Pilgrimage to Rameshwaram

One of the Char-Dhams of Hindus, Rameswaram is also known as the 'Varanasi of the south'. For both Shaivites and Vaishnavaites sects, the city is a major pilgrimage center. Situated at the tip of the Indian peninsula in the state of Tamil Nadu, Rameshwaram Island is connected to the mainland at Mandapam by rail. According to the popular belief Lord Rama built a bridge across the sea, from Rameshwaram, to rescue his consort Sita. After winning, on his way back he created a Shivalinga of sand and worshiped Lord Shiva to absolve himself of the sin of killing. This place houses one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Visit to Ramnathswamy Temple
Built in the 17th century, famous Ramnathswamy Temple is situated on the eastern side of the Rameshwaram Island. The Ramnathswamy Temple is famous for its 1200 massive granite columns, 54 meter tall gopuram (gate-tower) and 1220 meters of magnificent corridors. An interesting fact about the temple is that the temple has 22 wells with different tasted water. The temple of Sri Ramanatha with its gigantic dimensions stands on the eastern shore of an island. Shaped like a conch, is called the "guardians of the Sethu". According to popular belief Sri Rama himself built the temple. So it is held in special reverence.



Gandamadhana Parvata
About 2.5-km west of the Ramnathswamy Temple, Gandamadhana Parvata is located. It is told that in this Mandapa, footprints of Sri Rama are enshrined. From the top of the Mandapa one can have a bird's eye view of the island.

Agniteertham
The sacred site Agniteertham is situated just 100 mts away from the Ramnathswamy Temple. Legend says that here Lord Rama worshiped Lord Shiva to be absolved of the sin of killing. The place holds special importance for the Hindus. This place is visited by numerous devotees every year.

Erwadi
Erwadi is an important Muslim pilgrimage which houses the tomb of Ibrahim Sahid Aulia. Situated at a distance of 24 km from Rameshwaram, this place celebrates an annual festival, held at the site every year during the month of December.

Uttarakosamangai
Uttarakosamangai Temple is located 16-km southwest of Ramanathapuram. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has inspired many Tamil architectural wonders, including the Ramanatha temple in Rameshwaram.

Sethu
Bridge is called Sethu in Sanskrit. It is situated 5 km south of the Ramnathswamy Temple. A temple has been built at the place from where Lord Rama built a bridge connecting to Lanka with the help of his simian army. It is said that remains of the ancient stone bridge are present deep down the ocean even today.

How to Reach Rameshwaram
Madurai airport which is placed at a distance of 154-km is the nearest airport. Rameshwaram Railway Station is well connected by trains from all the major cities of India. State transport buses are available from the railway station to the various places in and around Rameshwaram. For local transportation one can rely on taxis, auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws and Tongas.