Rameswaram – A Popular Hindu Pilgrim
About Rameswaram
Located in the Ramanathapuram district in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Rameswaram is a popular Hindu pilgrim site that also happens to be one among the charm dhams of India, together with the popular temple town of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Geographically, Rameswaram lies in the Gulf of Mannar right at the tip of the Indian peninsula.
In religious aspects, Rameswaram is an integral part of pilgrims in both the parties – namely, the followers of Lord Shiva and the followers of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu mythology, as well as the great Indian epic Ramayana, it was Rameswaram where Lord Rama along with his army of monkeys had built a bridge to the sea of Sri Lanka in order to reach the country and defeat Raavan, who had kidnapped his wife Goddess Sita.
The place has a popular temple called the Ramanathaswamy Temple, devoted to the most popular Hindu deity, Lord Shiva, and is also linked with Lord Rama. Coming to other holy aspects of the place, there are around 64 holy water bodies in the place where devotees take a holy dip to wash away their sins.
The other structures include the Gandhamathana Parvatham—a hillock with Lord Rama’s footprints, and then the Dhanushkodi, which happens to be the ultimate tip of the entire island and houses the famous Kothandaramaswamy Temple, devoted to Lord Rama.
Rameswaram should be on your itinerary if traveling to Tamil Nadu, India. This religious and picturesque town features numerous temples dating back to 14th century, some dating from Rameswaram itself! Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple which is one of 12 Jyothrlinga Shrines found around India dedicated to Lord Shiva while also featuring shrines dedicated to Lakshmi and Sethu Madhava – they all can be found here too!
Rameswaram is an important pilgrimage spot, attracting millions of devotees each year as part of the pilgrimage circuit. According to its adherents’ belief that bathing in its waters will purge one’s body of any karmic or sinful residues, 22 water springs known as Theerthams believed to possess medicinal qualities including Agni Theertham and Koti Theertham inside Ramanathaswamy Temple itself are thought to have medicinal qualities and make up part of Theertham 22 water springs within it’s walls as part of its pilgrimage circuit.
Gandhamadhana Parvatham is one of Rameswaram’s most visited tourist spots. Mentioned in the Ramayana as where Lord Hanuman procured medicinal herbs in order to save Laksmana’s life, this mountain where Hanuman picked them is now home to a double-storied temple featuring Lord Hanuman’s footprints on a Chakra, as well as an impressive Kasilingam or Hanumalingam on top – known as Kasilingam or Hanumalingam!
Dhanuskodi Temple is another important shrine. Said to have been designed by the same architect who designed Ramanathaswamy Temple, it houses a small village that contains this same name temple.
Your visit to Rameswaram allows you to take in several beaches and other heritage sites. Some of the top beaches include Pamban Beach, Dhanuskodi Beach, Villoondi Beach and Gandamadana Parvatam Beach – not forgetting several heritage buildings constructed under Chola and Nayak rule!
When traveling to Rameswaram, try avoiding summer months (April-June), as they can become extremely hot and dry. Winter (October-December) offers the ideal climate – however keep in mind that this temple remains open 365 days of the year and that there may be many visitors during those months; additionally avoid visiting on Amavasya or Full Moon Days to ensure a more enjoyable visit!
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