Rameshwaram City Guide
Rameshwaram is an island situated on the tip of the Indian peninsula. A hotspot pilgrim destination, Rameshwaram is nestled in the Gulf of Munnar at the very tip of Indian peninsula. It is the place from where Lord Rama had built a bridge across the sea to rescue his wife Sita. This is the place where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to cleanse away the sin of Ravana. Both the Vaishnavites and Shaivites visit this pilgrimage city.
Rameshwaram is significant for the Hindus. The presiding deity is the Linga of Sri Ranganatha, which happens to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India. Rameshwaram is popularly referred as the 'Benaras of the south'. In order to attain Moksha it is believed that a visit to Rameshwaram is mandatory. In fact the entire area of Rameshwaram is associated with various incidents from the Ramayana. The city of Rameshwaram happens to be one of the most visited pilgrim sites in India.
Places to Visit in Rameshwaram
The places worth visiting in Rameshwram city includes the Ramanathaswamy Temple, which was built in the 17th century and is situated close to the sea on the eastern side of the island, this temple is famous for its 1200 gigantic granite columns. At a distance of about 100 metres comes the Agnitheertham, where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva, to absolve himself from the killing Ravana. Another shrine called Gandamadana Parvatham is worth visiting. This shrine is found at 2 kms away from Rameshwaram. A place called Dhanushkodi named after Rama's bow is at the eastern end of the island at a distance of 8 kms from Rameshwaram.
There are 22 wells or kundas in the temple, each with water that tastes different. These waters are said to have medicinal properties and are considered holy. The portion of the sea facing the eastern gopuram is called the Agnitheertham, a place here the sea is at its tranquil best. Pilgrims come to the temple after a holy dip at Agnitheertham and then bathe in the waters of the 22 wells.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not a problem in Rameshwarm. Hotels of all kinds are available ranging from moderate and economy class. Devasthanam cottages and Choultries in Rameshwaram are other accommodation options.
Excursions from Rameshwaram
Tirupullani (64 Kms) : Rameshwaram 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 (16 Kms) : Situated 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 (5 Kms) : Located at 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.
Best Time to Visit
Since throughout the twelve months in a year Rameshwaram remains hot and humid there is not much temperature variation that is experienced though it is most pleasant between October and March. Therefore you may plan your visit to Rameshwaram accordingly.
Things to see
Ramanathaswamy Temple
Gandamadana Parvatham
Agnitheertham
