Exploring the Enchanting Rameshwaram: A Guide to the Temple, Hotels, and Tourist Places
Rameshwaram, situated in the southernmost state of Tamil Nadu in India, is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The city is known not only for its religious significance but also for its rich history and cultural heritage. This article will cover the historical background of the Rameshwaram Temple, accommodation options in Rameshwaram, popular tourist spots to visit, and guidance on how to travel from Kanyakumari to Rameshwaram.
History of Rameshwaram Temple
Rameshwaram Temple, also known as Ramanathaswamy, is devoted to Lord Shiva and is recognized as one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples in India. As per the Hindu epic Ramayana, it is believed that Lord Rama, the revered protagonist, had visited the temple and offered prayers to Lord Shiva. The legendary hero and his wife, Sita, worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple to seek his blessings before beginning their war against the demon king Ravana. It is said that Lord Rama built this temple. The temple complex is over 15 acres, characterized by intricate carvings, imposing gopurams (tower gateways), and a sacred water tank known as Agni Theertham. The temple remains accessible daily from 5 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 9 PM.
Hotels in Rameshwaram
Rameshwaram attracts many tourists and pilgrims throughout the year; thus, the city has plenty of accommodation options. From budget-friendly lodges to luxury resorts, Rameshwaram has something for everyone. Some of the popular hotels in Rameshwaram are:
- Hyatt Place Rameswaram
- Daiwik Hotels Rameswaram
- Hotel Brindavan Residency
- Hotel Royal Park
- Hotel MCM Towers
Tourist Places to Visit in Rameshwaram
Apart from the Rameshwaram Temple, several other places to visit in Rameshwaram offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture. Some of the popular tourist places in Rameshwaram are:
Dhanushkodi BeachÂ
Dhanushkodi Beach, situated at the tip of Rameshwaram Island, is known for its scenic beauty and is an ideal spot for nature lovers. The beach is also home to the ruins of the old Dhanushkodi town, which was destroyed in a cyclone in 1964.
Pamban Bridge
Pamban Bridge, also known as Annai Indira Gandhi Bridge, is an engineering marvel that connects Rameshwaram Island to the mainland. The Bridge is 6.5 kilometres long and is considered the second-longest sea bridge in India.
Kothandaramaswamy Temple
Kothandaramaswamy Temple, situated on the outskirts of Rameshwaram, is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple holds immense religious and historical value as it is believed to have been constructed by Lord Rama.
Agni Theertham
Agni Theertham, located just outside the Rameshwaram Temple, is a sacred water tank where devotees take a dip before entering the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Adam’s Bridge
Adam’s Bridge, also known as Rama Setu, is a limestone shoal chain connecting Rameshwaram Island to Sri Lanka. According to Hindu mythology, this Bridge was built by Lord Rama to rescue his apostle Hanuman who had gone to Sri Lanka to rescue Sita.
Gandhamadhana Parvatham
Gandhamadhana Parvatham is a small hillock located in Rameshwaram. It is believed to be the spot where Lord Rama had installed the idol of Lord Hanuman before commencing his journey to Sri Lanka.
Rama Tirtha
Rama Tirtha, located on the outskirts of Rameshwaram, is a sacred pond where Lord Rama is believed to have taken a dip before proceeding to Sri Lanka to rescue Sita.
Jada Tirtham
Jada Tirtham, located just outside the Rameshwaram Temple, is a sacred pond where Lord Rama is believed to have washed his hair (Jada) before worshipping Lord Shiva.
Villoondi Tirtham
Villoondi Tirtham, located 7 kilometres from Rameshwaram, is a sacred pond where Lord Rama is believed to have quenched his thirst by piercing an arrow into the ground.
Ariyaman Beach
Ariyaman Beach, located 27 kilometres from Rameshwaram, is popular with beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Pristine waters and golden sands characterize the beach.
Rameshwaram to Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari, situated at the southernmost tip of India, is another popular tourist destination easily accessible from Rameshwaram. The distance between Rameshwaram and Kanyakumari is approximately 320 kilometres, and the journey can be covered by road or rail. Several trains and buses operate between Rameshwaram and Kanyakumari, making it a convenient and affordable mode of transportation.
Rameshwaram Temple Open
The Rameshwaram Temple is open daily from 5 AM to 1 PM and from 3 PM to 9 PM. However, certain restrictions are in place due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors must wear masks and adhere to social distancing guidelines inside the temple premises. The temple authorities have also implemented several measures to ensure the safety of visitors, such as regular sanitization and temperature checks.
Conclusion
With its rich history and cultural heritage, Rameshwaram is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Tamil Nadu. The city offers a spiritual experience and a chance to explore some of the region’s most beautiful beaches and historical landmarks. From the Rameshwaram Temple to Dhanushkodi Beach, there is something for everyone in this enchanting city.
