RAMESHWARAM

The sacred island town of Rameshwaram at the extreme south-eastern limit of the Indian Peninsula. Rameshwaram is the Varanasi of the south and a major pilgrimage centre for both Shaivaites and Vaishnavaites as it was here that Rama offered thanks to Shiva. At the town's core is the Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the most important temples in southern India. A fine example of South Indian architecture, the temple is renowned for its many pillared (and often painted) corridors, about 1220 metres in length.

Rameshwaram is on an island in the Gulf of Mannar, connected to the mainland at Mandapam by rail, and by one of India's engineering wonders, the Indira Gandhi Bridge. 14 years to build and was opened by Rajiv Gandhi late in 1988.

Rameshwaram is hallowed by the epic Ramayana. A devout Hindu who visits Varanasi is expected to visit Rameshwaram also for the culmination of his quest for salvation. Rama sanctified this place by worshipping Lord Siva after the war against Ravana. Therefore, it is held sacred by Saivites and Vaishnavites as well. It is one of the major marine food centres in the south, much of its fish and prawn catch being exported

According to the Hindu mythology i.e. the story of Ramayana Lord Rama performed thanksgiving rituals to Lord Rama after the battle at Sri Lanka and his triumph over the demon king Ravana. Owing to this Rameshwaram attracts Vaishnavites (worshippers of Lord Vishnu) and Saivites (worshippers of Lord Shiva) alike. Sri Lanka is at a distance of 24 kilometers from Rameshwaram. In fact the entire area of Rameshwaram is associated with various incidents from the Ramayana. Rameshwaram happens to one of the most visited pilgrim sites in India.

Nearest airport Madurai (167 kms) is connected by Indian Airlines flights with Bombay, Calicut and Madras.

Rameshwaram is connected by rail directly to Madras, Madurai, Trichy and Coimbatore where Madras is connected with all the main places in India. Rameshwaram is connected by regular bus services with Kanyakumari 320 kms, Karaikudi 149 kms, Madras 666 kms, Madurai 167 kms, Ramanathapuram 55 kms, Sivaganga 136 kms, Pudukottai 188 kms, Tanjore 248 kms, Tuticorin 180 kms, Tiruchendur 209 kms etc.