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 Rameswaram is an Island in the Gulf of Mannar connected to the mainland of Tamil Nadu at Mandapam by the famous Indira Gandhi Rail Bridge, which is India’s longest bridge across the open sea. This 234km. bridge has a vertical clearance of about 18m above high tide level. The bridge was inaugurated on 2nd October 1988. It is a famous pilgrim centre known also by the name ‘Dhakshin Kasi’. The Chief attraction here is the Ramanathaswamy Temple built in the 12th century. The temple with its 53 metre high gopuram is renowned for its Dravidian architecture. According to legend, Lord Sri Ram sanctified this spot by worshipping Lord SIVA here after the battle of Lanka. The 22 ‘Theerthams’ within the temple complex is believed to have mystical powers. The shrine Gandamadana Parvatham containing Lord Rama’s foot prints,’ the Kothandara Swamy temple, Dhanushkodi are nearby attractions. The sacred island town of Rameswaram at the extreme south-eastern limit of the Indian Peninsula, has one of India’s most venerated temples. According to the Hindu epic ‘Ramayana’, Rama sanctified this place by worshipping Lord Shiva here, after the war against Ravana and is therefore held sacred by both Shaivities also Known as the Varanasi of the South. |
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How to reach |
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By Air |
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The nearest airport is Madurai, 185 kms. from Rameswaram. |
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By Rail |
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Rameswaram is connected by train to Madurai, Chennai, Coimbatore |
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By Road |
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Rameswaram is also connected by road to important cities in Tamil Nadu. |
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Places to Visit |
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Ramanathaswamy Temple |
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A remarkable example of late Dravidian architecture, this temple is most noted for its excellent corridors lined with massive sculptured pillars with their elaborate design, style and rich carving. Legend has it that Rama sanctified this place by worshipping Siva here after the battle of Sri Lanka. The construction work commenced in the 12th century AD and further developments were made over the centuries by successive rulers, and hence, today its gopuram is 53 m high. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the inner sanctorum. |
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Kothandaraswamy Temple & Dhanushkodi |
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Situated 12 km from town, this temple was the sole structure to withstand the 1964 cyclone which washed the rest of the village away. Legend states that Vibishana, brother of Sita's kidnapper Ravana, surrendered to Rama at this spot. |
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Adam's Bridge |
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Adam's Bridge is the name given to the chain of reefs, sandbanks and islets that almost connects Sri Lanka with India. According to legend, this is the series of stepping stones used by the monkey army, lead by Hanuman to cross the ocean in a bid to rescue Sita from the clutch of Ravana. |
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Gandhamadana Parvatam |
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The stepped mandapam or hall, about a mile and a half west of the Ramanathaswamy Temple offers an excellent view of the countryside. There is a footprint here believed to be of Lord Rama. |
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