Places Visit In Rameshwaram

Ramanathaswamy Temple,Rameshwaram

Ramanathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva located on Rameswaram island in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is also one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples.

Overview

Ramanathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva located on Rameswaram island in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is also one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples. It is one of the 274 Paadal Petra Sthalams, where the three of the most revered Nayanars (Saivite saints), Appar, Sundarar and Tirugnana Sambandar, have glorified the temple with their songs. The temple was expanded during the 12th century by Pandya Dynasty, and its principal shrines sanctum were renovated by Jeyaveera Cinkaiariyan and his successor Gunaveera Cinkaiariyan of the Jaffna kingdom.

The temple has the longest corridor among all Hindu temples in India. The temple is located in Rameswaram considered a holy pilgrimage site for Shaivites, Vaishnavites and Smarthas. The presiding deity, the Lingam of Ramanathaswamy (Shiva), is believed to have been established and worshiped by Rama, an avatar of the god Vishnu, to absolve the sins created during the Ramayana war at Sri Lanka.

Ramanathaswamy Temple is an important pilgrimage site for the followers of Hinduism. It is believed that a visit to this temple washes away one's sins and brings salvation (moksha). Located on an island off the Sethu coast of Rameshwaram, Ramanathaswamy Mandir can be reached via Pamban Bridge across the sea. Being situated in Rameswaram, the shrine is popularly known as Rameshwaram Temple.

Rameswaram is a town in Ramanathpuram district of Tamil Nadu. The town is particularly famous for its religious shrine of Ramanathaswamy. The nearest airport to Rameshwaram is located at Madurai, which lies at a distance of 163 kms. One can easily reach Rameshwaram by taking regular tourist buses or by hiring taxis from all the major cities of Tamil Nadu including Madurai, Chennai and Trichy.

History

Rameshwaram Temple is situated in the island of Rameshwaram, off the Sethu coast of Tamil Nadu and is reached via the Pamban Bridge across the sea. The huge temples are known for its long ornate corridors, towers and 36 theerthams. Rameshwaram Jyothirlinga represents the southernmost of the 12 Jyotirlingams of India and has been a time honored pilgrimage center held on par with Benaras. Rameshwaram Temple Jyotirlinga is associated closely with the Ramayana and Rama’s victorious return from Sri Lanka.

Legend behind Rameshwaram Temple

According to a popular legend, it was Lord Rama who installed this Linga here. Story holds that when Lord Ram was on his way to attack Ravana, he reached this place where he made a linga of sand and worshipped it. It is said that when Lord Rama was drinking water on the seashore there was celestial proclamation “You are drinking water without worshipping me “. Listening to this Lord Rama made a linga of sand and worshipped it and asked to be blessed so that he could vanquish Ravana. Lord Shiva blessed him accordingly. He also requested Lord Shiva to reside eternally here so that entire mankind should benefit from it. Shiva then manifested himself as the Linga and was installed there for eternity.

According to yet another legend, while returning to Ayodhya, Ram worshipped Lord Shiva in the form of a Shiva Lingam made of earth by Sita. It is said that Hanuman was entrusted with the task of bringing an image of Viswanathar from Benaras. Anticipating delay in Hanuman’s return from Benaras, Rama offered worship to a Shivalingam at a pre-chosen auspicious moment. It is said that the names Ramalingam and the town Rameshwaram were thus got.

There is yet another Shivalingam here Viswanathar is said to have been brought by Hanuman from Benaras. This Shivalingam is referred to as Kasilingam and Hanumalingam. Prayers are offered to Viswanathar before they are offered to Ramanathaswamy.

Structure of Rameshwaram Temple is spread over an area of 15 acres and has lofty gopurams, massive walls and a colossal Nandi. Rameswaram Jyotirlinga also boasts of a 4000 feet long pillared corridor with over 4000 pillars, supposedly the longest in the world. The carved granite pillars are mounted on a raised platform. Yet another fact about this corridor is that the rock is not indigenous to the island and is said to have been brought in from elsewhere in Tamil Nadu across the sea.

The eastern Rajagopuram towers to a height of 126 feet and has nine levels. The Western Rajagopuram is also quite impressive though not as tall as the Eastern one. The temple also has several mandapams with mini shrines to other deities. There is a huge Nandi measuring 12 feet in length and 9 feet in height with the idols of Viswanatha Naicker and Krishnama Naicker. The lingams are placed in the inner section of the Ramalingeshwara. High walls enclose the temple, forming a rectangle with huge pyramidal gopura entrances of each side.

Jada Tirtham,Rameshwaram

Jada theerham is situated 13 KM from Rameswaram (on the way to Dhanushkodi). There is a Temple of Lord Ram in this Place.Maha shivarathiri (Yearly once) celebration and maha makam (Once in 12 Years) festival are the grand events of this temple.

Overview

One of Rameswaram's sacred sites, Jada Theertham attracts countless devotees every year. It is basically a water tank that is surrounded by trees from all sides. This site finds special mention in the Hindu Epic - Ramayana . It is believed that after killing the demon king Ravana, Lord Rama came to this place and installed a Shiva Linga. Before doing so, he washed His hair (jada) to purify Himself. Pilgrims in seemingly endless numbers come here to take a dip in the holy water of the tank.

Jada Theertham and its Temple are located at a distance of about 14 kms from Rameswaram en route Dhanushkodi. Sri Ramar is believed to have washed his long hair (Jada) here and so is called Jada theertham. It is considered that taking bath here people will not get affected with poverty and sins; It is considered to fetch good thoughts free from confusions and also get the equivalence of doing all the dhanams.

History

Jada Tirtham is situated around 3.5 km from the main island, on the Dhanushkodi road. After killing Ravana, Lord Rama visited this place and installed Sri Rama lingam in the temple. Before installing the lingam, Lord Rama washed his Jada (hair) with water in this temple to purify himself from the sins.

Jada Theertham temple is a small temple, located within the Kaveri Tirtham. The Kaveri Theertham is the only place in India where Lord Kapardishvara is worshipped. It is also believed that Jatayu, the king of birds, who fought with Ravana, fell down in this theertham after he was killed by the latter

Jada Tirtham is constructed near a big Peepal tree, which is believed to be the place where the deities used to rest. The entire temple is known for its lattice and art works, which enhance its beauty and charm. The pond is surrounded by sand dunes and its water is sweet like coconut water.

This temple can be reached through different transportation modes from the airport in Madurai, which is at a distance of around 165 km from the town. Pre-paid taxi service is available from the airport to reach Jada Tirtham. Public transport buses and trains from the major cities of Tamil Nadu are also available to reach this temple.

Dhanushkodi Temple,Rameshwaram

Dhanushkodi is an abandoned town at the south-eastern tip of Pamban Island of the state of Tamil Nadu in India. It is situated to the South-East of Pamban and is about 18 miles (29 km) west of Talaimannar in Sri Lanka. The town was destroyed during the 1964 Rameswaram cyclone and remains uninhabited in the aftermath.

Overview

Dhanushkodi is an abandoned town at the south-eastern tip of Pamban Island of the state of Tamil Nadu in India. It is situated to the South-East of Pamban and is about 18 miles (29 km) west of Talaimannar in Sri Lanka. The town was destroyed during the 1964 Rameswaram cyclone and remains uninhabited in the aftermath.

Legend states that it is the place where Vibhishana, demon king Ravana's younger brother, joined hands with Lord Rama to defeat his evil sibling. It is also believed that after killing Ravana, Rama crowned Vibhishana as the next king of Lanka at this place. The story of pattabhishekam or Vibhishana's ascension to the king of Lanka is depicted in the shrine's interior wall paintings. The temple also enshrines statues of other Hindu deities, namely Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman along with Vibhishana.

A less known fact is that Dhanushkodi was almost washed away in the 1964 cyclone. Surprisingly, the temple's building remained intact while its complex was totally destroyed. In fact, it was the only structure to survive this disastrous cyclone in the entire region. Owing to its rich historical background, this temple remains a popular tourist attraction in the Dhanushkodi."

History

According to legends of Ramayana which is one of the most sacred Hindu texts, Dhanuskodi is the place where Lord Rama, Lord Lakshman along with Lord Hanuman and the vanara army had built a bridge to Lanka so as to rescue Goddess Sita who was in the captivity of demon Ravana. This bridge is known as Ram Setu. Later, after winning the war, Lord Rama had crowned Vibhishana, brother of Ravana, as the King of Lanka. Vibhishana later asked lord to destroy the Ram Setu. Upon his request Lord Rama broke the bridge with an end of his bow. This is the reason why the place has been named ad Dhanushkodi, which means ‘end of the bow’.

According to some experts, it has been proved that there was a bridge between Indian and Sri Lanka which lay submerged in the sea, which validates the story of Lord Rama and Hindu epic Ramayana. Many devotees visit this place to witness the land where the Lord is believed to have started his journey to Lanka. The famous Kodandarama Kovil temple is also located here, which signifies the start of Lord Rama travel to lanka for rescuing Goddess Sita.

It was in 1964 when a cyclone hit the holy town of Dhanushkodi, which was a popular pilgrimage. A passenger train with more than 100 passengers which was running on Dhanushkodi railway line from Pamban bridge was also hit, killing all the people on the train. A total of more than 1800 people had lost their lives in this cyclone. Entire town was washed away with just a few ruins left in the entire town. The high tidal waves also destroyed the Pambam town. After this natural calamity, Madras Government had announced this town as unfit for residing and thus this town has been declared as a ghost town. Presently only a few fishermen and their families stay in this town.

After the cyclone, only the temple was left unaffected. Once at Dhanuskodi, one can see only a few remains of the yesteryears. Apart the ruins of temple, visitors can see a water tank of the railway station and a church. People come here to explore the historical background of this place, to see the strong structure of temple that could withstand a devastating cyclone. Many devotees also come to the holy land of Dhanuskodi to seek lord’s blessings, to touch the land which has great legend behind it.

Gandhamadhana Parvatham,Rameshwaram

Rameswaram the island temple is one of the holiest shrines of india. It is worshipped in par with kasi. the old name of rameswaram was gandhamadhana parvatham.

Overview

Rameswaram the island temple is one of the holiest shrines of india. It is worshipped in par with kasi. the old name of rameswaram was gandhamadhana parvatham. This is considered to be the place where lord rama landed after extinguishing ravana. Rama in order to nullify all his sins of killing many people had to do pooja on lord shiva. for this they needed a lingam, so hanuman went to kasi to bring lingam. But before the arrival of hanuman sita devi fashioned out a linga of sand near the seabed.

This lingam was worshipped by rama and is the main deity in the temple. Hanuman came with two lingam so these were also placed in the temple. One is atma lingam in the main shrine other is viswanatha lingam kept in the left side of the main shrine. There is one special darshan called mani darshan which many people do not know. This is done in the early morning at five. There is a quartz lingam to which abhishekam is done at this time and the darshan is for only one hour. This darshan gives really an eternal experience. THE TEMPLE: The third tier of the temple corridor is world famous for its art work and sculptures. There is a Nataraja shrine in this corridor which is decorated fully with rudraksha and is called rudraksha mandapam. this place is the samadhi of saint patanjali. There is sethu madhava shrine which is in par with bindhu madhava in kasi.

There are 22 wells inside the temple. it is called theertham and each one has its own medicinal property. The first theertham is called agni theertham, which is the sea. The 22 theerthams are mahalaxmi, savithri, gayathri, saraswathi, sanku, chakram, sethu madhava, nala, neela, kavayam, kavaksham, kanthan, bhati, ganga, yamuna, gaya, sarva, siva, sathyamrutha, surya, chandra, and the last one is koti theertham( a mix of the abhisheka water).

History

Gandhamadhana Parvatam is located towards the north-west of Rameshwaram and is famous for its beautiful sunrise and sunset. It is a holy place for the pilgrims, who come to worship Lord Rama’s footprints, which can be seen within the premises of the shrine. The double storied Mandapam of the Ramjharoka Temple on this hillock houses the footprints of Lord Rama on the Chakra.

On their way to Gandhamadana Parvatam, tourists can visit Sugreevar Temple and Theertham. From this hilltop, pilgrims can view the entire island of Rameshwaram. This is the highest point in the island and is situated 3 km from the main Ramanathaswamy Temple. Tourists can hire taxi or take a tourist coach from the nearest city of Madurai to reach this point.

Five Faced Hanuman Temple,Rameshwaram

"This is a popular shrine in Rameswaram, located just a few kilometres away from the revered Ramanathaswamy Temple. It is dedicated to the Hindu deity Hanuman - the Monkey God."

Overview

Legend has it that this is the place where Lord Hanuman revealed His five-faced avatar. There are several interesting stories that explain the significance of this form of Lord Hanuman. According to one, the faces are representative of five gods, namely Hanuman, Narasimha, Adivaraha, Hayagriva and Garuda.

Inside the temple, devotees can see an idol of the deity covered in senthooram (vermillion). The shrine also houses statues of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, which were installed here in 1964. Outside the temple are exhibited the floating stones that were used to build the bridge called Sethu Bandanam across the sea, from Rameswaram to Lanka.

This sethu or bridge finds its mention in the Hindu epic Ramayana . It was through this bridge that Lord Rama went to Lanka to rescue His consort Goddess Sita from the demon king Ravana. Another major highlight of the temple is the movie shown here, which narrates the story of the Hindu deities Hanuman and Rama."

The Five Faced Hanuman Temple is located at a distance of about 2 km from Rameshwaram Temple and has an idol of Hanuman fully covered in Senthooram (vermillion. In 1964 after the cyclone of Danushkodi, idols of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita were brought from Dhanushkodi and placed in this temple. It is believed that the floating stone used for making the bridge across the sea to Lanka (Sri Lanka) is the same stone that is kept outside this temple floating in a water tank. These stones are oval in shape and have coarse texture with small craters.

History

The Five-Faced Hanuman Temple is highly famous in Rameshwaram, as this is the place, where Lord Hanuman revealed his five faces. These five faces were that of Lord Hanuman, Lord Adivaraha, Lord Narashima, Lord Hayagriva and Lord Garuda. It is believed that after revealing His secret, Hanuman was decorated with senthooram by the saints.

The temple is situated just 2 km from the main city temple and has a statue of Hanuman with senthooram. In 1964, the idols of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita were brought from Dhanushkodi and placed in this temple. It is believed that the floating stone used for constructing the stone bridge across the sea, lies outside this temple. This floating stone was used for building Sethu Bandanam, the bridge connecting India and Sri Lanka.

These stones are oval in shape and are covered with tiny craters, such as coral which stays afloat in water. In this temple, tourists can also watch the movie based on the story of how Hanuman helped Lord Rama to find his wife Sita. This movie also shows Hanuman flying in air to Lanka to find Goddess Sita.

Travellers can hire a taxi from the airport or board public bus from the major cities of Tamil Nadu to visit this holy temple in Rameshwaram.

Adam’s Bridge,Rameshwaram

Adam's Bridge, also known as Rama's Bridge or Rama Setu, is a chain of limestone shoals, between Pamban Island, also known as Rameswaram Island, off the south-eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, India.

Overview

Adam's Bridge, also known as Rama's Bridge or Rama Setu,is a chain of limestone shoals, between Pamban Island, also known as Rameswaram Island, off the south-eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, India, and Mannar Island, off the north-western coast of Sri Lanka. Geological evidence suggests that this bridge is a former land connection between India and Sri Lanka.

The bridge is 50 km (30 mi) long and separates the Gulf of Mannar (south-west) from the Palk Strait (northeast).Some of the sandbanks are dry and the sea in the area is very shallow, being only 1 to 10 metres (3 to 30 ft) deep in places, which hinders navigation.It was reportedly passable on foot up to the 15th century until storms deepened the channel: temple records seem to say that Adam's Bridge was completely above sea level until it broke in a cyclone in 1480.

The Indian Sanskrit epic Ramayana by Valmiki speaks of a bridge, Setubandhanam, a bridge over the ocean connecting India with Sri Lanka, the land of Ravana, the ruler of men and god. The epic attributes the building of the bridge to the ape army of Rama, who was assisting him in his war against Ravana to win back his wife, Sita. True to the legendary epic a bridge, man made or natural, did exist between Sri Lanka not so long ago, interconnecting Rameswaram Island, off the southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu, India, and Mannar Island, off the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Geological evidence suggests that this bridge is a former land connection between India and Sri Lanka, made with chain of limestone shoals surrounded by a shallow sea of one to 10 meter depth.

History

The bridge was first mentioned in the ancient Indian Sanskrit epic Ramayana of Valmiki.The name Rama's Bridge or Rama Setu refers to the bridge built by the Vanara (ape men) army of Rama in Hindu theology with instructions from Nala,which he used to reach Lanka and rescue his wife Sita from the Rakshasa king, Ravana.The Ramayana attributes the building of this bridge to Rama in verse 2-22-76, naming it as Setubandhanam, a name that persists until today.

The sea separating India and Sri Lanka is called Sethusamudram meaning "Sea of the Bridge". Maps prepared by a Dutch cartographer in 1747, available at the Thanjavur Saraswathi Mahal Library show this area as Ramancoil, a colloquial form of the Tamil Raman Kovil (or Rama's Temple).Another map of Mughal India prepared by J. Rennel in 1788 retrieved from the same library called this area as "the area of the Rama Temple", referring to the temple dedicated to Rama at Rameswaram.Many other maps in Schwartzberg's historical atlas and other sources such as travel texts by Marco Polo call this area by various names such as Sethubandha and Sethubandha Rameswaram.

The western world first encountered it in "historical works in the 9th century" by Ibn Khordadbeh in his Book of Roads and Kingdoms,referring to it is Set Bandhai or "Bridge of the Sea".Later, Alberuni described it. The earliest map that calls this area by the name Adam's bridge was prepared by a British cartographer in 1804.Some early Islamic sources refer to a mountain in Sri Lanka as Adam's Peak, where Adam supposedly fell to earth and describes Adam as crossing from Sri Lanka to India on what became known as Adam's Bridge.

Nambu Nayagiamman Temple,Rameshwaram

Nambu Nayaki Amman Temple is the most famous Temple In Rameswaram. As There are majority of people having ‘Nambu’ in their names (like Nambu Rajan, Nambu lakshmi, Nambu etc.,) in Rameswaram the name “Nambu” is so common and famous word around Rameswaram island.

Overview

Nambu nayaki amman is considered as the protecting goddess of the south direction. Before the 1964 storm Nambu nayagi amman temple is located in Dhanushkodi, Being that the whole Dhanushkodi city sank into the sea, and it is announced by Indian government as ghost town( Declared as Dangerous place for humans to reside ) Nambu Nayagi ambal statue from the shattered city shifted and kept in the place as it is being now. There is a Screw pine plantation grows in the sand pits near the Nambu Nayagi Amman Temple.

Those who don’t have children pray Nambu Nayagi Amman and tie a small cradle with baby Doll In the tree in this temple and worship her that “I will put your name if you blessed me with a child”. Many children in the Rameswaram island took birth after praying Nambu Nayaki , Hence the name Nambu is majority in Rameswaram.

People who are awaiting for marriage, those who have problems in their marriage or with their marriage, those who have troubles in their life worship and pray and perform fasting on Nambu nayaki amman to remove their problems and troubles. Those who suffering from depressed mind or having mental illusions stay in this temple , and take a bath in the theertham for cure. It is believed that theertham in this temple possess medicinal properties. Turmeric is provided as prashadham in this Temple.

Nambu Nayagiamman Temple is located at a distance of 8 km from the Ramanathaswamy Temple. This 14th century temple is situated in the Ramnad District and is managed by the locals in the area. Nambu Nayaki Amman Temple is the most famous Temple in Rameswaram. As there are majority of people having ‘Nambu’ in their names (like Nambu Rajan, Nambu Lakshmi, Nambu etc.,) in Rameswaram the name “Nambu” is so common and famous word around Rameswaram Island.

The Nambu Nayagiamman Temple in Rameshwaram is devoted to the Goddess Dakshina Kali. She is worshipped in this place by a horde of humble devotees who come here to seek blessings for good health and in anticipation of seeking children. This south Indian religious site in Rameshwaram is very popular and has deep rooted beliefs among its followers. It is believed that the deity appeared in front of the two sages namely Dakshina Duruvan and Pachima Duruvan in the form of Dakshina Kali. Further the rishis help people who seek the cure to the Nambu Nayagi Amman. As an attraction in Rameshwaram, this temple is blessed with the sightings of Mother Goddess, revered by the devotees.

History

Nambu Nayagiamman Temple is located at a distance of 8 km from the Ramanathaswamy Temple. It lies on the way to Dhanushkodi and is dedicated to Lord Rama. This 14th century temple is situated in the Ramnad District and is managed by the locals in the area.

The temple is credited for its gigantic bells, which are tied at the temple entrance, and huge gardens that add to its beauty and simplicity. In addition, there is an open shrine that allows sunlight to enter the complex. This shrine was built by the residents of the Ramnad village for worshipping Lord Rama.

Long ago, there were two sages named Dakshina Duruvan and Pachima Duruvan performed intense penance near the Nambu Nayagi Temple, By pleased by their deep worship Mother Parvadhavardini appeared before them and graced them . Since then, the sages continued to stay in the place and began treating those suffering from diseases. It is still believed that the rishis are helping people those who asking for the cure to Nambu Nayagi Amman.

Ariyaman Beach,Rameshwaram

Ariyaman beach alias Kushi beach is situated in Palk-Bay it is nearly 27 kilometers from Rameswaram, The beach measures 150 meters wide and about 2 Kilometers long. I swear that If you plan for a picnic , this spot is perfect destination. Gentle waves, and the clean environment of this beach attracts lots of people, not only tourists and travelers, but also the Rameswaram, and Ramanathapuram locales.

Overview

Ariyaman beach is located at a distance of twenty seven kilometres from Rameshwaram alongside the Palk Bay and is often recognised as the Kushi beach. Spread over a stretch of two kilometres, this place is a must visit for people interested in experiencing exquisite scenic beauty. What makes it different from the other popular beaches is that it isn’t exploited yet. There isn’t much crowd here so you get to spend some quality time amidst the magnificence of nature in its raw form. With tranquil waters and lucid sky meeting on one side and a range of Casuarina trees providing blissful shade on the other, this beach makes an awe-inspiring place which is not ought to be missed while stopping over at Rameshwaram for whatsoever reason.

Ariyaman Beach is situated on the side of the Palk Bay in the Ramanathapuram District. The Ariyaman Beach also features children's park, watch tower and water-based attractions like wind surfing and water scooters. Tourists can also visit the aquarium and museum near the beach. This clean beach features large casuarina trees that provide shade for rest or picnic.

Located on the side of Palk Bay in the district of Ramanathapuram is the beautiful Ariyaman Beach, which is ideal for picnics and short day trips. This beach is counted among the serene beaches in the state of Tamil Nadu. Dotted with tall casuarina trees, the beach has a children's park and a watchtower.

This beautiful beach has a lot to offer to adventure and water-sports enthusiasts. They can enjoy activities like windsurfing, boating, parasailing and much more at the beach.

History

Ariyaman Beach is situated on the side of the Palk Bay in the Ramanathapuram District. The Ariyaman Beach also features children's park, watch tower and water-based attractions like wind surfing and water scooters. Tourists can also visit the aquarium and museum near the beach. This clean beach features large casuarina trees that provide shade for rest or picnic.

The beach is located at a distance of 27 km from the city and measures around 150 metres in width. It extends to a stretch of 2 km and offer boating facility and much more to tourists. Parasailing is a famous activity at this beach, which is done using a parachute. This parachute takes the adventurers 200 metres above the water level and is controlled by a moving boat.

There are numerous dormitories and cottages available near this beach that offer accommodation to tourists at reasonable prices. An estimation done by the Tourism Department shows that nearly 5000 local people visit this beach on weekends and on festivals.

In addition to this, approximately 500 people visit the place on weekdays. Huge crowd arrives at this Ariyaman Beach during Christmas Day, New Year Day and Bakrid festival.

Kothandaramaswamy Temple,Rameshwaram

The Kothandaramaswamy Temple at Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu is a shrine dedicated to the Hindu deity Rama. Located at a distance of 13 kilometres from Rameswaram, it forms the southernmost tip of the island.

Overview

The Kothandaramaswamy Temple at Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu is a shrine dedicated to the Hindu deity Rama. Located at a distance of 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) from Rameswaram, it forms the southernmost tip of the island.The temple is the only historical structure to survive the 1964 cyclone that washed away Dhanushkodi. The temple has the deities of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Hanuman and Vibhishana. The temple is surrounded by sea and remains a tourist attraction. It is easily accessible from Rameswaram.

The Kothandaramaswamy Temple at Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu is a shrine dedicated to the Hindu deity Rama. Located at a distance of 13 kilometres from Rameswaram, it forms the southernmost tip of the island.The temple is the only historical structure to survive the 1964 cyclone that washed away Dhanushkodi. The temple has the deities of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Hanuman and Vibhishana. The temple is surrounded by sea and remains a tourist attraction. It is easily accessible from Rameswaram.

The Kothandaramaswamy Temple at Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu is a shrine dedicated to the Hindu deity Rama. Located at a distance of 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) from Rameswaram, it forms the southernmost tip of the island. The temple is the only historical structure to survive the 1964 cyclone that washed away Dhanushkodi. The temple has the deities of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Hanuman and Vibhishana.

History

Kothandaramaswamy Temple is situated at a distance of 12 km from the main city. The temple complex was damaged during the cyclone of 1964, but the temple structure remained intact. It is believed that Ravana’s brother Vibishana joined Lord Rama’s army at this place.

The walls of the temple have beautiful paintings inscribed on them, depicting the story of Ramayana. Kothandaramaswamy Temple has several images of Lord Rama, wife Sita, brother Lakshmana, Hanuman and Vibishana.

Athi Maram is one of the oldest trees located in the temple and there is a temple tank named after sage Bhringhi. The temple Gopuram looks odd to many Shaivites as its structure is similar in shape to that of the Dakshinamoorthi Temple, a Vaishnavite temple tower. The place nearby this temple is called as Nandavanam or Nandambakkam, where Lord Rama lived for few days at sage Bhringhi’s ashram.

This temple is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal Ocean and lies at the southernmost tip of India. Tourists can take taxi from the city centre to reach the Kothandaramaswamy Temple. It is preferable to visit the temple in the early morning, as over this, is the time when the temple gets crowded. Moreover, tourists can stay in the rooms available within the temple for pilgrims.