Rameswaram
Corridor of faith

One of the holiest places for Hindus, Agnitheertham is among the 64 sacred baths in Rameswaram and draws an outsized number of devotees who believe that taking a dip within the holy waters would absolve them of their sins. It spans the eastern shore facing Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple. No moon days and full-of-the-moon days are considered because the most auspicious to require a shower within the waters of Agnitheertham.
The word ‘agni’ means fire, while ‘theertham’ stands for water . This place has been mentioned in ancient texts and legends as a well-liked pilgrimage centre.
Legend has it that after killing Ravana, who had abducted his wife, Lord Rama prayed to Lord Shiva to catch up on his sin of killing a brahmin (Ravana). Then, he bathed in Agnitheertham. it’s said that doing an equivalent will help devotees rid their sins also .

The most popular attraction of Rameswaram, Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple invites pilgrims from all corners of the planet . Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it houses one among the 12 jyotirlingas (special devotional shrines of Lord Shiva). The word ‘Ramanathaswamy’ means the master of Rama and refers to Lord Shiva, to whom Lord Rama prayed before setting for his journey towards Lanka to save lots of Goddess Sita from the clutches of Ravana.
The architecture of the temple is noted for its intricate carvings, majestic towers and lavish corridors, which are lined with imposing sculptured pillars. There are as many as 1,212 pillars within the temple. The temple has 22 theerthams or sacred baths, in which, as per belief, taking a dip washes away one’s sins. The temple remains open on all days of the week from 5 am to 1 pm then from 3 pm to 9 pm.

Home to numerous ancient temples and therefore the Ramalingavilasam Palace, Ramanathapuram boasts an upscale cultural heritage. the foremost popular attraction is that the Mangalanatha Swamy Temple, which is claimed to be as old as 3,000 years. inbuilt the standard South Indian sort of temple architecture, it’s dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was raised by the Pandya kings and houses a six-ft-high Nataraja idol that has been carved out of emerald. After seeking the blessings of the Lord at the temple, tourists can head to the opulent Ramalingavilasam Palace. Built during the reign of Kizhavan Sethupathi, a king of the Marava dynasty (1671-1710 AD), the palace is adorned with imposing murals that represent the life-style of the Sethupathi kings and scenes of their battles with the Marathas. Ramanathapuram is additionally known for the samadhi or the ultimate resting place of the philosopher-saint Thayumana Swamigal.

Constructed by British during the first 20th century, the one-of-its-kind Pamban Bridge may be a prime attraction for tourists visiting Rameswaram. it’s the country’s first sea bridge that stands on concrete pillars and links the town with mainland India. the foremost fascinating sight one can witness is that the opening of the bridge from its middle part to form way for huge ships and barges to undergo . Driving across the bridge and witnessing the mesmerising sea makes for an unforgettable experience. Tourists visiting the bridge also can head to Pamban Beach for a singular boating experience during a glass boat. With natural coral reefs clearly visible within the turquoise waters of the ocean , the boat ride may be a must-have experience. Surrounded by the peaceful Pamban Island, the beach is an excellent spot to unwind within the lap of nature.

Flanked by the Bay of Bengal on one side and therefore the Indian Ocean on the opposite , Dhanushkodi is an explorer’s delight. a stunning town with abundant natural beauty, Dhanushkodi is noted for water sports adventures like surfing. For bird lovers, Dhanushkodi is an absolute paradise as migratory birds from countries like Australia arrive here per annum . The seashores of Dhanushkodi are speckled with rare sort of shells, which make great souvenirs for visitors.
Dhanushkodi is rooted in spirituality and mythology and is believed to be the place where Lord Rama had ordered Lord Hanuman to create a bridge that would carry his army across to Sri Lanka , where Ravana had taken Goddess Sita.
To reach Dhanushkodi, tourists got to cross over to the Pamban Island from the mainland. the simplest way of doing so is by taking a train through the favored Pamban Bridge.