Popular places in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

Rameshwaram is a city in India located at the southernmost tip of Tamil Nadu, on the island of Pamban facing Sri Lanka. This city is famous for its Hindu temple called Ramanathaswamy, a significant place of pilgrimage for both Vishnuites and Shaivites and the Smarta tradition. It is a famous tourist destination, which is very popular due to its ancient temples and rich beauty. According to Hindu mythology, Rameshwaram is where Lord Rama built a bridge across the sea to save his wife Sita from Ravana. This bridge was between Rameshwaram and Sri Lanka. It is also known as the place where Lord Rama worshiped Lord Shiva to absolve him of the sin of killing Ravana. It is one of India's most famous pilgrimage places and one of the most popular places in Tamil Nadu. So, let's start our journey to popular places in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu.

Why is Rameswaram famous for?

Rameswaram is a quiet town and part of the enchanting Pavan Island. According to legends, Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, built a bridge from here to Sri Lanka to save his wife Sita from the clutches of Ravana. Rameshwar means Lord Rama, and the place is named after Lord Rama. The famous Ramanathaswamy temple located here is dedicated to Lord Rama. It is also believed that Rameshwaram is where Lord Rama decided to atone for all his sins. Here, Lord Rama wanted to build a big Shivling, and for this, he asked Hanuman to bring the Linga from the Himalayas. It is believed that the idol in Sri Ramanathaswamy temple is the same. Rameshwaram has an important place in the history of India, which is also connected by trade with other countries. Rameshwaram is a stop-gap point for those who travel from Sri Lanka to Ceylon. The Jaffna Kingdom has been in control of the city, and the royal house of Jaffna is considered the patron of Rameshwaram. The Khijali dynasty of Delhi is also associated with the history of Rameshwaram. The generals of Alauddin Khijli's army had come to this city, and even the army of Pandyans could not stop them. The general had the Aaliya-al-Din Khaldiji mosque built at Rameshwaram on his arrival. In the 16th century, Rameshwaram was occupied by the British East India Company. The local color can be easily seen in the architecture of Rameshwaram buildings even today. Tourist Places in and around Rameshwaram is home to many temples dedicated to Lord Rama and Lord Shiva. A large number of pilgrims come here. Every year people of the Hindu religion from every corner of the country and the world worship here to get salvation. They must come here once in their life. Rameshwaram has 64 shrines or sources of holy water, out of which 24 are considered very important. It is believed that if all the sins of a person's life are washed away, then he finds the way to salvation. No other pilgrimage place in the Indian tradition has attained such a meaningful status. Taking a bath in these 24 pools of Rameshwaram is considered an ascetic in itself. Many such religious places in Rameshwaram have great importance in Hinduism. The 24 Tirthas or Kunds here are the most famous.
Other reasons

• It is famous for its corridors, one of which is the longest globally.
• The Indira Gandhi Bridge, one of the longest in India, connects the island to the mainland.
• Danushkodi and the "end of the world" point opposite Sri Lanka. A hurricane in 1964 destroyed the village, which was not rebuilt. We see, among the dunes, the ruins of a church, a school, and an abandoned railway line, the temple of the locality is the only building still intact.
• The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is made up of a string of islands and coral reefs running along the coast of the Gulf of Mannar and the pearl-fishing coast of Mandapam to Thoothukudi. Glass bottom boats ferry tourists for a crossing between some islands and reefs around Rameshwaram Island.
• Rameswaram has a vigorous fishing activity.
• The city is the victim of recurring problems due to flies, the proliferation of which can make outings impossible.
• To this city in southern India, the hero of the film Chennai Express, Rahul, must go to scatter his grandfather's ashes.

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Lord Rama installed the Shivalinga in the Rameshwaram temple. But, over the centuries, the construction was led by several rulers. There are two lingams inside the temple- Ramalingam and Shivalinga. It is very few temples in India to have been built in the Dravidian style of architecture. The major festival celebrated at Ramanathaswamy Temple is Maha Shivaratri, which is a 10-day festival and takes place in February-March. Lord Shiva married Parvati and saved the world from darkness on this day. This is a popular place in the city, and you must also include it in the list of most selected places to visit in Rameswaram.

Ramanathaswami: the only Jyotirlingam in Tamil Nadu

In the town of Rameshwaram, located on the island of Pamban, everything breathes history because this place is one of the main places where the events of the Ramayana unfolded. From here, Prince Rama went to Sri Lanka with an army and returned here with a victory. It is noteworthy that the city's central temple, despite its specifics, is not a Vaishnava but a Shaivite Ramanathaswami Temple. The fact is that Rama worshiped Shiva here, and with his help, not even one but two places of worship for Mahadev appeared in Rameshwaram. But first things first.

Construction of the Rameshwara Temple

The Ramanathaswami Temple is a legendary and very original building in the best traditions of Dravidian architecture. It stands out among its analogs with beautifully painted corridors 1219 meters long. Corridors of this length are not found anywhere else in India. Corridor ceilings and columns are masterpieces of local craftsmanship. At the entrance to the temple rises a 54-meter tower.

Rameshwaram Temple Corridors

The main deity of the Rameshvara temple is the self-manifested Shiva-linga, considered the only Jyotirlingma in Tamil Nadu and the southernmost of the lingams of light in India. Its origin is fascinating. Rama, who returned to India after the war in Sri Lanka, had to perform puja in honor of Shiva to eliminate the sin of killing the Brahmin Ravana. But he did not have a lingam to worship. Then the wife of Rama - Sita - fashioned a lingam from the sand with her own hands. Sita's Lingam was perfect and perfect for the ritual. Shiva entered it and stayed in this place forever. Linga began to be called Ramalingaswamy.

Worship of Rama

The second most important shrine of the temple, located on its territory, is the Lingam brought by Hanuman from Kailash. Before Sita made a sand lingam, Rama asked Hanuman to bring a lingam from Varanasi. While Hanuman was fulfilling the order, astrologers indicated the most favorable time for the puja, and there was no time to wait for Hanuman. Then the puja was performed with a lingma made of sand. And upon the return of Hanuman, Rama promised that the stone brought by the monkey god would be the first one that pilgrims would worship in this place. This sequence continues to this day. Also in the temple are the shrines of Hanuman, Krishna, Ganesha, and Subramanya. Separately built the temple of Parvati. And the most important thing! The Ramanathaswami temple has 22 wells with different tastes and textures of water. According to all the rules, Pilgrims who visit the temple must douse themselves with water from each well, following a strict sequence. It is obligatory to complete the circle in the sea on the city's main ghat. It is considered the 23rd tirtha, a must-see in Rameshwaram.

Embankment of Rameshwaram

Near the temple, you can find substantial colorful chariots used for festive rides of deities through the city's streets.
Features of visiting the main temple of Rameshwaram

• At the entrance to the temple, some locals offer a tour and the help of a guide through the territory. Walking with them will not be free, but they can show you many exciting things. At the same time, it is also possible to do without their help if you follow a group of Indian pilgrims or if you follow the signs in the temple.
• Filming is prohibited on the temple territory. Security takes away cameras and phones.
• Inside, you will have to bathe in all tirthas in order. It is worth planning your outfit, considering that you will get wet during the entire visit to the temple.
• Rameshwaram is considered southern Varanasi. The pilgrimage to Benares will not be completed if one does not reach Rameshwaram with water from the Ganges taken there and does not perform the abhisheka of Shri Ramanatha's shiva lingam in his sanctuary.

Other most famous places to visit in Rameshwaram

Rameswaram is the most visit destination in India. Ithad been a significant attraction in India and the world from the religious and spiritual points of view. Tourists can also see beautiful beaches and lush green forests with temples. Also, the major attractions here are Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, Agnitheertham, Gandhamadhan Parvatham, Dhanushkodi, Kothandaraswamy Temple, and Ervadi, which are considered to be the most popular places to visit in Rameswaram.

Sea World Aquarium

Sea World Aquarium is a popular, unmissable attraction located opposite Rameswaram Bus Stand. This is a famous wake with a splendid collection from the world of the sea. Many aquatic species thrive in the oceans, such as sharks, rabbit fish, lobsters, and octopuses. They also sell conch shell items that tourists can buy as memorabilia. The place has a fantastic collection of marine species, making it one of the important places to indulge in Rameshwaram tourist places before planning your next trip. An aquarium is a fun place that is very impressive and interesting. Kids enjoy it here, but adults also enjoy watching the aquatic beauty. That's why Sea World Aquarium in Rameshwaram comes highly recommended.

See the mysterious ghost town of Dhanushkodi.

In 1964, a cyclone hit the booming market town of Dhanushkodi, near Rameshwaram, at about 280 kilometers per hour, wiping out most of it and a passenger train. It is estimated that close to 2,000 people died in the storm. The city, which sits on a thin strip of land jutting into Sri Lanka, was submerged under meters of seawater. All that remains are the fragmented, windswept remains of a few buildings, such as the church, post office, and train station. There are also train tracks under the sand—the rail line terminated at a pier at Dhanushkodi, where Sri Lanka was connected by ferry.

Kalam National Memorial

Kalam National Memorial was built in honor of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, India's great leader, and an eminent scientist. This great personality always shows simplicity, serenity, and depth, excellently displayed in his memorial. The monument has a beautiful blend of Mughal and Indian architecture with components sourced from different parts of the country, making it a valid symbol of national unity. It is associated with Abdul Kalami's love and admiration for all aspects of Indian culture. The memorial houses an impressive collection of Shri Abdul Kalam, including replicas of missiles and information about Pokhran nuclear tests and rockets. This grand monument was commissioned by the Defense Research and Development Organization in 2015. It is one of the essential Rameshwaram tourist places to visit in Rameshwaram and attracts tourists to see the diversity of India.

Freshwater pond

It is located in the middle of the seawater, and it is one of the 64 sacred 'tirths' of Rameswaram. The legend says that Ram, to quench Sita's thirst, shot an arrow in a place, and from there, sweet water began to flow. Pilgrims coming to Rameswaram make it a point to have a handful of sweet water from Viluandi Tirth.

Ariyaman Beach

Ariaman Beach has an astonishing width and length of about 150 meters and 2 kilometers. Owing to the gentle waves and utmost cleanliness, this beach is perfect for a picnic with friends or family. This place features in the list of top 10 places to visit in Rameswaram. Ariaman Beach is a long stretch of pristine white sand beach famous for its natural beauty. Clearwater and gentle waves create a unique environment for tourists. Ariaman Beach has ample facilities for boating, swimming, and water sports.

Stand on the edge of India.

It is the border between India and Sri Lanka. Since the distance between the two countries is only 18 nautical miles, it does not meet international laws for a feasible borderline. Hence, governments decided on an imaginary one. A chain of limestone banks, known as Adam's Bridge, stretches to the Sri Lankan coast.

Kunthu Kal Beach

Kunthu Kal Beach is located on Pamban Island in the Indian Ocean. A feast for the serene beach lovers. This beach is considered the paradise of Tamil Nadu and is one of the tourist places of Rameswaram. The picturesque place of turquoise water and sand shimmering with coconut trees attracts tourists every year. The beach is also a rich source of medicinal herbs in the region. The beautiful place of turquoise water, serenity, and mesmerizing natural gaiety attracts tourists every year. Whether you are looking for anything – watersports, romance, leisure, or outright bliss, the beach is the perfect place. Kunthu Kal Beach is famous for its spectacular views and peaceful surroundings.

Pamban Bridge

From saint Tirth, you can go to Pamban Bridge, an engineering marvel. The view of the train passing over the long bridge with the backdrop of the sunset is simply amazing. Pamban Island is linked to the Indian mainland by two notable bridges. One is the Pamban Railway Bridge, the oldest sea bridge in India. It was completed in 1914. The other is the Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge, which opened in 1988 and ran parallel to the railway bridge. Spanning 2.35 kilometers, it is the second-longest sea bridge in India. A train ride over the railway bridge is exhilarating; as it is pretty close to the sea, so low that the central part of the bridge opens up to allow ships to pass.

Best time to visit Rameswaram

October to April is the best time to visit in Rameswaram. Here we are going to give you complete information about Tamil Nadu tourism. Monsoon is humid with average rainfall, but the scenic view of the coastal region is pleasant during these months.

Conclusions

Rameswaram is a very ancient and huge sacred temple. It is considered one of the Char Dhams to see the conch-shaped island surrounded by the ocean and the Bay of Bengal. Rameshwaram is the land of unique darshan to the devotees eager to visit lakhs of tourists. Rameshwaram has ample places to visit. Other beaches are the main point to attract the attention of a traveler who visits India at least once a year. You will love to visit this fantastic place. The beauty of this unique small town removes all the fatigue even after a journey to a popular place in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu. There is no shortage of beaches, temples, and bridges.