Day Trip around Rameshwaram
Rameshwaram is one of the Char Dhams (Four Dhams) and regarded as one of the holiest and oldest cities of India. Rameshwaram is a small island located in the district of Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu. It is also amongst the Lords Shiva’s 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The famous Rameshwaram temple is associated closely with the Hindu epic Ramayana and Rama’s victorious return from Srilanka. According to Hindu mythology, Hindu God Rama said to have built a bridge across the sea to Lanka to rescue his wife Sita from her abductor Ravana. The place has many worth seeing attractions including temples and sites of historical significance. Please find below the day trip around Rameshwaram.
RAMESHWARAM
Pick up from your hotel and go for sightseeing tour of Rameshwaram. You are going to see the major attractions of Rameshwaram. But you will start the city tour with visiting the world renowned Rameshwaram temple.
Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram
Rameshwaram is one of the most religious pilgrim centers in Tamil Nadu state of India. The Ramanathaswamy Temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva is located at the centre of the town and is closely associated with Rama. The temple along with the town is considered a holy pilgrimage site for both Shaivites and Vaishnavites.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva on return from Lanka. Lord Rama built the bridge across the sea to rescue his wife Sita from her abductor Ravana in Lanka. After killing Ravana, Rama along with his wife Goddess Sita first arrived to the shores of Rameshwaram to expiate the sin of killing Brahmin Ravana, hence Lord Rama installed this Linga made of sand and worshipped the Lord Shiva here at Rameshwaram. This is how; the temple and the island got its name.
Rameswaram Temple is spread over an area of 15 acres with huge gopurams, also decorated massive walls and a colossal Nandi (12 feet in length and 9 feet in height. The temple also has an over 4000 pillars lined up in a 4000 feet long corridor. The gopurams are the highlights of the temple with approximate heights of 126 feet. Western gopuram is taller and has nine levels but not as attractive as of eastern one. Priority darshan can be done by paying Rs.50 per person at the counter upfront.
Ramanathaswamy Temple Timings:
The temple opens for the devotees from 5 A.M to 9 P.M (except between 1 P.M and 3 P.M). The poojas are performed six times a day in this temple.
Agnitheertham, Rameshwaram:
The sandy shores of Rameswaram are one of the most holy places for the Hindu pilgrims. The Agnitheertham, are a collection of 22 such spots at the shores which the pilgrims bath in. according to Hindu mythology Lord Ram took a bath at the shores to absolve him from the sin of the killings in the war against Ravana.
Gandamadana Parvatham, Rameshwaram
This is a hillock situated at a short distance of 3 km from Rameshwaram and is the the highest point on the island. The place has got the divine foot mark of Lord Rama, which is worshipped here by Hindu devotees. There are almost 30 steps to get the top of it. From the top, you get an amazing view of entire Island. Lord Rama, Sugreeve and Hanumana gathered at this point to see the Srilanka Island and is said to have strategized on how to reach there.
The Five-faced Hanuman Temple, Rameshwaram
The temple is 02 km away from the Rameshwaram temple dedicated to its unique incarnation of mighty monkey god Lord Hanumana. You will see here the image of the deity with five faces namely Lord Hanuman, Lord Adivaraha, Lord Narasimha, Lord Hayagriva and Lord Garuda. The idol is carved from a large senthooram stone from which vermilion is derived. The ancient idol of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshamana were brought here from Dhanushkodi when the area was badly hit by cyclone back in 1964.
LUNCH TIME
Lunch at any good restaurant.
DAY TRIP AROUND RAMESHWARAM – DHANUSHKODI
Dhanushkodi or Danushkodi is a town at the south-eastern tip of Pamban Island of the Tamil Nadu state of India. Surrounded by Indian Ocean in one side and Bay of Bengal on other, Dhanushkodi town is 18 km from Rameshwaram. One can get this place by road for 15 km and five km by local customized tempo to the spot where Lord Ram built the famous bridge with floating stones. It was used to be a lively town before it was badly hit by the cyclone back in 1964 and washed away the whole town leaving ruins behind. You can also spot various migratory birds by the sea and its pristine views of ocean.
The Kodhanda Ram Kovil temple marks the place where Rama is said to have begun his journey to Lanka. Ruins of Dhanushkodi include the temples, the Church, Schools and railway station etc. Railway lines can still be seen. Lord Rama is said to have built Ram Setu between Dhanushkodi mainland and Sri Lanka in order to take his army across.
DHANUSHKODI – RAMESHWARAM
Drive back to Rameshwaram for overnight stay.
ARRIVE RAMESHWARAM
Arrives at Hotel in Rameshwaram.
