Rameswaram is a town in Ramanathapuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on an island separated from mainland India by the Pamban channel and is less than 40 kilometers from the Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka. Together with Kashi, it is considered to be one of the holiest places in India to Hindus. Hence, it is a bustling pilgrim centre.
It is situated in the Gulf of Mannar at the very tip of the Indian peninsula. According to legends, this is the place from where Lord Rama, built a bridge Ram Setu(also known as Adam's Bridge) across the sea to Lanka to rescue his consort Sita, from her abductor, Ravana. This is also the place where Rama worshipped Shiva to be absolved of the sin of killing Ravana, hence the name of Shiva, which became the name of the town - Rameswara ("lord of Rama"). Both the Vaishnavites and Shaivites visit this pilgrimage centre which is known as the Varanasi of the south.
Rameswaram Quick facts
Rameswaram Geography and Climate
Geography
Rameswaram is located at [show location on an interactive map] 9°17′N 79°18′E / 9.28°N 79.3°E / 9.28; 79.3.[1] It has an average elevation of 10 metres (32 feet). The religious island is spread in an area of 61.8 square kilometers and happens to be in the shape of a conch. The Ramanatha Swamy Temple occupies major area of Rameshwaram.The island is connected to mainland India by the Pamban Bridge.
Climate
Rameswaram has dry tropical climate, Average annual rainfall is 94cm, Receives mostly from North East monsoon from October to January, Temperature will be around 30°C to 35°C, Highest ever recorded at Pamban station is 37°C and lowest is 17°C
Best time to visit Rameswaram
Between January and March is the best time to visit Rameshwaram.
Rameswaram Near Getaways
Ramanathapuram (55 Km)
The district headquarters and an ancient town, Ramanathapuram, is worth visiting for its Ram Vilas Palace. This palace of the Sethupati Rajas, houses oil portraits of the Rajas, of the past centuries. Ceilings and walls are decorated with early eighteenth century murals, depicting subjects such as business meetings with the English, and battles with the Maratha Sarabhoji, as well as scenes from epics. The tomb of Thayumana Swamigal, a philosopher-saint, are worth visiting.
Tirupullani (64km)
Also known as Dharbasayanam, the Vishnu temple at Tirupullani, is dedicated to Lord Adi Jagannatha Perumal. The annual 'Arudhra' festival in December is a popular one.
Uthirakosamangai (72 Km)
Uthirakosamangai is an ancient Saivaite pilgrimage centre. The deity here is carved out of Emerald. The annual 'Arudhra' festival in December, attracts a large number of tourists.
Erwadi (80km)
An important site for Muslim pilgrims, Erwadi houses the tomb of Ibrahim Sahid Aulia. The annual festival in honour of this saint, takes place in December.
Kurusudai island (23 km)
This and a number of other islands are situated to the west of the Pamban bridge. It is a paradise for biologists and is now declared as a national marine eco centre.
Kanchirankulam (105km)
It is a water bird sanctuary. Season runs from November to February.
The road network connects Rameshwaram with Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Thanjavur and other important cities. For local transportation taxis, auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws and tongas are available. Also city bus service is available in the island.
How to reach Rameswaram by Rail
The rail network connects Rameshwaram with Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Thanjavur and other important cities. The two kilometer long Indira Gandhi Bridge connects the island of Rameshwaram with the mainland of Mandapam.
The Rameshwaram Festivals reveal the true culture of Rameshwaram. The festivals of Rameshwaram reflect the religious and friendly nature of the citizens of Rameshwaram.
Almost all the important festivals of Tamil Nadu are celebrated in Rameshwaram. However, some festivals are observed with greater glory and pomp in Rameshwaram. These festivals include:
Masi Sivaratri – this festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva
Mahalaya Amavasai – last day of Mahalaya Paksham
Thai Amavasay
Thirukalyanam
Rameswaram Culture
The Rameshwaram Culture is a fine blend of religion, legendary stories, architectural brilliance and much more. Considered as one of the sacred seats of Hinduism, Rameshwaram is visited by thousands of devotees every year.
The people in Rameshwaram are religious minded and friendly in nature. The colorful festivals of Rameshwaram reflect the true culture of the city to a great extent. The beautiful handicrafts sold in the markets of Rameshwaram bring forward the artistic side of the people of the city.
he Rameshwaram Festivals reveal the true culture of Rameshwaram. The festivals of Rameshwaram reflect the religious and friendly nature of the citizens of Rameshwaram.
Almost all the important festivals of Tamil Nadu are celebrated in Rameshwaram. However, some festivals are observed with greater glory and pomp in Rameshwaram. These festivals include:
Masi Sivaratri – this festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva
Mahalaya Amavasai – last day of Mahalaya Paksham
Thai Amavasay
Thirukalyanam
Rameswaram Religious Places
Ramanathaswamy Temple
The Ramanathaswamy temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated in the middle of the island. It houses the linga that Lord Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana, is said to have installed and worshiped after his victory against Ravana in Lanka.
Founded by the Chola rulers but expanded extensively during Nayaka period, in the 16th and 18th centuries this massive temple is enclosed within high walls with five gopuras. The most remarkable feature of this temple is the Sokkattan Mandapa which surrounds the core of the temple on four sides in a continuous corridor. The water of the 22 sacred wells in the temple taste differently.
Dhanushkodi
Dhanushkodi, named after Rama’s bow is 18 kms from the main temple, has a spectacular beach. From this place you can see a series of boulders known as Adam’s bridge extending far into the horizon. These are believed to have been used by Hanuman who had crossed the sea in search of Devi Sita, Rama’s consort. There is a temple on the shore known as Kodandarama temple, where Ravana’s brother believed to have surrendered before Rama. The temple surprisingly survived a devastating cyclone in 1964.
Gandamadana Parvatham
Gandamadana Hill, the highest point of the island houses the foot prints of Lord Rama in a two storeyed mandapa. The site is 3 km away from the Ramanathashwami temple.
Erwadi
About 24 kms from Rameshwaram is Erwadi, famous for its tomb of Ibrahim Sahid Aulia. Muslims all over the country visit the place during December every year to participate in the festival and to offer tribute to the great saint.
Sethu - 5km south of the temple is Sethu, where there is a celebrated temple of Sri Anjaneya, and where, tradition holds, Sri Rama built a bridge to Sri Lanka. In Devipatnam, or Navapashanam, also by the sea, there are nine stones visible at low tide. It is believed that they were set up by Sri Rama to represent the nine planets, the Navagrahas.
Rameswaram Monuments
Ramanathaswamy Temple : Constructed in the 17th century, the grand Rameswaram temple lies to the eastern side of the Island.
Well known for its 1200 huge granite columns there is the 54 meter tall gopuram or the tower of the gate which is seen from a long distance. There are about 1220 meters of magnificent corridors as well as the columns and pillars embellished with fine decorations. For the benefits of the pilgrims there are also built about 22 sacred wells where the waters taste different in all of them. The temple premises occupy a major portion of the place of Rameshwaram. The temple was given different structuring by different rulers over a period of 12 centuries. Today it bears resemblance with the Dravidian style of architecture. There is a deity of Hanuman placed on the main entrance seen trying to remove the sand Rama -Linga. Thousands of pilgrims travel to the site for cleansing their sins
Agnitheertham : Just about a distance of 100 meters away from the Rameshwaram temple lies the Agniteertham, another major travel attraction of Rameshwaram, where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to wash off his sins of killing the Demon king Ravana. It has been since visited by then followers of Lord Shiva as well as Vishnu, whose incarnation was lord Rama.
Dhanushkodi : Named after Lord Rama's bow, the place of Dhanushkodi lies to the eastern end of the island. 8 kms in distance from Rameshwaram, this was the particular place from where Hanuman placed the boulders of rocks to reach Lanka crossing the sea. Known as Adam's bridge, the place was completely destroyed by the cyclones of 1964. There is to be found another temple by the name of Kothandaramaswamy temple. It is the very place where the idols of Lakhman, Hanuman and Vibhisan brother of Ravana is kept.
Gandamadana Parvatham : Placed at the highest point of the island, the parvatam or the hills is found to bear imprints of Lord Rama's feet on a chakra or wheel which is the prime importance of this shrine dedicated specially to the Hindus.
Well known for a variety of beautiful handicraft and decorative items, all shop are lined near the temple. Visitors can find different items made from palm leaf, beads and seashells. Khadicraft is the particular shop from where handicraft items can be purchased. Rameswaram silk sarees are very popular among the women.
Lake at Rameswaram
Pulicat
Located at a distance of sixty kilometer to the north of Chennai, the Pulicat Beach of Tamil Nadu provides one with a divine feeling of serenity and tranquility. Amidst the picturesque landscape of the island, Pulicat is encircled from all sides by the blue sea and salt- water lakes. The Pulicat Lake, a narrow salt water lagoon which is the backwater of the mighty Bay of Bengal, is one of the important tourist destinations of South India.
The small island of Pulicat is inhabited by a population of 30,000 most of whom are fishermen of the “Pattanavan” fishing caste of Tamil Nadu. The island is ecologically enriched with varieties of wildlife which makes the Pulicat island a paradise for the nature lovers. One can encounter the rare and endangered species of migratory birds in the Pulicat Beach. The Pulicat Beach presents a colorful and lively picture with many different types of aquatic and terrestrial animals that adds to the attraction of the place.
The Pulicat lake bears testimony to the rich historical and architectural past of our country as well. The 17th century Dutch cemetery highlights the historical significance of the place. The fact that the island served as an important area of the Dutch settlements can be ascertained from the archaeological remains of the old Danish fort and the Church which attracts many visitors throughout the year.
The Buckingham Canal is another attraction of the Pulicat Island. The beautiful surroundings of the island fills the tourists with an aesthetic pleasure. Far from the hustle bustle of the busy city life, the Pulicat Beach is an ideal place to spend some time in the midst of nature.
Rameswaram Seasonals
April is a good month to visit Rameswaram. Don't miss the celebrations for Mahavir Jayanti Rameshwaram Car Festival (from 1st Apr to 31st May)
Weather & Best Season of Rameswaram
Rameswaram has a tropical climate
Summers (March to June) having a moderate temperature, which rises up to 35°C and tourists prefer this season for visiting temples.
Monsoons (July to September) are humid with average rainfalls.
Winters (November to February) are cool and temperature comes down to 17 °C. This is the most pleasant season for sight seeing and visiting neighborhoods.
It can be visited anytime of the year, but the best time to visit Rameswaram is from October to April.
October to June are pleasant and ideal for all kinds of pilgrims to visit the temples and also good for outings.
July to September can be opted for visit if you are ready to get wet in rains.
Tourist Office, 14 Car Street, Rameswaram.
Tourist Information Centre, Railway Station Compound, Rameswaram.
Temple Information Centre, (Inside the temple), East Side, Ramanathaswamy temple.
Rameswaram ATM's
State Bank of India
SOUTH CAR STREET ,
RAMESWARAM, TAMIL NADU - 623526
Must do at Rameswaram
Rameshwarm is a small destination and theres not much to do except visit the 24 Bathing ghats [kunds] and the temples there.
An excellent opportunity to study Temple Gopurums an inherent feature of South indian temple gates.
The destination offers excellent opportunity of photography on the sea side. It would be a good idea to go around the place and click some interesting snaps... Carry an umbrella with you just in case you feel the sun to be too hot.
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