Rameshwaram Travel Guide
Location :
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.
About Rameshwaram :
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.
Rameshwaram is significant for the Hindus as a pilgrimage to Benaras is
incomplete without a Pilgrimage to Rameshwaram. The presiding deity is
the Linga Of Sri Ranganatha, which happens to be one of the twelve
Jyotirlingas of India. Rameshwaram is also popularly referred to as the
'Benaras of the south'. In order to attain Moksha it is believed that
the visit to Rameshwaram is mandatory.
Rameshwaram Attractions :
Ramanathaswamy Temple
The legend says that Hunuman was sent by Lord Rama to bring a Lingam to
worship at an appointed auspicious hour. As Human’s arrival was
delayed, Sita moulded a lingam for Rama’s timely worship. It is the
main deity being worshiped as Ramanathaswamy. Disappointed Hunuman was
later consoled by Rama by installing the Lingam which was brought by him
a little north of Ramanatha, and decreed that the Hunuman’s lingam
should have precedence over the Ramanatha in all honours
Dhanushkodi
Dhanushkodi named after Rama's bow, is at the eastern end of the island
at a distance of 8 kms from Rameshwaram. The boulders around the sea
between Srilanka and this place known as Adam's bridge, are believed to
be used by Hanuman to reach across Srilanka. Dhhanushkodi was completely
destroyed by the cyclones of 1964. Kothandaramaswamy temple is the only
salvage of the cyclone. Idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman and
Vibhishana (brother of Ravana), surrendered to Rama, here.
Agnitheertham
100 metres away from the temple is Agnitheertham, where Rama worshipped
Lord Shiva, to absolve himself from the killing Ravana.
Erwadi
An important site for Muslim pilgrims, Erwadi houses the tomb of
Ibrahim Sahid Aulia. At a distance of 24 kilometers from Rameshwaram is
Erwadi. Muslims from across the globe visit Erwadi especially during the
month of December to participate in the annual festival celebrated as a
tribute to the saint.
Gandamadana Parvatham
A hillock situated 3 KMs to the north of the temple is the highest
point in the island. There is a two storeyed Mandapam, where Rama's feet
(Padam) is found as an imprint on a chakra. Pilgrims throng in thousands
to worship Gandhamathana Parvatham. Sukreevar Temple and Theertham are
situated on the way to Gandhamadana Parvatham.
