RAMESHWARAM
Rameshwaram, located on Pamban Island in the Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu, is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in India. It is one of the Char Dham sites alongside Badrinath, Dwarka, and Puri, and is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, especially the Ramayana.
MYTHOLOGICAL STORY & SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Mythological Importance:
- According to the Ramayana, Rameshwaram is where Lord Rama built the bridge (Ram Setu) across the sea to Lanka (present-day Sri Lanka) to rescue his wife Sita from Ravana.
- After defeating Ravana, Lord Rama wanted to atone for Brahmahatya Dosha (killing a Brahmin). He installed a Shiva Linga here and worshipped Lord Shiva.
- The main deity of the temple is Ramanathaswamy, a form of Lord Shiva. The Shiva Linga is believed to have been installed by Lord Rama himself.
Spiritual Significance:
- Rameshwaram is known as the Varanasi of the South.
- It is the only pilgrimage site where both Shaivites and Vaishnavites come together.
- Taking a bath in the 22 theerthams (sacred wells) inside the temple premises is believed to wash away sins.
RAMANATHASWAMY TEMPLE – ARCHITECTURAL & HISTORICAL MARVEL
Architectural Beauty:
- Built in Dravidian style, the temple is famous for:
- Longest temple corridor in the world: ~1220 meters (4000 feet) with 1200 intricately carved granite pillars.
- Massive gopurams (towers), ornate sculptures, and ancient shrines.
- Sacred wells and tanks for ritual bathing.
History:
- Originally built in the 12th century by Pandya rulers and expanded by rulers of Jaffna Kingdom, Sethupathis of Ramanathapuram, and Marathas.
- Patronage from kings and saints made it a prominent spiritual and architectural destination.
NATURAL BEAUTY & TOURISM IN RAMESHWARAM
- Pristine beaches, sacred waters, and sunrise views make Rameshwaram a tranquil spiritual retreat.
- Pamban Bridge, which connects the island to mainland India, is a marvel of railway engineering.
- Dhanushkodi, the ghost town washed away in the 1964 cyclone, lies nearby with surreal views of Ram Setu (Adam’s Bridge).
HOW TO REACH RAMESHWARAM
Nearest Airport:
- Madurai Airport (IXM) – ~170 km
- Connected to major cities like Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore
- Taxis and buses available to Rameshwaram
Nearest Railway Station:
- Rameshwaram Railway Station (RMM)
- Connected via trains from Madurai, Chennai, Trichy, Coimbatore, and other cities
By Road:
- Well-connected by road to Madurai (170 km), Chennai (560 km), Tiruchirappalli (230 km)
- Tamil Nadu state transport (TNSTC) and private buses run frequently
- Taxis and shared jeeps available
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Season | Months | Highlights |
Winter (Best) | October to March | Pleasant climate for temple visits & sightseeing |
Summer | April to June | Hot and humid but manageable for pilgrims |
Monsoon | July to September | Occasional rain; fewer crowds |
Season | Months | Highlights |
Winter (Best) | October to March | Pleasant climate for temple visits & sightseeing |
Summer | April to June | Hot and humid but manageable for pilgrims |
Monsoon | July to September | Occasional rain; fewer crowds |
LOCAL FOOD, EATERIES & MARKETS
Must-Try Dishes:
- South Indian meals with sambar, rasam, and poriyal
- Idli, dosa, pongal, and filter coffee
- Fresh seafood in coastal restaurants
- Local snacks: banana chips, murukku, sakkarai pongal
Famous Eateries:
- Hotel Siva Sakthi Bhojanalaya – Budget vegetarian meals
- Ahaan Restaurant (Daiwik Hotel) – Clean and comfortable
- Sri Murugan Mess – Simple, authentic Tamil food
- Guru Lodge Restaurant – Popular for South Indian tiffin items
Local Markets:
- Temple Street Shops – Puja items, shells, rudraksha beads
- Pamban Bridge Road – Shell artifacts, pearls, handicrafts
- Ramanathapuram Markets – For textiles, souvenirs, brass idols
WHERE TO STAY IN RAMESHWARAM
Budget Stay:
- Hotel SS Grand, Hotel Aryaas, Dharamshalas near the temple
- ₹400–₹900 per night
Mid-Range Stay:
- Hotel Queen Palace, Hotel Brindavan Residency, Hotel Senthil Andavar
- ₹1200–₹2500 per night
Luxury Stay:
- Daiwik Hotels, Hotel Ashoka, Hyatt Place (proposed)
- ₹3000 and above, with premium amenities
NEARBY TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Attraction | Distance from Rameshwaram | Description |
Dhanushkodi | 20 km | Ghost town with spiritual link to Ram Setu |
Pamban Bridge | 12 km | Railway bridge with breathtaking sea views |
APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial | 3 km | Tribute to India’s Missile Man |
Agnitheertham | 100 meters | Sacred beach for ritual bath before temple visit |
Ram Setu View Point | 21 km | View of the mythological bridge from India to Lanka |
Kothandaramaswamy Temple | 13 km | Said to be the site where Vibhishana surrendered to Rama |
Attraction | Distance from Rameshwaram | Description |
Dhanushkodi | 20 km | Ghost town with spiritual link to Ram Setu |
Pamban Bridge | 12 km | Railway bridge with breathtaking sea views |
APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial | 3 km | Tribute to India’s Missile Man |
Agnitheertham | 100 meters | Sacred beach for ritual bath before temple visit |
Ram Setu View Point | 21 km | View of the mythological bridge from India to Lanka |
Kothandaramaswamy Temple | 13 km | Said to be the site where Vibhishana surrendered to Rama |