India >> South Zone >> Tamil Nadu >> Rameswaram
About Rameswaram Rameswaram, the Temple City, is situated in the Ramanathapuram District of Tamilnadu State. It is an island of 31 miles length and 7 miles width in the shape of Vishnups Conch. It is a pilgrimage center of nationwide importance, as Rama is said to have worshipped Shiva here on his way back from Sri Lanka. The deity here constitutes one of the 12 Jyotirlingams of India. Both the Vaishnavites and Shaivites visit this pilgrimage, as it is considered Varanasi of south.
| Area: | 51.8 sq. kms
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| Best Time to Visit: | Throughout the year, but preferably October to March
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| Climate: | Hot and humid weather through out the year.
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| Main Languages: | Tamil-Local language and English
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| Population: | Approx. 50,000
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| Temperature: | Summer - Max: 37oC Min: 30oC
Winter - Max: 30oC Min: 25oC
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Other Attractions In & Around
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Dhanushkodi
(18 kms.): Named after Rama's bow, this is 18 kms from the city. It is believed that the boulders around the sea between Srilanka and this place known as Adam's bridge were used by Hanuman to reach across Srilanka. Dhanushkodi was completely destroyed by the cyclones of 1964 but Kothandaramaswamy temple remained intact.
A leisurely drive along the Dhanushkodi road is a pleasant experience. The clear sea, backwater edged with waving bulrushes, surrounds the road. Stretches of virtually untouched beach sparkle in the fading light and it is from here that one gets spectacular view of the sunset. Towards the end of the road a few transient settlements of fishermen can be seen in the fishing season.. The name - Dhanushkodi : Rameswaram, a 61.8 square kilometers island in the Palk Straits is in the shape of a conch (one of the two objects in Lord Vishnu’s hands) with the main body of the island given over to the majestic Ramanathswamy temple and other smaller temples. The tapered end is a sandy causeway to Dhanushkodi, so named after Lord Rama’s dhanush or bow.
It is believed that the legendary ‘Sethu’ or bridge to Sri Lanka was built from this point by Lord Rama’s monkey forces. Legend has it that it was here that Vibhishana - brother of Ravana, surrendered to Lord Rama and apologized for the abduction of Sita. Beautiful images of Rama, Sita Lakshmana, a triumphant Hanuman and an apologetic Vibhishana stand inside the temple.
The only surviving relic of the past is the Kothandaramaswamy temple, which still contains the icons of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman and Vibhishana. Pilgrimage to this holy place is considered complete only after a bath in Dhanushkodi.
It can be reached by road from Rameswaram. TOP
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Kurusadai islands
Apart from pilgrims, Rameswaram is of great interest to marine biologists for; in the waters surrounding the island are beautiful coral reefs. These islands on the west of the Pamban Bridge are an ideal place to explore the sea.
20 kms away, these islands lie between the mainland and the Reefs and can be reached via Mandapam. Completely surrounded by a chain of coral reefs, the shallow waters sustain a remarkable variety of marine life - Starfish, Algae, Sea cucumbers, Crabs, Sponges and many more.
There is a famous shrine of Raja Rajeswari Amman about 35 kms from Ramnathapuram built inside a palace. The Gulf of Mannar has been declared as a Bio-sphere Reserve that is being developed as an ecologically sensitive area.. Location : 20 kms away, these islands lie between the mainland and the Reefs. TOP
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