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Rameshwaram in Tamil
Nadu is popularly referred to as 'Benaras of the
South.' Rameshwaram happens to be one of the most
visited pilgrim sites of India. Legend has it that
to attain Moksha, a visit to Rameshwaram is
mandatory. In the epic Ramayana, there is mention of
Rameshwaram at various places. Rameshwaram is at a
distance of just 24 kms from Sri Lanka. Spread over
an area of 61.8 square kilometres, Rameshwaram
happens to be in the shape of a conch.
Accommodation and Connectivity
The airport nearest to Rameshwaram is 163 kilometers
away at Madurai. The place is connected by both rail
and road with Chennai, Tiruchirapalli, Thanjavur,
Madurai and Coimbatore among other cities.
Rameshwaram is connected with the mainland through
the 2 km long Indira Gandhi Bridge.
Being a major pilgrimage centre of the country,
Rameshwaram has many hotels, lodges, guest houses
and hostels that provide good facilities for a
comfortable stay.
Tourist
Attractions
The Temples of Rameshwaram
The Ramanatha Swamy Temple
A masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, the
Ramanatha Swamy Temple has the largest temple
corridor in India. Starting from the 12th century,
the temple was built by different rulers. The main
attraction of the temple are the twenty-two wells of
it. Surprising but true that the water of each well
tastes different from that of the other. It is also
believed that the waters of the well have curative
properties. Many different festivals are celebrated
in the temple with pomp and gaiety. They include the
festivals of Masi Sivarathiri, Thirukalyanam,
Mahalaya Amavasai and Thai Amavasai.
Agnitriham
The popular bathing spot of Agnitriham is located
near Ramanatha Swamy Temple. The devotees normally
bath at the holy spot before proceeding to the
Ramanatha Swamy Temple.
Ramjharoka Temple
At the Ramjharoka Temple, the imprint of Lord Rama's
feet is placed on a chakra. The chakra has been kept
at the highest point of Rameshwaram. The highest
point is at a distance of 5 kms from Rameshwaram
town. Being the highest point of Rameshwaram, a
magnificent view of the blue ocean waters below is
available from the place.
Dhanushkodi
According to the ancient scriptures, Dhanushkodi is
the place from where the monkey army of Lord Rama
had started building the bridge to Lanka to reach
the kingdom of Ravana. The place derives its name
from the dhanush or bow of Lord Rama.
Kothandaramaswamy Temple
It is widely believed that at the Kothandaramaswamy
temple, Vibhishana- the brother of demon king Ravana
submitted himself to Lord Rama and asked Rama to
forgive him for the abduction of goddess Sita.
Although Vibhishana was not directly involved in the
kidnapping, he was ashamed of the fact that the
ghastly crime was committed by his own brother
Ravana. Kothandaramaswamy temple has images of Lord
Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Hanuman and Vibhishana.
Apart from the main temples, the whole of
Rameshwaram is dotted with many small temples of
Rama, Lakshaman, Sita and Hanuman. It is interesting
to note that every big and small temple of
Rameshwaram does have a history of its own. Other
than the temples, there is also a tomb of Saint
Ibrahim Syed Aulia at Erwadi, some 24 kms from
Rameshwaram.
Excursion
Delights
Tirupullani
Located in Ramanathapuram District of Tamil Nadu
about 64 km from Rameshwaram, Tirupullani is a place
held consecrated by all Hindus. It is believed that
Lord Ram chose a bed of Darbha grass in this place.
The Peepal Tree, situated inside the Adi Jagannatha
Temple, is a prime attraction. The sacred teerthams
found here are Hema Theertham and Ratnakara Samudram.
Uthirakosamangai
Sixteen km southwest of Ramanathapuram stands the
well known Shiva temple of Uttarakosamangai. The
Lord is Mangaleshvara and the Goddess Mangalesvari.
The temple has inspired many Tamil works of
devotion. So, of course, has the Ramanatha temple in
Rameshwaram.
Sethu
Five km south of the temple is Sethu, where the
celebrated temple of Sri Anjaneya is situated, and
where, it is believed, Sri Rama built a bridge to
Sri Lanka.
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