Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram is popularly referred to as the Benaras of the South and is one of the most visited pilgrim sites of India. Legends say that to attain Moksha each and every person needs to visit. The epic Ramayana also mentions Rameshwaram at various places. Rameshwaram is located at a distance of just 24 kms from Sri Lanka. Rameshwaram is spread over an area of 61.8 square kms and is in the shape of a conch. It is located on an island separated from mainland India by the Pamban Channel. Legends say that at this place Lord Rama had built a bridge called Ram Setu across the sea to Lanka to rescue his consort Sita, from her abductor Ravana. This is also believed to be the place where Rama worshipped Shiva to be absolved from the sin of killing Ravana.

Tourist Attractions

Ramanatha Swamy Temple

The Ramanatha Swamy Temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. It has the largest temple corridor in India. One of the main features of this temple are the 22 wells in it. The water of each of these wells tastes different from the other. It is also believed that the waters of these wells have curative properties. The imporant festivals of this temple are the festivals of Masi Sivarathiri, Thirukalyanam, Mahalaya Amavasai and Thai Amavasai. The popular bathing spot of Agnitriham is located near this temple. The devotees normally bath at the holy spot before proceeding to the temple.

Ramjharoka Temple

The Ramjharoka Temple has an important place in history as the imprint of Lord Rama's feet is placed on a chakra here. This chakra has been kept at the highest point of Rameshwaram. The temple is located at a distance of around 5 kms from Rameshwaram. This being the highest point of Rameshwaram, it offers a magnificent view of the blue ocean waters below.

Kothandaramaswamy Temple

Legends say that it is at the Kothandaramaswamy temple that Vibhishana, the brother of demon king Ravana submitted himself to Lord Rama and asked Rama to forgive him for the abduction of goddess Sita. He was ashamed of the fact that it was his brother who had committed the crime of kidnapping goddess Sita. The temple has images of Lord Rama, his brother Lakshmana, Sita, Hanuman and Vibhishana.

Uthirakosamangai

Uthirakosamangai Temple is located around 16 kms southwest of Ramanathapuram. The main deity is Lord Shiva. Hundreds of devotees come to worship the Lord Mangaleshvara and the Goddess Mangalesvari. The temple has inspired many Tamil works of devotion.

Travel

Air: The nearest airport is at Madurai which is around 163 kms from Rameshwaram.

Rail: Rameshwaram is well connected by rail with Chennai, Tiruchirapalli, Thanjavur, Madurai and Coimbatore amoung other cities. There is a 2 km long Indira Gandhi bridge which connects Rameshwaram to the main land.

Road: Rameshwaram is well connected by road.