Rameswaram Travel Packages - Rameswaram Flights Hotels India

|| The Past || Don't Miss || When to Go || Getting There ||

	Dotted with temples honoring Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman, Rameswaram is an island situated in the Gulf of Manner at the very tip of the Indian peninsula. A significant pilgrim centre of the Indians, Rameswaram is the place from where Lord Rama, built the Adam’s Bridge across the sea to what is today Sri Lanka to rescue his consort Sita, from her abductor, Ravana. Also referred to as ‘Benaras of the South’, Rameswaram is where Lord Rama performed thanksgiving rituals to Lord Shiva for the
	victory over the demon king Ravana. Hence this place forms an important pilgrimage for both the Vaishnavites (worshippers of Lord Vishnu) and Shaivites (worshippers of Lord Shiva). Most pilgrims visit Rameswaram for the magnificent Ramalingeshwara Temple, famous for its long, richly ornamented pillared walkways. Apart from the numerous temples, Rameswaram also boasts of fabulous beaches, the Olaikuda Beach being the closest to the main temple, with its coral reef waters abundant with exotic marine life, making it a haven for adventure seekers.

Lord Rama and Shiva

According to the Hindu mythology Lord Rama performed thanksgiving rituals to Lord Shiva after the battle at Sri Lanka and his triumph over the demon king Ravana. Owing to this Rameswaram attracts Vaishnavites (worshippers of Lord Vishnu) and Saivites (worshippers of Lord Shiva) alike. Another legend states that Rama worshipped Shiva in the form of a Shiva Lingam made of earth by his wife Sita. He entrusted Hanuman with the task of bringing an image of Viswanathar from Benares. Anticipating delay, Rama offered worship at an auspicious moment to the Lingam. This Lingam is referred to as Ramalingam and the town is known as Rameswaram. There is yet another Shivalingam (shrine) here - Viswanathar said to have been brought by Hanuman from Banares. This Shivalingam is referred to as Kasilingam and Hanumalingam. In fact prayers are offered to Viswanathar before they are offered to Ramanathaswamy.

The Ramalingeswara (Ramanathaswamy) Temple was built in the 12th century by the Cholas to house the two Shivalingams (shrines), which were worshipped by Rama to atone for the killing of Ravana. These lingams are placed at the inner section of the temple, where non-Hindus are generally not allowed. Enclosed within high walls, the long pillared corridors within the temple are the main attraction owing to their extreme length- 205 mts. Delicate scrollwork and a collection of lotuses and mythical lion-like beasts adorn the pillars. Prior to entering the inner section, pilgrims are supposed to bathe in

the waters of each of the 22 teerthas (tanks) in the temple, since each teertha is supposed to render some special benefit.

At a stone’s throw away from the Ramanathaswamy Temple is Agnitheertham. It is believed that Lord Rama calmed the sacred waters, hence a dip here is considered very pious. Ideally a bath at Agnitheertham heralds the visit to the Ramanatha Swamy Temple.

Gandamadana Parvatham is the highest hillock in Rameswaram. Offering an excellent view of the Ramanathaswamy Temple and the beautiful blue sea, it also houses the imprint of Lord Rama's feet placed on a chakra in the Ramjharoka Temple.

South of Rameswaram is Dhanushkodi or Ram’s Bow. It is believed to have been the starting point of the Adam’s Bridge that was built by Hanuman to access Sri Lanka.

Though much was lost in the cyclone that hit Rameswaram in 1964 the Temple of Kothandaramaswamy was undamaged. The spot has a history of its own, as it is believed that here is where the brother of Ravana, namely Vibhishana submitted himself to Lord Rama and expressed his regret about the abduction of goddess Sita. The Temple has images of Rama, his brother Lakshmana, wife Sita, Hanuman and a remorseful Vibhishana.

For nature lovers the island of Rameswaram is truly a heaven on Earth with captivating coral reefs that just cannot be missed. The setting of a holiday at Rameswaram is picture perfect with a charming combination of the sun, sand and sea. The golden glowing sands, the coconut canopies, the tantalizing tamarind and the odai trees add to the beauty of nature. The gorgeous greens attract several tourists and are an ultimate spot for picnics and excursions.

Summers are hot and humid here, so the best time to visit is October to March.

Nearest airport is Madurai- 167 kms.

Connected directly to Chennai, Madurai, Trichy and Coimbatore.

Connected with all the important towns of Tamil Nadu, buses and taxis ply regularly. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation also operates buses to Rameswaram.