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About Ram Setu
Also known as the Adam’s Bridge, the Ram Setu is one of the oldest world mysteries, a chain consisting of submerged structures that apparently connects the Indian mainland with the island of Sri Lanka.
A programme on a popular American Science Channel has once again sparked the interest of everyone on the still persistent debate about whether Ram Setu is natural or manmade.
The programme claims that these structures are not at all naturally occurring and are rather manmade, contradicting the age-old theory that the Ram Setu is a bridge that was actually built by Lord Ram—one of the most popular Hindu deities from the Ramayana.
What is the belief?
Going by history, the author of Ramayana, Valmiki, wrote in the great Indian epic that Ravana- the king of Lanka had kidnapped Goddess Sita, the wife of Lord Ram, when the couple was living in a forest during his exile of 14 years, along with Laxman, who was Ram’s brother.
To help save Sita from Ravan’s captivity, Ram takes the help of an army of monkeys (the Vanar Sena), and to transport supplies and the whole army from the Indian mainland to Lanka, there was a bridge that was created.
The bridge
It is believed as per information from certain temple accounts that this bridge was above the water and it was possible for one to walk through it on foot until the 15th century, after which natural conditions like storms increased the water levels, making these structures that formed the bridge get submerged in the water.
The aerial image through satellite does show the existence of such a bridge between India and Sri Lanka across Palk Strait, which is a very narrow sea between the two countries.
Adam’s Bridge
While in Hindu mythology this bridge is known as ‘Ram Setu’ or ‘Setusamudram’ while otherwise, it is also known as ‘Adam’s Bridge.’
According to Islamic beliefs, there’s a mountain called Adam’s Peak in Sri Lanka, and it is the spot where Adam fell into Earth.
It is also believed from this reference that Adam came to India from Sri Lanka by crossing this same bridge.
What does the new evidence say?
This bridge has been a topic of debate and interest for many geologists, mythologists, as well as historians.
According to recent evidence as showcased in a programme on a science channel, experts say that the sandbars of the bridge are surely natural but the objects placed on them are most likely not.
The rocks that are placed upon these sandbars are older than the sand that rests below them, and hence, this signifies that rocks were placed there after they were brought in there from a far away location.
According to their findings, the rocks are around 7000 years old, whereas the sand resting below is only 4000 years old, contradicting the theory that this was built around the same time.
Long back astrophysicist J.V. Narlikar too had claimed that there was no literary or scientific evidence of the existence of this mythical bridge.
Do you think the Ram Setu also known as the Adam’s Bridge is a naturally built one as stated in the Ramayana or is it manmade? Do let us know in the comments below!