Overview
Rameswaram
- Rameswaram, the land of devotion has a significant prominence in the Indian Pilgrimage. It is believed that the visit to Holy Kasi is incomplete without visiting Rameswaram. Geographically this island is located on the Gulf of Munnar which is at a close distance to the Sri Lankan province Talaimannar. Rameswaram is a spiritual destination and abode of historic and cultural eminence.
- Holy shrine is said be worshipped by Lord Ram after the killing of the demon King Ravana to exonerate all the sins committed over the combat. The temple has two lingams, one brought by Hanuman from the Himalayas and the other sand lingam that was made by Sita. The sanctum is said to have one of the 12 Jyothirlingams across India. Early morning spadiga lingam pooja around 4 a.m. is auspicious. Also, taking bath from the 22 sacred springs inside the premise and the Agni theertham is considered to liberate one from all the depravities. The temple was constructed by various rulers over centuries and is famous for its 1212 stunning pillars made of sandstone around the mighty corridors marking the architectural excellence. The ceiling is decorated with aesthetic and flamboyant paintings serving a visual treat.
- Situated outside the holy shrine, the revered theertham on the shore of Bay of Bengal. Taking a dip in the Agni theertham followed by the holy water bath from the 22 wells inside the temple is the customary before worshipping the deity.
- Mythological fact around this temple is that Lord Hanuman had revealed all of his different faces - Hanuman, Narasimha, Adivaraha, Hayagriva and Garuda. One of the enticing elements is the display of the floating stones which is believed to be used for constructing the Ram Setu bridge.
- The hillock is also referred to as Ramar Padham, as Lord Ram stood at this site and planned the construction of the Ram Setu bridge. For tourists, this is a finest view point of the entire Rameswaram town and serves a beguiling sight of Sunrise and Sunset.
- Devoted to the king of birds, Jatayu the eagle who helped in rescuing Sita from demon Ravana. Lord Rama had performed the last rites for the loyal bird after its demise. Devotees can see the holy ashes obtained as a yagnas by the saints in this temple.
- Only historical structure that survived the 1964 cyclone that hit Dhanushkodi. Lord Ram is the main deity along with Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman and Vibhishana. The present temple is hailed to be the place where Vibishana surrendered to Ram and also ascended the throne of Lanka.
- Drive to Dhanushkodi on the landstrip escorted by the shoreline is an absolute delight. Tourists can witness the remains from the 1964 natural calamity- the old railway station, church, post office… Enjoy the scenic beauty of the waveless serene beach and relish the exclusive seafood.
- Perfect spot for all aviphiles to connect with diverse avifaunal species. It is a utopian land for the innate and the migratory birds flighting over the Indian Ocean. Other sanctuaries that are located nearby are Kanjirankulam and Chitrangudi in Ramanathapuram.
- The south eastern tip of Rameswaram and is 24 kms away from the Talaimannar, Srilanka. Rama Setu bridge constructed using a limestone shoals back dates to the Ramayana epic connecting south eastern tip of India and North western tip of Sri Lanka.
- Home of our 11th President of India Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam has been convalesced into a museum that unveils the achievements of Dr. Kalam’s at every stage of his life. A great place for the young minds to draw inspiration to transform from a common man to the first man of India.
- The memorial is a tribute rendered to the Missile Man of India and the monument is a fusion of Indian and Mughal architecture. The cenotaph exhibits the replicas of rockets and missiles, paintings and murals from different states and the life achievements of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
- Sweet spring water is enclosed by the sea water, which is 6 km west of Rameswaram. It is believed that this is the spot where Lord Ram shot an arrow to fetch freshwater to quench the thirst of Sita. One of the elite natural wonders to experience.
- Enthralling experience to travel along the prodigious rail bridge magnificently built amidst the Palk Strait. Annai Indira Gandhi road bridge also connects the mainland and the island. Tourists can witness a great sight of all 3 modes of transportation- railways, roadways and via seaways.
- Thirupullani- Located at 64 kms from Rameswaram and 10 kms from Ramanathapuram. Main deity is Aadi Jaganatha Perumal and is one of the 108 Divya Desam of Lord Vishnu. Devipattinam- Navapashana temple dedicated for the nine planets located amidst Bay of Bengal. Devotees will have an all-new experience worshipping in the midstream of the sea. Uttrakosamangai- Shiva temple situated in the Ramanathapuram district. Idol of the main deity Natarajar is carved out of emerald and temple is glorified by the hymns of Manikavasagar.