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Rameswaram is a small island in Gulf of Mannar near to Srilanka,
and a national pilgrim centre of India. It is connected to the mainland by
road bridge and famous pamban railway bridge in the sea from Mandapam.
The Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of the most sacred shrines of the Hindus in
India. The Jyotirlingam at the Ramanathaswamy temple is one of the 12
Jyotirlingams of India. It is considered as holy as Banaras/Kasi.
According to the legends, after killing Ravana Lord Rama returned to India
and offered worship to Lord Shiva at Rameshwaram to wash away the sin of
killing the demon king. Lord Rama directed Hanuman to bring the lingam from
Kailasha within a certain time but Hanuman was delayed and Sita had to
prepare one of sand, before the auspicious hour. It is said that this is the
same Linga of Sri Ramanatha in the temple.
This place is equally sacred to both Vaishnavites and Shaivites. According
to Hindu Mythology, if one visits Rameswaram and prays to Lord Shiva one
will be relieved of one’s sins.
It is believed that a pilgrimage that starts at Kashi or Varanasi in the
north of India is complete only after worship of Lord Ramanathaswamy at
Rameswaram.
Rameswaram is known for its 22 theerthams or wells inside the main temple
and has almost 64 theerthams in and around the temple.
The Ramanathaswamy temple is renowned for its magnificent corridors, massive
sculptured pillars, famous architectures and paintings. The third corridor
of Ramanathaswamy temple is the longest one in the world
How to reach
By Air
Madurai is the nearest airport to Rameshwaram, which is located at a
distance of 163 km away from Rameshwaram. Madurai is connected to many
cities by air including Coimbatore, Chennai and Bangalore. International
travelers have to get connecting flights from Chennai International airport.
Pre-paid taxi services in Madurai airport charge about Rs 3500 to
Rameshwaram.
By Train
Rameshwaram (Mandapan station just 2 km away) is well connected by rail with
many south Indian cities including Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Thanjavur
and Trichy.
By Bus
Tamil Nadu Road Transport Corporation buses connect Rameshwaram with all
cities in Tamil Nadu, including Kanyakumari, Madurai, Trichy and Thanajvur.
Overnight deluxe super fast buses connect Chennai and Bangalore with
Rameshwarm, both cities are nearly 600 km away. The bus fare is about Rs
1700.
What to see
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Ramanathaswamy Temple |
Gandamadhana Parvata |
Tiruppullani |
Agnitheertham |
When to go
Summers are hot and humid here, so the best time to visit is October to
March.
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