voyage-vista.comExploring the Mystical Charms of Rameshwaram in 2024: A Journey Through Time
Welcome to the enchanting realm of Rameshwaram, where history whispers through the wind and spirituality dances in the waves. Nestled in the embrace of the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean, this sacred land beckons the soul to embark on a voyage of discovery and tranquility. Join us as we explore the timeless places to visit in Rameshwaram, where every corner has stories of antiquity and devotion.
Embracing Divinity at Ramanathaswamy Temple
Our journey begins at the heart of Rameshwaram, where the illustrious Ramanathaswamy Temple stands in all its grandeur. Built over centuries in the Dravidian architectural style, this sacred edifice is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the divine presiding deity of Rameshwaram. As you step into its hallowed precincts, feel the palpable aura of spirituality that permeates the air, engulfing pilgrims and visitors alike in a sense of reverence and awe.
Ramanathaswamy Temple: A Symphony of Sacred Stones in Rameshwaram’s Embrace
The temples of South India are famous for their architecture and construction; Among them, the Ramanathaswamy temple on the Rameshwaram island in the southern part of Tamil Nadu is a masterpiece in architecture. This magnificent temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples in India. The full name of Rameshwaram’s main temple is Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Mandir, but it is known as Ramanathaswamy Temple for short. Spread over an area of fifteen acres, the temple was built in the 12th century and has undergone many improvements over time. Ramanathaswamy Temple is the main source of livelihood for almost 50,000 residents of the village of Rameshwaram.
The Epic Saga Unfolds: Rama’s Quest and the Sacred Shivlinga
According to the legend, Lord Ram took a large army of monkeys with him and went to Lanka by building a stone bridge from Dhanushkodi near Rameshwaram to wage war against Ravana. A fierce battle took place between Lord Ram and Ravana in Lanka, in which Ram-Sita, after being victorious, stayed in Rameshwaram during their return journey to Ayodhya. Ravana was a Brahmin. Hence, Lord Ram felt the sin of brahmhatya, decided to worship Lord Shiva for peace. Lord Shiva could not be worshiped without the establishment of Shivlinga. Lord Ram sent Lord Hanuman to Mount Kailas to take the Shivlinga.
Lord Hanuman could not return until the appointed time of establishment. Hence, Goddess Sita made a Shivalinga out of the sea sand, and at the predetermined time, Shiva Puja was started. On the other hand, at the end of the puja ritual, Lord Hanuman arrived with the Shivlinga and, dismayed to see the sand Shivlinga.
To appease the anger of his devotee, Lord Ram ordered the Shivlinga brought from Mount Kailash to be installed next to the sand Shivlinga and to perform the first puja only for that Shivlinga. Thus, the Shivalinga brought by Lord Hanuman came to be known as Vishwalingam, and the Shivalinga installed by Lord Ram as Sriramalingam. Even today, in the main temple of Rameswaram, Vishwalingam is worshiped first.
Ancient Guardians and Sacred Halls: The Magnificence of Ramanathaswamy Temple
The main gate of Rameshwar temple is the eastern gopuram. The temple has two gopurams, east and west. The construction of North and South Gopuram has been completed recently. The eastern gopuram of the Ramanathaswamy temple is 173 feet high, so it is clearly visible even from a distance. The hall for which this Shiva temple is famous is beautiful as well as a record maker. Supported by a total of 1,212 pillars, the corridor is 30 feet high and 17 to 21 feet wide. No other temple in India has such a huge hall.
The Rameshwaram temple has such a majestic form, though chronologically. As mentioned in the Thalpurana, the Rameshwaram temple of the Ramayana period was maintained under the supervision of monks in a hut till the 12th century. Then King Parakrama Bahu of Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka) built a sanctum around the original Shivling (Ramanathaswamy) Jyotirlinga. The construction of the present majestic and architecturally wonderful temple was started in the 14th century by King Udayan Sethupati.
Whispers of Devotion: Mystical Shrines and Sacred Seas of Rameshwaram
Today, the Rameshwaram temple has a total of 22 shrines, all of which have wells or cisterns. 200 meters from Ramanathaswamy temple is the ocean, and its shores are known as Agnitirtham. It is said that Lord Rama calmed the sea here. Devotees bathe in the sea of Agnitirtha before visiting Ramnathswami Jyotirlinga. Devotees cannot enter the sanctum of the Rameswaram Jyotirlinga, like the Somnath temple in Gujarat. Therefore, the material of worship, or (in a copper, brass, or bronze vessel), Ganga water, has to be handed over to the priest of the sanctum.
Sacred Splendor: Exploring the Shrines of Rameswaram
The huge temple has many shrines, including Vishnu Temple, Sanatana Gajapati Temple, Shukravar (friday) Mandap with idols of various goddesses, Mahaganapati Temple, Kartikeya or Subramaniam Temple, Setumadhava Temple, Nataraja Temple, Hanumanji Temple, Mahalakshmi Temple, etc. Apart from this, Ramalinga Pratishtha, Setupathi Mandap, Vivah Mandap, Anuppu Mandap, etc. are also places to visit. There are a total of 31 shrines around Rameswaram village. Major attractions are 12 to 13. Local autorickshaws are available to these places, which cover seven to eight places in three to four hours with a fare of around ₹350. Here is a list of some places to visit:
Vibhishanatheertham or Kothanda Ramaswamy temple
This temple is located 12 kilometers from Rameswaram on the way to Dhanushyakodi.
This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Lord Lakshmana, and Lord Hanumanji. Most of the structures here were destroyed in the 1964 cyclone, but the Kothanda Ramaswamy temple still stands. Ravana’s brother Vibhishan took shelter with Lord Ram here. Hence, it is also known as Vibhishan Temple.
Gandhamardan Parvatam
Located 2.5 km from the temple in Rameswaram village itself, this two storied temple has the footprints of Lord Ram beautifully carved in marble. It is said that Hanumanji jumped from here to go to Lanka. From the top floor of the temple, one can see the view of the surrounding area, an endless sea, clear water, coconut trees, and a beautiful sand beach.
For those seeking solace amidst the tumult of life, Gandamadana Parvatham offers a sanctuary of peace and contemplation. Perched atop a gentle hillock, this sacred site affords panoramic vistas of Rameshwaram’s idyllic landscape, inviting introspection and communion with the divine. As you ascend its winding pathways, feel the weight of the world lift from your shoulders, replaced by a profound sense of harmony and renewal.
Jatayutirtha
Jatayutirtha comes on the way back from Dhanushyakodi. Jatayu, the king of birds, lost his life here in the battle to rescue Goddess Sita from the hands of Ravana. Many of the stones used in the bridge built by Lord Rama to reach Lanka are now found in the Jatayutirtha.
Residence of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam‘s house is in Rameswaram village. Currently, Dr. Kalam’s brother’s family lives in that house. On the upper floor of the building, there is also a museum depicting the life journey of Dr. Kalam.
Dhanushyakoditirtham
Dhanushyakoditirtham is 18 km from Rameswaram. Due to the controversy over the Sethusamudram project, the site was in the news. Lord Rama is said to have bathed at this place to get rid of the sin of killing Ravana, hence its religious significance for devotees. One has to take an autorickshaw to reach Dhanushyakoditirtham, which drops at the security check point. Dhanushyakoditirtham can be reached from the checkpoint via truck. At Dhanushyakodi, the Indian landmass ends and the vast ocean is visible. The nearest Indian land to Sri Lankan land is Dhanushyakodi.
Discovering the Charms of Dhanushkodi
At the southern tip of Rameshwaram lies Dhanushkodi, a ghost town steeped in haunting beauty and poignant history. Once a bustling maritime hub, Dhanushkodi now stands as a testament to the ravages of nature, its crumbling ruins a poignant reminder of the devastating cyclone that swept its shores decades ago. Yet amidst the desolation, a raw, untamed beauty reigns supreme, drawing intrepid travelers to witness the poignant dance of nature’s forces.
Ramanathapuram
Ramanathapuram, also known as Ramnad, is situated at a distance of 75 km from Rameswaram. There are three famous temples in Ramnathpuram, namely Uthirakoshmangai Shiva Temple, Tirupulla, and Navagraha is at Devpattinai. Apart from this, there is also a temple of Lord Vishnu.
A boat service also operates from the Indira Gandhi Road Bridge connecting Rameswaram Island to the Tamil Nadu mainland from 8 AM to 6 PM, if weather permits. Kurusudai Island is located next to Rameshwaram, where beautiful marine life can be seen. Prior permission from the Wildlife Warden is required to visit this island. After the permission, one can go to Kurusudai Island by boat from Mandapam.
Basking in the Serenity of Agnitheertham
A short stroll from the temple leads you to the pristine shores of Agnitheertham, a sacred bathing ghat renowned for its purifying waters. Here, amidst the gentle lapping of the waves, pilgrims partake in holy rituals and immerse themselves in the sanctity of the moment. As the golden sun sets the horizon ablaze with hues of crimson and gold, surrender to the serenity that envelops this sacred confluence of land and sea.
Revering the Legends of Adam’s Bridge
Venture further into the mystique of Rameshwaram, and you will encounter the legendary Adam’s Bridge, also known as Rama Setu. Spanning the vast expanse between India and Sri Lanka, this ancient bridge is steeped in myth and mythology, believed to have been built by Lord Rama and his Vanara army. Tracing its storied contours, you’ll find yourself transported to a realm where history and legend intertwine, leaving an indelible imprint on the sands of time.
Crossing Horizons: Discovering Rameswaram’s Island Charm
Rameswaram is an island off the coast of Tamil Nadu. However, the Pamban-Mandapam Bridge connects the two separate geographical regions by highway as well as by railway. Rameswaram is a must visit for the wonderful experience of enjoying the nature by sitting on the trains that pass over the ocean amidst the crashing waves. Another vehicular bridge has also been constructed between Rameswaram and Pamban. Rameswaram is famous for its Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga temple, but that is not the only attraction of a tour there. Rather, its surroundings and its natural beauty are also attractive, which one must spend at least two days on the island to enjoy.
Conclusion: A Tapestry of Timeless Wonders
In the tapestry of India’s cultural heritage, Rameshwaram shines as a jewel of unparalleled beauty and significance. From the sacred precincts of Ramanathaswamy Temple to the windswept shores of Dhanushkodi, each corner of this hallowed land resonates with echoes of devotion and ancient wisdom. As you bid farewell to Rameshwaram, carry with you the memories of its mystical charms, a testament to the enduring allure of a place where time stands still, and the soul finds solace.
Good to Know for a Perfect Trip…..
- Rameswaram can be reached directly after a three-day journey by Okha-Rameswaram express train from Ahmedabad and Mumbai. Apart from this, one can take the Navjeevan Express train from Ahmedabad to Chennai Central Station, and from there, the train to Rameswaram can be taken from Chennai Egmore Station. There are direct flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai to Chennai, which reach Chennai in a maximum of two hours.
- Rameswaram is truly a small pilgrimage. Hence, it is difficult to find a place to stay with modern amenities. Rameshwar has Gujarati Samaj Bhawan, hotels, and Dharamshalas. Also, there is the Sringeri Math, where rooms can be obtained by prior registration. Gujarati thali will be available in Gujarati Samaj Bhavan. Also, South Indian-style food like idli-dosa is readily available in local hotels. Besides, local Brahmin families also serve tiffin, for which advance notice is required. For More information about Rameswaram, visit: https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/
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