Rameshwaram - The Coastal Temple Town

Rameshwaram is considered to be one of the holiest places in India

. Rameshwaram, situated in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu, is a popular pilgrimage destination for both the Shaivites and Vaishnavaites. According to Hindu mythology, a pilgrimage to Kashi (Varanasi) has to be followed with a darshan at this Ramanathaswamy Temple, also known as Kashi of South. Rameshwaram has one of the 12 Jyothirlingas of Lord Shiva.

Rameshwaram is located on the Pamban Island, or Rameshwaram Island. This island lies at the very tip of the Indian peninsula in the Gulf of Mannar. Pamban Island is connected to the mainland by the Pamban Bridge or Annai Indira Gandhi Bridge. Pamban Island is at a distance of about 40 km from Mannar Island of Sri Lanka. Pamban Island is conch-shaped with an area of 61.8 sq. km. Temple occupies most of the area of the Island. Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple stands as an epitome of Dravidian architectural style of the medieval ages.

As per legends, the original Ramanathaswamy Temple was built by Rama. But according to historical facts, the origin of the temple can be dated back to the 12th century. The construction of the Temple was initiated by Parakrama Bahu of Sri Lanka in the 12th century and it was completed by Setupathy rulers of Ramanathapuram. Many additions were made to the Temple by the later rulers of the area. Temple is the main highlight of Rameshwaram tourism.

Besides Ramanathaswamy Temple, this island houses several religious landmarks, including Kothandaraswamy Temple, Sugreevar Temple and Badrakaliamman Temple. The Five-faced Hanuman Temple is a sacred Hindu religious destination where tourists can see the ancient floating stones believed to have used for building the bridge on the sea. Agnitheertham, Gandamadana Parvatham, Dhanushkodi and Erwadi are the other popular pilgrimage centres in Rameshwaram.

This city features two important bridges of Adam's Bridge and Pamban Bridge. Adam's Bridge measures around 48 km in length, separating the Gulf of Mannar from the Palk Strait. The Pamban Bridge was constructed in 1988 for connecting the island with the mainland.

Rameshwaram is a popular beach destination as well. The beaches here are shallow and as such the waves here rise to a maximum height of 3 cm. Among the popular beaches here are at Olaikuda, Dhanushkodi, Pamban and Ariyaman.

The nearest airport to Rameshwaram is at Madurai (163 km). Rameshwaram or Mandapan Railway Station is only two kilometres away from the city centre and is well connected by rail to major cities of Tamil Nadu. There are bus services that connect Rameshwaram with all cities in Tamil Nadu. Best time to visit Rameshwaram is from January to March. There are many budget hotels in Rameshwaram. Other hotel options in Rameshwaram include guesthouses, lodges and hostels.

by: Rashmii

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