Rameshwaram is the single one of the four
Dhams where the resident Deity is Lord Shiva. The further three have either
Vishnu in one form or His avatars in
residence. The temple is constructed on an island in the Gulf of Mannar at the
tip of the prominent that projects out of the Indian Subcontinent in the
direction of Sri Lanka. It is built on the place where Lord Rama Vishnu's seventh avatar, worshipped Shiva
prior to His attack on Lankapuri, the capital city of the Rakshasas to saving
His beloved wife Sita who had been kidnapped by Ravana, king of the Rakshasas.
The temple has extra significance because it is, first of all, a Jyotirlinga, and secondly, it is said in the scriptures that a pilgrimage to Varanasi to emolument homage to Lord Vishwanath is incomplete without also paying homage to Lord Ranganatha at Rameshwaram. The Dham is also singular in that it is an vital pilgrimage place for both Vaishnavites as well as Shaivites. Rameshwaram is named the Varanasi of the South.
The temple has extra significance because it is, first of all, a Jyotirlinga, and secondly, it is said in the scriptures that a pilgrimage to Varanasi to emolument homage to Lord Vishwanath is incomplete without also paying homage to Lord Ranganatha at Rameshwaram. The Dham is also singular in that it is an vital pilgrimage place for both Vaishnavites as well as Shaivites. Rameshwaram is named the Varanasi of the South.
Pilgrims aware with the "Ramayana", written almost 3,000 years ago, find importance in many milestones about the place. One of the most momentous of these is the Gandhamardhan Parvat (a hill) on top of which Rama's footprint is still found fixed in a rock at the topmost portion of the mountain. There are also other places of interest to the devout pilgrim and this is a preferred spot to cleanse one's soul if one is a Hindu.
Another acceptance is that Lord Sri Rama earlier constructed a mythical bridge to Sri Lanka from this Rameshwaram beach.
Website:- www.dhamtrip.com
Places to visit
Ramanathaswamy Temple
The famous Ramnathswamy temple was manufactured in the 17th century and is located close by the sea on the eastern side of the Rameshwaram Island. The Ramnathswamy temple is well-known for its 1200 massive stonework columns. The temple has 54 meter tall gopuram (gate-tower) and 1220 meters of wonderful corridors.
Agnitheertham
The Agniteertham is located at few meters from the Ramnathswamy temple. It is assumed to be situated at the same spot where rama worshipped god Shiva.
Dhanushkodi
Dhanushkodi is situated at the eastern end of the island. It is called after Lord Ram's bow and is at a space of 8 km from Rameshwaram. The stones in the sea between Sri Lanka and Dhanushkodi are known as Adam's bridge. It is understood that Lord Hanuman used them to reach across Sri Lanka.
Erwadi
At a distance of 24 km from Rameshwaram, Erwadi is a significant place of Muslim pilgrimage. The tomb of Ibrahim Sahid Auliya is situated at Erwadi. Muslims from across the world visit Erwadi, especially for the duration of the month of December to join in the annual festival held to pay tribute to the saint.
Gandamadana Parvatham
This holy shrine clamps a wheel with footprint of Lord Rama. The shrine stands on the top point on the island, around 2 kms from Rameshwaram.
Ramanathaswamy Temple
The famous Ramnathswamy temple was manufactured in the 17th century and is located close by the sea on the eastern side of the Rameshwaram Island. The Ramnathswamy temple is well-known for its 1200 massive stonework columns. The temple has 54 meter tall gopuram (gate-tower) and 1220 meters of wonderful corridors.
Agnitheertham
The Agniteertham is located at few meters from the Ramnathswamy temple. It is assumed to be situated at the same spot where rama worshipped god Shiva.
Dhanushkodi
Dhanushkodi is situated at the eastern end of the island. It is called after Lord Ram's bow and is at a space of 8 km from Rameshwaram. The stones in the sea between Sri Lanka and Dhanushkodi are known as Adam's bridge. It is understood that Lord Hanuman used them to reach across Sri Lanka.
Erwadi
At a distance of 24 km from Rameshwaram, Erwadi is a significant place of Muslim pilgrimage. The tomb of Ibrahim Sahid Auliya is situated at Erwadi. Muslims from across the world visit Erwadi, especially for the duration of the month of December to join in the annual festival held to pay tribute to the saint.
Gandamadana Parvatham
This holy shrine clamps a wheel with footprint of Lord Rama. The shrine stands on the top point on the island, around 2 kms from Rameshwaram.
