Rameshwaram Beach

About:

Rameshwaram is a sacred island positioned off the mainland cicumscribed by Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar anchored with the longest ever constructed bridge on sea in India. It is a major Hindu pilgrimage site. The maximum temperature varies between 28-31 degree Celsius, while minimum temperature is around 25 degree. Between January and March is the best time to visit Rameshwaram. The population size of Rameshwaram is 32,700. The serene beach and shallow water here are ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

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. Rameshwaram is the Varanasi of the south and a major pilgrimage centre for both Saivaites and Vaishnavaites, as it was here that Lord Rama offered thanks to Lord Shiva. At the town's core is the Ramanathaswamy (also spelt as Ramnathaswami) Temple, one of the most important temples in southern India.

The Rameshwaram Beach in Tamil Nadu is a serene beach with shallow waters. This makes the beach an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is surrounded by Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar and it is a popular pilgrimage destination for both Saivaites and Vaishnavaites because it was here that Lord Rama thanked Lord Shiva.

Near the beach is the Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the most important temples in southern India. It was built in the 17th century and is famous for its 1200 gigantic granite columns. The 54 meter tall gate-tower, called ‘Gopuram' and 1220 meters of magnificent corridors attracts even foreign tourists to this temple. Another important tourist spot in Rameshwaram is Agnitheertham, which is just 100 meters away from the temple. It is believed that this is the place where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva, and asked forgiveness for killing Ravana.

A seaside village with a verdant beach and natural scenery, Rameshwaram is one of the most popular pilgrimage centers of South India. The sea here is very calm. Surrounded by Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar, it is a major pilgrimage center for both Saivaites and Vaishnavaites, as it was here that Lord Rama offered thanks to Lord Shiva. At the town's core is the Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the most important temples in southern India.

The sea here is also home to rare sea species and coral reefs. Remarkable variety of marine life-algae, starfish, sea cucumber, crabs, sponges and the sea cow are found here. One may also sight some dolphins playing in the serene waters of Rameshwaram.

Rameshwaram beach promises to satisfy both pilgrims and tourists alike. Normally tourists who visit this place stay in the nearby city of Madurai but there is variety of accommodation facilities in Rameshwaram also. Accommodation ranging from economy hotels to Devasthanam lodges and cottages are available in Rameshwaram.

Location info:

Climate/Weather:

Summer:Max :98 C, Min : 46C,

Winter: Max : 30C, Min : 25C

Interesting things to do:

Interesting things to Visit:

Ramanathaswamy Temple:
The legend says that Hunuman was sent by Lord Rama to bring a temple_tower1.jpg (205360 bytes)Lingam to worship at an appointed auspicious hour. As Human’s arrival was delayed, Sita moulded a lingam for Rama’s timely worship. It is the main deity being worshiped as Ramanathaswamy. Disappointed Hunuman was later consoled by Rama by installing the Lingam which was brought by him a little north of Ramanatha, and decreed that the Hunuman’s lingam should have precedence over the Ramanatha in all honours.

Annai Indira Gandhi Bridge:
The 2.2 km. length bridge connecting the Rameswaram Island and the mainland is the longest bridge in India constructed over a bay. It is also called as Pamban Bridge. Similarly the railway bridge connecting the island is noted for its unique opening to pass the ships through the sea.

Mandapam & Pamban:
Lying on the Ramanathapuram Rameswaram National Highway and just 19 kms before Rameswaram lies this sleepy coastal village of Mandapam . Prior to the 1914 train service linking the mainland with Rameswaram, boats were the only mode of transport to ship the pilgrims on their journey to Rameswaram. It is possible to take a boat for a cruise through the mangrove marshes to Kurusadai Island.

Villoondi Theertham:
Villoondi literally translated stands for ‘buried bow’. It is quite well known that Lord Ram always carried a bow. According to legend, at this sacred spot, located around 7 kilometers from the main temple on the way to Pamban, is this puranic place, significant because it was at this place where Lord Ram is said to have quenched the thirst of Sita by dipping the bow into the sea water. Even to this day, tourists throng this place to see where potable water is available within the vicinity of sea water.

Agnitheertham:
The calm shallow water-spread of the sea, present hardly 100 meters in front of the temple gopuram is considered as sacred. A dip in the Agnitheertham is considered to remove the sins of the pilgrims. The other theerthams (holy water tanks) in and around the temple are also important for Pilgrims.

Jadayu Theertham:
Jadayu, King of the Birds, who fought in vain with Ravana, the demon to save Sita, is said to have fallen down here as his wings were severed. Sand dunes surround the temple and the pond. The water in the pond is as sweet as that of a tender coconut.

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Badrakali Amman Temple:
A kilometer away from the main sanctum sanctorum is the Badrakali Amman Temple with Devi Durga as its chief deity. It is very popular among Devi Durga’s worshippers hailing mainly from West Bengal & Kolkatta. This temple is en-route the Gandhamathana Parvatham.

Kothandaramaswamy Temple:
Kothandaramaswamy Temple This Vishnu shrine is located 18 kms away on the southern tip of the island called Dhanushkodi.This temple is the only structure that survived the 1964 cyclone which washed away the rest of Dhanushkodi.It can be reached by road from Rameswaram and buses ply to this place. It was the place where Vibishana the brother of Ravana is said to have surrendered to Rama.The temple has beautiful idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman and Vishnu. On the very tip of Dhanushkodi is a sacred pool – a lovely bathing ghat.

The Gandhamadana Parvatham (Hillock):
The Gandhamadana Parvatham (Hillock) It is in the north –west of the island and the most elevated point of the island. It is a two-storied structure with a ruined fort. Hanuman is said to have leapt from this point across the sea to reach Lanka.The feet of Rama is in the centre of the lower storey. It is also known as Ekantha Rameswaram and contains handsome idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana.Here; Rama is seen raising one of his arms. From this elevated place, one can have an excellent view of the whole island.

Coral Reefs:
The coral reefs of Rameswaram are another attraction mainly for marine biologists, who throng these islands for research and observation.

Dhanushkodi:
The southernmost tip of the island is called Dhanushkodi. It was completely washed away by a cyclone in 1964. But the Kothandaramasamy Temple here remains intact. It is 18 KMs way from Rameswaram can be reached by road. A popular belief is that, it is where Vibishana a brother of Ravana surrendered before Rama. Dhanushkodi has a fine beach, where Sea surfing is possible.

Devi patinam:
A coastal village is also known as Navashabashanam.It is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Navagraha here. The temple near by here, is dedicated to Devi, who is said to have killed the demon Mahishasura at this spot. Hindus perform religious rites for their forefathers here.

Erwadi:
The tomb of Sultan Ibrahim Syed Aulia, who came from Arabia via Cannanore is about 800 years old. Pilgrims from far off countries like Srilanka, Malaysia and Singapore are visiting this tomb. Santhanakoodu Festival is celebrated in February-March attracts thousands of pilgrims.

Satchi Hanuman Temple:
This is where Hanuman said to have delivered the good news of sita's well being to Rama with an evidance choodamanai(Jewel) of Sita.

Five Faced Hanuman Temple:
Hanuman is adorned with senthooram here. The stone said to have used to construct the floating bridge Sethu Bandanam could be seen here.

Thiruvetriyur:
The Patham Priya Koil is situated in Thiruvetriyur in R.S. Mangalam Block of the district. The temple is spread over a vast area and has a large Tank and pilgrims flock here in hundreds every day for blessings and to pay obeisance.

Sethu karai:
A place of Puranic importance, Sethu karai (meaning the Sethu Coast) is an important pilgrim centre having religious significance owing to the belief that Lord Ram is said to have constructed a bridge from here over the sea waters to reach Sri Lanka . It is a hallowed place for Hindus as they conduct their religious rites in this place and is situated around 68 kilometers from Rameswaram and is near Erwadi Dharga.

Oiyur:
Oriyur is one of the most revered pilgrim centers for Christians the world over as it is home to the martyrdom of St. John De Britto, a Portugese Jesuit better known as ‘Arul Anandar’. It was in this place that the saint was beheaded in 1693 and the sand dune is said to have turned red, believed to be stained by the blood of the saint. Here, one can see a magnificent shrine with its Portugese façade that contains a captivating statue of Arul Anandar offering his neck in humble submission to the executioner.

Sea world aquarium:
Just opposite the Rameswaram Bus Stand, one can catch a quick glimpse of an assortment of underwater creatures in their near natural habitat in the ‘Sea World Aquarium’ – the only one of its kind in the state, and probably in the country too, filled with such varied marine life forms including exotic species such as Octopus, Snake fish, Parrot fish, Sea lizard, Sea squid, Cow fish, Lion fish, Rabbit fish, Fire fish, Butter fish, Clown fish, Crabs, Lobsters, Prawns, Sea Lotus, Beach Tamet, Star Fishes, Sea Horses and Sharks. This is quite an eye-opener for young tourists & kids and lovers of marine life.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Petrol Pump:Rameshwaram,Ramanathapuram,Tamil Nadu,India

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Hare Rama Hare Krishna:15/24, Ramar Padham Road,Thittakudi St, Rameswaram,Tamil Nadu,India,Ph:04573 223500

Hotel Shanmuga Paradise:Opp temple,no.10/98, Middle St,Rameswaram,Tamil Nadu,India,Ph:04573 222945

Maharaja Hotel:Near The Temple,No.7,Middle Street,Rameshwaram,Tamil Nadu,India,Ph:04573 221271

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Help Line/Phone Number:

Temple Police Station:Rameshwaram,Ramanathapuram,Tamil Nadu,India

Pioneer Hospitals:NH 49,Ramanathapuram,Tamil Nadu,Ph:04567 221317

Keelakarai Govt. Hospital:Keelakarai,Ramanathapuram,Tamil Nadu,India

Rameshwaram Beach