|
 Rameswaram, hailed as the Varanasi of the South, is an island in the Palk Straits. Legend has it that Sri Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here after his victory over the demon king
Ravana. Even today anyone visiting Varanasi or Kasi, has to complete his pilgrimage by a visit to
Rameswaram. The temple town has been in the news of late because its illustrious son Sri APJ Abdul Kalam has recounted it fondly in his memoirs called "Wings of Fire". |
General Information
Area 51.8 sq.km
Population 32,660 (1991 census)
Temperature Max Min
Summer 48C 46C
Winter
30C 25C
Rainfall 50 cms average
Recommended clothing Cotton wear
Season Throughout the year
Languages spoken Tamil and English
STD code 04573
|
|
The Ramanathaswamy temple at Rameswaram is a grand testimony to the temple architecture in the country. Its long stone corridors are famous the world over for their fine sculptures. It is also a major marine food centre in the South. The nearest airport is in Madurai from where it is 173 kms by road.Indian
Airlines connects Madurai with Chennai, Tiruchi and Bangalore. By rail and by road Rameswaram is connected with all major cities like
Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tiruchi and Thanjavur. Besides city bus service, taxi, auto rickshaw, cycle rickshaw and horse-carts are available.
In the shops around the temple, exquisite hand made souvenirs made of
shells, conches and beads are available.
Places of Tourist Interest:
Ramanathaswamy Temple: is close to the sea on the eastern side of the island. It is renowned for its magnificent corridors with massive sculptured pillars. The temple has a tower
(Gopuram) 38. metres high. The temple as it stands today was built by different rulers at different periods from the 12th Centurary A.D. onwards.
Agnitheertham: The sea, about 100 metres from the main entrance on the east of the temple, is very calm and therefore ideal for bathing. The water at this place is considered scared and known as 'Agnitheertham'.
 The Gandamadanaparavtham (Hillocks 3 km): It is situated on the highest point in the island. Here, the imprint of Lord Rama's feet
(paadam) is placed on a chakra.
Dhanushkodi (18 km): The southern most tip of the island Dhanuskodi was hit by the 1964 cyclone, yet the Kothandarmaswamy temple survived. It contains idols of
Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman and Vibishana. It can be reached by road from
Rameswaram.
Excursions:
Kurusudai island (23 km): This and a number of other islands are situated to the west of the Pamban bridge. It is a paradise for biologists and is now declared as a national marine eco
centre.
|
Ramanathapuram (55km): Apart from being the district headquarters, this is an ancient town from where the Sethupathis ruled their territory. The Ramalinga Vilasam Palace with a good collection of paintings, and the tomb of Thayumana
Swamigal, a philosopher-saint, are worth visiting. Mandapam (18 km) connects Rameswaram with the mainland. A ride to Kurursadai Island can be arranged from here.
Tirupullani (64km): Also called as
Dharbasayanam, the presiding deity here is Lord Adi Jaganatha perumal, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. Sethukarai (68km), Devipattniam (70km), Uppoor (85 km) are other nearby places with temples. Uthirakosamangai (72km) is an ancient Saivaite pilgrimage
centre. The deity here is carved out of Emerald. The annual 'Arudhra' festival in December is a popular one.
Erwadi (80km): The 800-year-old tomb of Sultan Ibrahim Syed Aulia who came from Arabia via Cannanore is situated here. Pilgrims from different states and countries like Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore always visit this place. The
'sandanakoodu' festival is in honour of this Muslim saint and takes place in December every year.
 Kanchirankulam (105km) is a water bird sanctuary.
Season runs from November to February. Valinokkam (90km) is a seaside resort.
The other places of worship in Rameswaram are:
St. Joseph Church - Verkodu,
St. Santhiyagu Church - Olaikuda
St. Anthony - Karaiyur ; C.S.I Church
Abul Khapul Dharga.
|
