Meaning Of Rameshwaram
Rameswaram means “Lord of Rama” in Sanskrit, an epithet of Shiva, the presiding deity of the Ramanathaswamy Temple.
Location Of Rameshwaram
Rameswaram is considered to be one of the holiest places in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is on Pamban Island separated from mainland India by the Pamban channel and is about 40 kilometers from Mannar Island, Sri Lanka.
Places To Visit In Rameshwaram
1. Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple: Ramanathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva located on Rameswaram island. It is also one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples. It is one of the most important Dham in Char Dham Yatra.
2. Agni Teertham: The beach east of Ramanathaswamy Temple is known by the name of Agni teertham. This Tirtham is one of the most visited Tirthams of Rameswaram for a holy bath.
3. 22 Teerthams Or Holy Tanks/Wells: Start bathing from Agni Teertham at the sea situated near the temple. All the 22 wells are freshwater wells and are hardly saline. The 22 tanks are Siva Theertham, Mahalakshmi Theertham, Gayathri Theertham, Sanku Theertham, Saraswathi Theertham, Sethu Madhava Theertham, Kavatcha Theertham, Gandhamadana Theertham, Gavaya Theertham, Nala Theertham, Neela Theertham, Chakkara Theertham, Brahmahathi Vimochana Theertham, Savithri Theertham, Sooriya Theertham, Chandra Theertham, Ganga Theertham, Yamuna Theertham, Gaya Theertham, Sadyamirtha Theertham, Sarva Theertham, and Kodi Theertham.
4. Rameshwaram Mani Darshan: Mani Darshan is the first thing in the early morning at the main temple. The timing for darshan starts from 4 am to 6 am. This Mani is made of “Spatikam”. Spatik is a precious stone and it is in form of the Holy Shivling. It is said that this Mani is of Sheshnag.
5. Badrakaliamman Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Durga, Badrakaliamman Temple is located just 2 km away from SriRamanathaswamy temple. The idol of the main deity has been made from gold. The tower at the temple, which is studded with gold also mesmerizes visitors.
6. Gandamadana Parvatham Or Rama theertham: There is a Rama temple situated in front of the Ramar theertham, here Lord Ram blesses his devotees with Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman. This shrine has the marks of Lord Rama’s feet on a chakra when he has gone there to search for Goddess Sita who was abducted by the demon Ravana.
7. Sita Theertham: This is theerth of Goddess Sita. It is believed that Sita took bath in this theertham after returning from Sri Lanka and took a rest nearby.
8. Lakshmana Theertham: Lakshmana Theertham is located by the side of the temple dedicated to Lord Lakshmana. This temple, which has been built in the Dravidian style of architecture, has an attractive structure with a carved pillar depicting statues of deities and instances from Ramayana.
9. Sri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir & Floating Stones: Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple, the five-faced Hanuman Temple, is situated at a distance of 2 km from Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is said that Lord had revealed his five faces here, hence the idol of Hanuman is depicted with five faces which are of Lord Hanuman in the middle along with the faces of Lord Narasimha, Lord Adivaraha, Lord Garuda, and Lord Hayagriva on the sides.
Another major attraction of this temple is the ‘floating stones’ that have been kept at the temple for the devotees to see. These floating stones were used for building the floating bridge named Sethu Bandhanam, from Rameshwaram to Lanka.
10. Sugreevar Theertham: This temple is dedicated to Sugreeva, who was the monkey King who had played an important role in Lord Rama’s war against the demon Ravana after he had kidnapped Goddess Sita.
11. Jatayu Tirtham: When the demon Ravana had kidnapped Goddess Sita, Jatayu had helped Lord Rama by fighting the demon. During the fight, Jatayu’s wings were slashed because of which it fell to the down and died. Afterward, Lord Rama had buried the Jatayu body at the place where a temple stands now dedicated to Jatayu.
12. Jada Tirtham: Sri Ram is believed to have washed his long hair which is known as jada/jata in Hindi and Sanskrit language. By taking bath in Jada tirtham people will not get affected by poverty and sins.
13. Villoondi Theertham: It is located on a beautiful beach. It consists of a sacred well and a small Shiv temple beside the sea. The term Villondi means ‘buried bow’ and is believed to be the same spot where Lord Rama buried his bow. Before burying the bow, Lord Rama hit an arrow in the sea for quenching the thirst of His wife, Sita.
14. Dhanuskodi/Ram Setu: Dhanuskodi is the place where Lord Rama, Lord Lakshman along with Lord Hanuman and the vanara army had built a bridge to Lanka so as to rescue Goddess Sita who was in the captivity of the demon Ravana. This bridge is known as Ram Setu.
15. Devipatnam: Devipatnam is one of the three prominent shrines of South Coast Tamil Nadu. Lord Ram had worshipped Lord Shiva along with Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati, and Adi Jagannatha Perumal. Lord Rama also offered his prayers to Navagrahas by installing nine different stones, each symbolizing the nine celestial bodies.
16. Kushi Beach / Ariyaman Beach: 21 km away from Rameshwaram, Ariyaman Beach is located in Palk Bay. This calm beach also has umpteen choices of sports, giving tourists entertaining ways to spend their time. There is a children’s park at the beach which ample spaces and rides for kids to play. There is also a watchtower located here, offering a mesmerizing view of the vast ocean and the surrounding areas.
17. Thirupullani Temple / Sri Adi Jagannatha Perumal Temple/Chakra Theertham: Located at a distance of around 70 km from Rameshwaram, Sri Adi Jagannatha Perumal Temple, popularly known as Thirupullani Temple, is one of the 108 Divya Desam temples it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple tank, known with the name of Chakra theertham, is another prominent feature of this temple.
18. Water Bird Sanctuary: A paradise for bird lovers, the sanctuary presents refreshing greenery and a vast variety of avian fauna. From native birds to a large number of migratory birds, one can spot a wide array of avian fauna here. Most of the native birds come for the purpose of feeding, while migratory birds fly down for breeding.
19. Sea World Aquarium: The Sea World Aquarium is an unmissable attraction, located opposite Rameswaram Bus Stand. It is home to a vast variety of sea creatures like octopus, snake fish, lionfish, rabbitfish, parrotfish, sea lizard, clownfish, crab, lobster, prawn, beach tamest, shark, and many more.
20. Pamban Bridge: Pamban Bridge is a railway bridge that connects the town of Mandapam in mainland India with Pamban Island, and Rameswaram. Opened on 24 February 1914, it was India’s first sea bridge and was the longest sea bridge in India until the opening of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link in 2010.
21. Abdul Kalam House: APJ Abdul Kalam House or the House of Kalam is the residence of the former President of India, an accomplished scientist, and an inspirational figure. This is the place where he was raised by his parents along with his siblings. The house is now turned into a museum where tourists can get a glimpse into Abdul Kalamê’s life and his achievements.
22. Kalam National Memorial: Kalam National Memorial was built in the honor of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. The splendid memorial was initiated by the Defence Research and Development Organisation in 2015. They display an impressive collection of memorabilia that cherishes the priceless contributions of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam including replicas of missiles, rockets, and information about the Pokhran Nuclear Test. The memorial has a beautiful blend of Mughal and Indian architecture with components sourced from different parts of the country making it truly a symbol of national integration which goes very well with Abdul Kalamê’s love and admiration for all aspects of the Indian Culture.