Rameswaram

Finally, here I am with my new post. Just did not have time to document this beautiful and colorful town. Simple, religious, scenic, beautiful, hot yet memorable. Yes, am sure the moment you mention Rameswaram to a youngster they would say 'the town of temples' and wouldn't be interested but the idea here is to change that view. For starters here are some pictures.

Fig. 1 Colorful chicks being sold on our way to Rameswaram Temple

Fig. 2 A view of the Pamban Bridge connecting India to the Pamban Island.

Fig. 3 A view of glorious sunset

Fig. 4 Another view of the sun setting behind the clouds

Fig. 5 A view of the land strip dissolving into the ocean

Lets' begin with some general information about Rameswaram.

Rameswaram is a town in Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu. It is located on Pamban Island connected to India with the Pamban Bridge. Rameswaram is the last Railway Station of India. It is considered to be one of the holiest places in India to Hindus, and part of the Char Dham pilgrimages.

According to legend, this is the place from where Lord Rama built a bridge Ram Setu across the sea to Lanka to rescue Sita from Ravana.

Let me start with the famous Rameswaram temple: It's a huge temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, where according to the legends Rama prayed to absolve himself of all the sins in the war with Ravana. The temple has beautifully carved pillars, and it's also known for the wells, which signify various pilgrims, and are known for cleansing you of all your sins. The water in all the wells looks as well as tastes different. There is bathing bay outside the temple as well. Once inside the temple the floors are usually wet, as people just quickly go around with a bucket drawing water from all the wells and sprinkling it over themselves, the temple is structured in a way that takes you around all the wells, along the hall of 1000 pillars.

Fig. 6 The entrance of the temple

Fig. 7 The main gate

Fig. 8 One of the wells

Fig. 9 The pillars

Fig. 10 Some pillars at the entrance

Fig. 11 The temple from inside

Fig. 12 The food at Gujarat Samaj right outside the temple

Some instructions:

1) The temple is very crowded just like other famous pilgrims.
2) Your clothes are bound to get wet so its advisable to carry a towel and change of clothes.
3) It's really hot, and yes the water on your body makes you feel nice, but you will definitely return 4-5 shades darker, and it would be even more evident if you wear sleeved clothes. This applies to all the places in this town, so please carry your sunblock if you hate the tan.


Next on the list is my favorite Pamban Bridge: This as told earlier is the bridge that connects the Pamban Island to India. It was India's first sea bridge. It is the second longest sea bridge in India at a length of about 2.3 km. The feeling on top of the bridge is beautiful, the view, being surrounded by water, tiny boats and the gushing wind. It's all amazing. I had to take the train that goes over the bridge, and the lovely ride from Rameswaram to Mandapam over the bridge for 3 bucks was awesome. It felt like you were walking on water.

Fig. 13 The tiny looking boats from the bridge

Fig. 14 A view of the bridge

Fig. 15 Another view of the bridge

Fig. 16 View where the parts of the old bridge can be seen inside the water

Fig. 17 Yet another angle

Moving on to yet another temple Thirupullani Temple: This is a temple of Shiva and Parvati, located at the banks of River Sethu. This temple is known for it's blessings for childless couples, or soon to be married couple and a married couple.

Fig. 18 The entrance

Fig. 19 The pillars

Fig. 20 The temple from inside

Fig. 21 the line of idols inside

Fig. 22 A view of the temple entrance from inside

Also, there is Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) located in Mandapam, somewhere in between Ramnathpuram and Rameswaram, where they culture ornamental fishes. The place has a museum, aquarium and an open zone where you can see the ornamental fishes being cultured.

Fig. 23 An Austrlian starfish

Fig. 24 A snap from the aquarium

Fig. 25 The whale bone in the museum

Fig. 26 A view outside

Fig. 27 The fishing boats

Last but not the least, the Khushi Beach: Though there's enough coastline all around for you to just stop and camp, this one is a little on the commercial side where at least you can get some drinking water, if you are lucky some soft drinks and snacks. Most importantly you can see some people here. Rest the beach is quite empty, few fishermen and some boats that's all.

Fig. 29 The cove

Fig. 30 The empty beach

Fig. 31 A sunset at the beach

Overall the trip was wonderful, and on my way back to Bangalore I happen to get some time at Madurai, giving me the opportunity to visit the famous Meenakshi Temple. I'll write about it soon.