Rameshwaram
is the sacred island, situated in the Gulf of Munnar at the very tip of
Indian peninsula. This island is severed from the Indian mainland by
Pamban Channel. The sea swept island is revered as the 'Benaras of the
South'. According to legends and Hindu scriptures, Rameshwaram was the
place from where Lord Rama built a bridge across the sea to Lanka to
rescue his consort Sita, from the clutches of Ravana.
In the Hindu mythology it is believed that one who visits Rameshwaram
attains Moksha. As one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India, Rameshwaram
has the Linga of Sri Ranganatha as the presiding deity.
Spread out in an area of 61.8 square kilometers, the island is in the
shape of a conch. The Ramanatha Swamy Temple occupies major area of
Rameshwaram. An epitome of Dravidian architecture, the temple boasts of
the largest temple corridor in India. The temple was built over a time
by a number of rulers beginning 12th century. The temple has 22 wells,
all having waters with medicinal properties.
Besides being a hot pilgrim spot, Rameshwaram is also a booming holiday
spot and a terrific tourist destination. You could laze around in
Dhanushkodi beach. Adam's bridge runs through the Ocean with chain of
reefs, sandbanks and islets that almost connects Sri Lanka with India.
With wide beaches and surging Ocean, Rameshwaram offers a great tourist
destination one ever craved for.