Rameshwaram is a pilgrim town located in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu. Rameshwaram is one of the holiest of the places in the country for the Hindus, as it is one of the Char Dham sites. Situated on the Pamban Island (also known as Rameshwaram Island), which is at the tip of the Indian peninsula, in the Gulf of Mannar, Rameshwaram is thronged by millions of devotees every year.
Rameshwaram is separated from mainland India by the Pamban channel. Pamban Island is located at a distance of about 40 km from Mannar Island of Sri Lanka. The Pamban Bridge connects the Pamban Island to mainland India. It is the longest sea bridge in India and a fine example of Indian architecture. Like Kashi (Varanasi), Rameshwaram is also one of the holiest places of the Hindus. Hence it is a popular Hindu pilgrim centre of India.
Rameshwaram also finds mention in the epic Ramayana. According to Ramayana, it is from Rameshwaram that Lord Rama built a bridge, Ram Setu (currently known as Adams Bridge), across the sea to Lanka to save his consort Sita from her abductor Ravana. Rameshwaram is considered holy by both the Vaishnavite (followers of Lord Vishu) and Shaivite (followers of Lord Shiva) sect of Hindus. Hence, Rameshwaram is aptly called the "Varanasi of the South" and houses one of the 12 Jyothirlingas of Lord Shiva. According to beliefs, the pilgrimage to Benares is incomplete without a pilgrimage to Rameshwaram.
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, renowned scientist and former President of India, is the most famous personality to hail from Rameshwaram.
Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, the epitome of Dravidain style of architecture, occupies most of the area of Rameshwaram Island. Legends tell that the original Ramanathaswamy Temple was built by Lord Rama himself.
According to historical facts, the origin of the temple can be dated back to the 12th century. The Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple's construction was commenced by Parakrama Bahu of Sri Lanka in the 12th century AD and it was completed by the Setupathy rulers of Ramanathapuram later. Over the time, many more rulers down the centuries added to the constructions of the temple, the latest of them being a long corridor called the 3rd prakaram, built in the 18th century.
Apart from being a pilgrimage destination, Rameshwaram is also popular beach destination. The shallow beaches of Rameshwaram typically have lesser waves that rise to a very low height. The popular beaches of Rameshwaram are Olaikuda, Dhanushkodi, Pamban and Ariyaman among others.
Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, Agnitheertham, Gandamadana Parvatham, Dhanushkodi, Kothandaraswamy Temple and Erwadi are the main attractions of Rameshwaram.
Rameshwaram is well-connected and easily accessible from all parts of the state. The best time to visit Rameshwaram is from January to March.
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