Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu is popularly referred to as 'Benaras of the South.' Rameshwaram happens to be one of the most visited pilgrim sites of India. Legend has it that to attain Moksha, a visit to Rameshwaram is mandatory. In the epic Ramayana, there is mention of Rameshwaram at various places. Rameshwaram is at a distance of just 24 kms from Sri Lanka. Spread over an area of 61.8 square kilometres, Rameshwaram happens to be in the shape of a conch.

Accommodation and Connectivity

The airport nearest to Rameshwaram is 163 kilometers away at Madurai. The place is connected by both rail and road with Chennai, Tiruchirapalli, Thanjavur, Madurai and Coimbatore among other cities. Rameshwaram is connected with the mainland through the 2 km long Indira Gandhi Bridge.


Being a major pilgrimage centre of the country, Rameshwaram has many hotels, lodges, guest houses and hostels that provide good facilities for a comfortable stay.

Tourist Attractions

The Temples of Rameshwaram

The Ramanatha Swamy Temple

A masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, the Ramanatha Swamy Temple has the largest temple corridor in India. Starting from the 12th century, the temple was built by different rulers.The main attraction of the temple are the twenty-two wells of it. Surprising but true that the water of each well tastes different from that of the other. It is also believed that the waters of the well have curative properties. Many different festivals are celebrated in the temple with pomp and gaiety.They include the festivals of Masi Sivarathiri, Thirukalyanam, Mahalaya Amavasai and Thai Amavasai.

Agnitriham Temple

The popular bathing spot of Agnitriham is located near Ramanatha Swamy Temple. The devotees normally bath at the holy spot before proceeding to the Ramanatha Swamy Temple.

Ramjharoka Temple

At the Ramjharoka Temple, the imprint of Lord Rama's feet is placed on a chakra. The chakra has been kept at the highest point of Rameshwaram. The highest point is at a distance of 5 kms from Rameshwaram town. Being the highest point of Rameshwaram, a magnificent view of the blue ocean waters below is available from the place.


Dhanushkodi

According to the ancient scriptures, Dhanushkodi is the place from where the monkey army of Lord Rama had started building the bridge to Lanka to reach the kingdom of Ravana. The place derives its name from the dhanush or bow of Lord Rama.

Kothandaramaswamy Temple

It is widely believed that at the Kothandaramaswamy temple, Vibhishana- the brother of demon king Ravana submitted himself to Lord Rama and asked Rama to forgive him for the abduction of goddess Sita. Although Vibhishana was not directly involved in the kidnapping, he was ashamed of the fact that the ghastly crime was committed by his own brother Ravana. Kothandaramaswamy temple has images of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Hanuman and Vibhishana.

Apart from the main temples, the whole of Rameshwaram is dotted with many small temples of Rama, Lakshaman, Sita and Hanuman. It is interesting to note that every big and small temple of Rameshwaram does have a history of its own. Other than the temples, there is also a tomb of Saint Ibrahim Syed Aulia at Erwadi, some 24 kms from Rameshwaram.

Excursion Delights

Tirupullani

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

Sixteen km 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

Five km 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.