Rameswaram
: It is 570 Kms from the State Capital Chennai. A small
Island and Major Pilgrim Centre in the Gulf of Mannar. It is connected to the
mainland by Pamban Bridge. On his return from Ceylon after Ravana Yudhdham in Lanka, Sri Rama offered his
repentance prayer to Lord Siva to absolve his sins that he had committed by
Slaying Ravana. 22 Holy theertham [wells] are in the temple, It is believed
that number of wells denotes 22 arrows in Rama's quiver. The temple has
striking long corridors in its interior, running between huge colonnades on
platforms above five feet high. Pilgrims visiting Rameswaram cannot miss the
darshan of Ramanatha Swamy and bathing in all the 22 theerthams to absolve
oneself from all sins. The three most revered nayanmars [saivite
saints] Thirunavukkarasar, Sundarar and Gnanasambandar have glorified Ramanathasamy with their songs. Beautiful
beaches at Olaikuda, Danushkodi and Pamban are other attractions apart from the religious point of
view. Scuba diving and Migratory birds watching during winter are also a part of the entertainment schedule. Commercial Deep
Sea fishing Sea Cucumber, Lobster and Conch collection are the main economic activities of Rameswaram.
The Ramanathaswamy temple is renowned for its magnificent
corridors and massive sculptured pillars. The third corridor of Ramanathaswamy
temple is the longest one in the world.
The Island has a
population of 44,856(2011 Census)
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