Rameswaram,
a town in Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu, where the Ramanathaswami Temple
is located. Pamban Island separated Rameswaram from mainland India by the
Pamban channel and is connected to mainland India by the Pamban Bridge.
Rameswaram is the terminus of the railway line from Chennai and Madurai.
Rameswaram, the holy Island in the Gulf of Mannar is a National Pilgrim Centre
of the country. It is hallowed by the Epic Ramayana. A devout Hindu who visits
Varanasi in the North is expected to visit Rameswaram also for the culmination
of his quest for salvation. Rama sanctioned this place by worshipping Lord Siva
after the war against Ravana of Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is held sacred by
Saivitiesand Vaishnavites as well.
The
important places of Rameswaram are those of Ramanathaswamy Temple,
Agnithertham, Gandhamathana Parvatham, Jadayu Theertham, Five-Face Hanuman
Temple, Satchi Hanuman Temple, Badrakaliamman Temple, Kothanda Ramaswamy
Temple,Villoondi Theertham, Dhanushkodiand Marine Wealth.
Ramanathaswami
Temple, situated close to the sea on the eastern side of the island, is known
for its magnificent structure,long corridors and aesthetically carved pillars
lining it. The presiding deity here is usually referred to as a Linga with the
name Sri Ramanatha Swami; it is one of the twelve Jyothirlingas. The corridor
is the longest one in Asia. It is 197 meters long on East-West, 133 meters in
length on South- North. The entrance of the temple is adorned with a 38.4 meter
high Gopuram and it has 36 theerthams. The temple was built by rulers of
different dynasties from 12th century onwards. The temple complex is
constructed in an area of 264 meters X 200 meters. Swami Vivekananda offered
prayers at this temple in January 1897.
Agnitheertham,
the calm, shallow water-spread of the sea, present hardly 100 meters in front
of the magnificent temple gopuram is reverentially held sacred. A dip in the
Agnitheertham is supposed to remove the sins of the pilgrims. The other
Theerthams in and around the temple are also important for pilgrims. Gandhamathana
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 are
found as an imprint on a chakra. Sukreevar Temple and Theertham are situated on
the way to amadana Parvatham.Jadayu Theertham, Jadayu, King of Birds, fought in
vain with Ravana to save Sita, is said to have fallen down here as his wings
were severed. Sand dunes are around the temple and the pond. The water of the
pond is as sweet as tender coconut water. Five-Face Hanuman Temple situated 2
Kms from the main temple. Here the diety of Hanuman is dressed with Senthooram.
The floating stone from here is used to build Sethu Bandanam (The Bridge
between India and Sri Lanka). Satchi Hanuman Temple, is situated 3Kms from the
temple. Badrakaliamman Temple, situated 1 Km from the main temple on the way to
Gandhamathana Parvatham. Kothanda Ramaswamy Temple, located 12 Kms away from
Rameswaram. Villoondi Theertham, situated at 7 Kms from the main temple on the
way to Pamban.
Dhanushkodi,
the Southern most tip of the Island, 18 Kms away from Rameswarm, was completely
washed away by a cyclone in 1964. Dhanushkodi has a fine beach, where Sea
Surfing is possible. Remnents of Railway Station, Temple, Church and other
settlements are found as a mute witness to the cyclone.Marine Wealth: In the
water around Rameswaram fish and veritable gardens of coral reefs abound. Sea
world aquarium is filled with different Marine life.
