Rameshwaram Temple
Rameshwaram is an island situated in the gulf of manner at the very tip of
the Indian peninsula. A very important pilgrim centre of the Indians. Rameshwaram
is the place from where Lord Rama, built a bridge across the sea to rescue
his consort Sita, from her abductor, Ravana. This is also the place where
Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to cleanse away the sin of killing Ravana. Both
the Vaishnavites and Shaivites visit this pilgrimage which is known as the
Varanasi the south.
Rameshwaram is significant for the Hindus as a pilgrimage to Benaras is incomplete
without a Pilgrimage to Rameshwaram. The presiding deity is the Linga Of Sri
Ranganatha, which happens to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India. Rameshwaram
is also popularly referred to as the 'Benaras of the south'. In order to attain
Moksha it is believed that the visit to Rameshwaram is mandatory.
Mythological History
According to the Hindu mythology i.e. the story of Ramayana Lord Rama performed
thanksgiving rituals to Lord Rama after the battle at Sri Lanka and his triumph
over the demon king Ravana. Owing to this Rameshwaram attracts Vaishnavites
(worshippers of Lord Vishnu) and Saivites (worshippers of Lord Shiva) alike.
Sri Lanka is at a distance of 24 kilometers from Rameshwaram. In fact the
entire area of Rameshwaram is associated with various incidents from the Ramayana.
Rameshwaram happens to one of the most visited pilgrim sites in India.
Location and Area
The religious island is spread in an area of 61.8 square kilometers and happens
to be in the shape of a conch. The Ramanatha Swamy Temple occupies major area
of Rameshwaram. The masterpiece of Dravidian architecture boasts of the largest
temple corridor in India. Different rulers built the Ramanatha Swamy Temple
over a period of time starting from the 12th century. The temple comprises
of twenty-two wells where the taste of the water of each well is different
from the other.
Pilgrimage Attaractions of Rameshwaram
Ramanathaswamy Temple
Ramnathswamy temple was built in the 17th century. Situated close to the sea
on the eastern side of the island, this temple is famous for its 1200 gigantic
granite columns. The 54 metre tall gopuram (gate-tower), 1220 metres of magnificent
corridors and the flamboyant columns embellish and render fame to the temple.
The water in each of the 22 sacred wells in the temple tastes different.
Agnitheertham
100 metres away from the temple is Agnitheertham, where Rama worshipped Lord
Shiva, to absolve himself from the killing Ravana.
Gandamadana Parvatham
The imprint of Lord Rama's feet placed on a Chakra (wheel) is found in this
shrine which is at the highest point on the island at 2 km from Rameswaram.
Dhanushkodi
Dhanushkodi named after Rama's bow, is at the eastern end of the island at
a distance of 8 kms from Rameshwaram. The boulders around the sea between
Srilanka and this place known as Adam's bridge, are believed to be used by
Hanuman to reach across Srilanka. Dhhanushkodi was completely destroyed by
the cyclones of 1964. Kothandaramaswamy temple is the only salvage of the
cyclone. Idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman and Vibhishana (brother of
Ravana), surrendered to Rama, here.
Erwadi
An important site for Muslim pilgrims, Erwadi houses the tomb of Ibrahim Sahid
Aulia. At a distance of 24 kilometers from Rameshwaram is Erwadi. Muslims
from across the globe visit Erwadi especially during the month of December
to participate in the annual festival celebrated as a tribute to the saint.
Rameshwaram Temple Reservation Form