Rameshwaram Tourism
Places of Interest in Rameshwaram
THE TEMPLE
The legend goes that Hanuman, the chief of the monkey army was sent to Mount
Kailas to bring a Lingam (Siva). Hanuman was delayed on the way. But Lord Siva
had to be worshipped at a fixed hour. And so, Sita moulded a Lingam for Rama's
worship, which came to be called Ramanatha. Hanuman on his return found that
all his labours had been in vain and was disappointed. Seeing how disappointed
his most devout disciple was, Rama consoled him by installing the Lingam brought
by him a little north of the Ramanatha, and decreed that the Hanuman Lingam
should have precedence over the Ramanatha in all honours. Ramanathaswamy Temple
which is close to the sea on the eastern side of the island is renowned for
magnificent corridors with massive sculptured pillars lining it. The corridor
is the longest in India. It is 197 metres long East- West, 133 metres in length
South- North. The temple has a tower (Gopuram) 38.4 metres high. The temple
as it stands today was built by different rulers at different periods from the
12th century A.D. onwards. The temple is 264 metres in length and 200 metres
in breadth.
AGNITHEERTHAM
The temple is facing the east. The sea just 100 metres away from the main entrance
to the Temple, is very Calm. The water at this place is considered sacred and
is known as 'agnitheertham'. Pilgrims bathe in this place before entering the
Temple.
EXCURSION
The Gandhamathana Parvatham (hillock) is situated to the north of the temple
on the highest point in the island. It is a two-storeyed Mandapam where Rama's
feet (Padam) are placed on a chakra which attracts pilgrims. It is 5 kms. from
the Main Temple.
DHANUSHKODI
The Southernmost tip of the island Dhanushkodi - was completely washed away
by the 1964 cyclone. But the Kothandaramasamy Temple here remains intact. It
can be reached by road from Rameswaram. It is believed that Vibishana, brother
of Ravana of the Ramayanam, surrendered before Lord Rama at this spot. The idols
of Sri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman and Vibishana are here. It is 2 kms. from
the Railway Station.
CORAL REEF
The waters around the island abound not only in fish but also in coral reef.
The veritable gardens of coral reefs and a few picturesque locales off the island
allure those who seek sun, sand and sea holidays. It is, in short, an island
paradise of golden sands and gently swaying coconut palms, of shady tamarind
and odai trees. The entire island is ideal for picnickers and excursionists.
KURUSADAI ISLAND
The island lies to the west of the Pamban bridge between the mainland and the
island. It is a Paradise of Biologists. Scholars from far and near come to this
island throughout the year for research and study. There are a number of islands
in the area around Kurusadai Island. It is about 20 kms. from Rameswaram via
mandapam. One should approach Fisheries Department to go to this island.
Interested
? Book Tour through our Members
