Tamilnadu

Rameswaram

Description: This Shivastalam is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in India. It represents the southernmost of the 12 Jyotirlingams of India. A. huge temple in the island of Rameswaram (reached via the Pamban bridge across the sea), Rameswaram is known for its long ornate corridors and towers and 36 theerthams. Rameswaram is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India & is referred to as the Banaras of the south.

Legend has it that Rama worshipped Shiva in the form of a Shiva Lingam made of earth by Sita, while returning to Ayodhya. Viswanathar is said to have been brought by Hanuman from Banares. Rama is said to have worshipped Tilakeswarar at Devipatnam nearby.

Architecture and History: This temple, spread over an area of 15 acres , has lofty gopurams, massive walls and a collossal Nandi. Rameswaram also boasts of a 4000 feet long pillared corridor, supposedly the longest in the world. It is believed that the ancient shrine was housed in a thatched hut until the 12th century and that the 1st ever masonry structure was built by Parakrama Bahu of Sri Lanka. The Setupathy rulers of Ramanathapuram completed the rest of the temple. Much of the additions were carried out between the 12th and the 16th centuries. The long corridor (3rd prakaram) dates back only to the 18th century. The Gandhamadhana Parvatam (hill) provides a good view of the temple.

Festivals: Rama's worship is commemorated in the month of Aani (June 15-July 15); two annual Bhrammotsavams are celebrated in Aadi and in Maasi.There are 36 Theerthams in Rameswaram of which 22 are in the temple and these waters are said to possess medicinal properties.

Places of Interest

Ramanathaswamy Temple: is close to the sea on the eastern side of the island. It is renowned for its magnificent corridors with massive sculptured pillars. The temple has a tower (Gopuram) 38. metres high. The temple as it stands today was built by different rulers at different periods from the 12th Centurary A.D. onwards.

Agnitheertham: The sea, about 100 metres from the main entrance on the east of the temple, is very calm and therefore ideal for bathing. The water at this place is considered scared and known as 'Agnitheertham'.

The Gandamadanaparavtham (Hillocks 3 km): It is situated on the highest point in the island. Here, the imprint of Lord Rama's feet (paadam) is placed on a chakra.

Dhanushkodi (18 km): The southern most tip of the island Dhanuskodi was hit by the 1964 cyclone, yet the Kothandarmaswamy temple survived. It contains idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman and Vibishana. It can be reached by road from Rameswaram.

Excursions:
Kurusudai island (23 km): This and a number of other islands are situated to the west of the Pamban bridge. It is a paradise for biologists and is now declared as a national marine eco centre.

Ramanathapuram (55km): Apart from being the district headquarters, this is an ancient town from where the Sethupathis ruled their territory. The Ramalinga Vilasam Palace with a good collection of paintings, and the tomb of Thayumana Swamigal, a philosopher-saint, are worth visiting. Mandapam (18 km) connects Rameswaram with the mainland. A ride to Kurursadai Island can be arranged from here.

Tirupullani (64km): Also called as Dharbasayanam, the presiding deity here is Lord Adi Jaganatha perumal, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. Sethukarai (68km), Devipattniam (70km), Uppoor (85 km) are other nearby places with temples. Uthirakosamangai (72km) is an ancient Saivaite pilgrimage centre. The deity here is carved out of Emerald. The annual 'Arudhra' festival in December is a popular one.

Erwadi (80km): The 800-year-old tomb of Sultan Ibrahim Syed Aulia who came from Arabia via Cannanore is situated here. Pilgrims from different states and countries like Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore always visit this place. The 'sandanakoodu' festival is in honour of this Muslim saint and takes place in December every year.

Kanchirankulam (105km) is a water bird sanctuary. Season runs from November to February. Valinokkam (90km) is a seaside resort.
The other places of worship in Rameswaram are:
St. Joseph Church - Verkodu,
St. Santhiyagu Church - Olaikuda
St. Anthony - Karaiyur ; C.S.I Church
Abul Khapul Dharga

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