visit Rameswaram and pray Lord Shiva means, the whole sins will be relieved from the body.
The Ramanathaswamy temple is renowned for its magnificent corridors and massive sculptured pillars. The third corridor of Ramanathaswamy temple is the longest one in the world .
This sacred island town of Rameswaram at the extreme south-eastern limit of the Indian Peninsula, has one of India's most venerated temples. A fine example of South Indian architecture, the temple is renowed for its many pillared (and often painted) corridors, about 1220 metres in length.
Besides pilgrimage, Rameswaram Island has several places which ideally suites for picnic programmes. There are beautiful beaches at Olaikuda, Dhanushkodi and Pamban. Olaikuda beach ( 1 km ) from the main temple is engulfed by coral reefs which makes sea bathing safe and enjoyable .With diving glasses and respiration tubes, Scuba diving can be done safely. Australian Flamingos, Sea Gulls and variety of birds migrates to Rameswaram Island during winter.
Rameswaram is one of the main fishing centres of Tamil Nadu. Variety of fishes including export quality fish like prawns, sea cucumber, lobster etc. are available, Rameswaram is also famous for its dry fish.
Population: Approx. 32,660 (1991 census)
Language(s): Tamil , English
Area: 51.8 sq. kms.
Climate: Being situated very close to the sea, its tropical climate.
Clothing: Cotton
Best times to visit: Most of the Year
Places of Interest
Sri. Ramanathaswamy temple
Sri Ramanathaswamy temple which is situated near to the sea on the eastern side of the island is renowned for its magnificient corridors with massive sculptured pollars lining it . The corridor is the longest in the world. It is 197 metres long ( East - West ) and 133 metres wide( South-North ). The temple has storey tower ( Gopuram ), 38.4 high.
The temple as it stands today was built by different rulers at different periods from the 12th century AD . Pooja is being performed to Spadikalingam ( Mani Dharshan ) which was given by the Saint Sankarachrya to this temple, for an hour early morning daily.
Agni Theertham
Sri Ramanathaswamy temple faces east. The seashore, about 100 metres from the main entrance of the temple, is very calm and therfore ideal for bathing.The water at this place is considered sacred and known as ‘Agni Theertham’. Pillgrims perform poojas for their ancestors at this seashore .
Gandamadana Parvatham ( Hillock 3 kms )
It is situated on the highest point in the island.Here, the imprint of Lord Rama’s feet ( padham ), is placed on chakra,
Sukreevar Temple/ Theertham:
Situated on the way to Gandamadana Parvatham near Doordarshan Kendra.
Satchi Hanuman Temple
Considered to be the place where Hanuman delivered the good news of finding Sita to Rama with a Satchi ( evidence ), Chootamani ( jewel ) of Sita. Situated 3 kms from the main temple, on the way to Gandamadana Parvatham.
Badrakaliamman Temple
Temple for Devi Durga, situated 2 kms from the main temple on the way to Gandamadana Parvatham.
Five faced Hanuman Temple
Situated 2 kms from the main temple, the deity of Hanuman brought with sendooram. Idols of Ram, Sita and Hanuman brought form Dhanushkodi during 1964 cyclone was taken place here. Floating stone, used to built Sethu Bandanam ( Bridge between India and Lanka ) in this temple was Worth seeing.
Jadayu Theertham
It is in the south side of Rameswaram when Ravana Kidnapped Sita , Jadayu ( King of Birds ) fought with Ravana to save Sita from him .But his wings cut off and fell down in this place. There is a temple and a pond surrounded by seven sand dunes at this place. The pond water is very tasty like a tender cocunut and it is like a oasis in desert . Maamangam festival is being celebrated here, once in 12 years, at this theertham.
Nambu Nayagi Amman temple
It is a temple of high regard for the people of Ramnad District , situated at 8 kms from Rameswaram main temple on the way to Dhanushkodi.
Kodandaramar Temple ( 10 kms )
Kodandaramar Temple, on the way Dhanushkodi, is considered to be the place where Sri Rama performed the cornation for Vibhishana, Younger brother of Demon King, Ravana after he sought asylum . The idols of Rama with bow & arrow along with Sita, Lakshmana, Vibhishana and Hanuman is worthseeing and delightful to watch.
Dhanushkodi ( 18 kms )
The southern tip of the island, Dhanushkodi was completely washed away by the 1964 cyclone. Tourists can witness the remains of the devastated town . Sea surfing can be done at the beach here.
Villoondi Theertham
This theertham is situated at 7 kms. from the main Temple of Rameswaram, on the way to Pamban. According to Hindu Mithology, When Lord Rama and Sita went in "Pusphak Veemana", on their from Lanka, Sita felt thirsty .There is no way to get drinking water . At that time, Rama struck an arrow in the sea . At once a spring came out from the sea like artesian which is very tasty for drinking. There are three springs in the sea. There is also a temple for Lord, Rama, named "Ekandha Ramar Temple".
Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge ( 12 kms )
Also known as Pamban Bridge which connects the Rameswaram island with the main land. It is the longest Sea bridge in India lengths nearly 2.2 kms and stands as a fine examples for Indian architecture . The bridge was constructed with sufficient elevation and a beautiful scenery of the sea, adjoining Islands and parallel rail bridge below can be viewed from the bridge.
FESTIVALS :
Festivals are celebrated in the Ramanathaswamy temple in connection with Thai Amavasai ( Jan. ), Maasi Sivarathri ( Feb-Mar ), Adi Thirukalyanam ( Jul- Aug ), Mahalaya Amavasai ( September ), Ramalingam Prathastai ( May-June ) and Navarathri Festival ( September- October )
Pongal and Pilgrimage Tour Festival ( Jan. ) organised by the Tourism Department, Government of Tamilnadu.
MUSEUMS:
1. Archealogical Site Museum, Varthagan Street
2. Gandhi Gallery, West car street
3. Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute
4. Bio-Zoological Marino exhibition, Mandapam
5. Aquariaum Opp: Central Bus Stand, Rameswaram, Ph: 91-4573-22811
How to get there
By RoadConnected with all important towns of Tamilnadu, City Buses are available including night services. Point to Point services, Tourist taxi, auto / cycle rickshaws and horse carts are also available. Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport corporation ( APSRTC ) operates Rameswaram - Tripathi daily service.
By Air Nearest Airport in Madurai - 174 kms. Indian Airlines connect’s Madurai with Chennai, Trichy, Bangalore and Mumbai.
By RailConnected with all major cities like Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Thanjavur and Palghat.
Agra
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