Rameshwaram is located on a beautiful island in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is separated by a small Pamban channel from Sri Lanka. According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where Lord Rama created a bridge across the sea to Sri Lanka. Rameshwaram has the first sea bridge connecting the town of  Mandapam with Pamban Island, and Rameswaram. Abdandoned town of Dhanushkodi is also located on Pamban Island which was a bustling town until  it got destroyed in 1964 by cyclone. Renowned for its magnificent prakaras with massive sculptured pillars on either side, The Ramanathaswamy Temple houses the longest corridor in the world. Agniteertham is famous for its sacred waters and Pilgrims perform poojas in honour of their ancestors at this seashore. The five-faced Hanuman Temple holds the floating stone which was used to build the bridge between India and Sri Lanka.

Places To Visit- Rameshwaram Temple

A perfect blend of mind-boggling architecture and spiritual significance, Rameshwaram Temple, also known as Ramanathaswamy Temple of Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It also boasts of being one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples of India. Not just spiritually, Rameshwaram Temple is appealing architecturally also. With the longest corridor of the world and immaculate carvings on pillars, it is definitely a treat for your eyes.

The lingam in the Rameshwaram Temple was installed by Lord Rama but, the construction was led by several rulers over the centuries. Inside the temple, there are two lingams- Ramalingam and Shivalingam. The latter is still worshipped first to preserve the words of Lord Rama. Besides daily Abhishkams and poojas performed with great zeal, there are absorbing festivals worth witnessing.

Dhanushkodi Temple and Beach

Dhanushkodi was until a few years ago a wonderful temple on the southern tip of India. However, due to a natural calamity, the cyclone, it got completely washed away.

It holds the advantage of being on an island and is exquisitely covered by waters on all the four sides of it. It is sandwiched between the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. When viewed from a birds eye,The seas are in the shape of bow and arrow. The arrow head is considered to be a sacred place for worship by the Hindus and people from far and wide come there to offer sacred prayers to the deity. Lord Rama has his pious foot marks in this temple and the whole story of Ramayana revolves around this temple island. It is a wonderful pilgrim place for the followers of Lord Rama. The place is an approximate of 18 kms from Rameshwaram and one can easily travel by road.

Jatayu Tirtham

Jatayu tirtham is the holy temple constructed in the memory of Jatayu, who was the most loyal eagle of Rama and who helped lord Rama at various instances in getting herbs from the mountains.

It is said that this eagle lost its life in order to save the life of lord Rama and hence its sacrifice is always appreciated and it is worshiped as a deity even today. It was buried in the soil when it died and Jatayu temple has been created at the place of its burial. The whole of its pit was filled with vibhuti, which is the holy ash that is obtained after the yagnas. It is believed that it was buried in the soil whenafter death and Jatayu temple has been created at the place of its burial. The whole of its pit was filled with vibhuti, which is the holy ash that is obtained after the yagnas.

Agnitheertham

One of the 64 sacred baths in Rameshwaram, the Agnitheertham is one of the most important theertham and receives a large number of tourists each day. Located on the beach side of Sri Ramanathaswamy temple, Agnitheertham is the only theertham sited outside the temple complex.

In the Sanskrit language, the word agni means fire; while the word theertham means holy water. Agnitheertham has been mentioned several times in the ancient texts and mythological legends as a pilgrimage of significant importance among the Hindus. The devotees visiting the theertham offer their prayers to the deity and atone their sins by taking a dip in the holy waters.

Lakshmana Tirtham

Lakshmana Tirtham had been constructed in the loving memory of Lord Lakshman, brother of Lord Rama. In order to offer sacred prayers to lord Lakshmana, this temple has been constructed in Rameshwaram itself which indicates that Lord Lakshman had been given a valuable place in the dynasty of Lord Rama. Several wonderful sculptures of Lord Lakshmana have been carved out from marble and the temple has the statues of lord Rama and Goddess Sita too which signifies the spirit of unitedness that exisited between them.

Villoondi Tirtham

Villoondi Tirtham is a beach which is also considered a sacred natural water body and a favourite amongst tourists. It also has a spring inside the sea which makes the attraction a unique one and is often associated with the Legend of Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama shot an arrow to create this spring to help his people with drinking water.

                Source: Holidify.com