Rameswaram
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Rameswaram, the holy Island in Gulf of Mannar is a major pilgrim centre of the country. Rameswaram is hallowed by the Epic Ramayana. A devout Hindu who visits Varanasi in the North is expected to visit Rameswaram also for the culmination of his quest for salvation. Rama sanctified this place by worshipping Lord Siva after the war against Ravana of Sri.Lanka. Therefore, it is held sacred by Saivities and Vaishnavites as well.
Air : Madurai is the nearest airport, 174 kims away. Indian Airlines connects Chennai, Tiruchirappalli and Bangalore.
Ramanathaswamy Temple
Ramanathaswamy temple, situated close to the sea on the eastern side of the Island, is known for its magnificent structure, long corridors and aesthetically carved pillars lining it. The corridor is the longest one in asia. It is 197 meters long on east-west, 133 metres in length on south – north. The entrance of the temple is adorned with a 38.4 metre high.
Gopuram (Tower) (5 am to 12 noon/4 pm to 10 pm)
The temple was built by rules of different dynastics from 12th century onwards .
Satchi Hanuman Temple
This is where Hanuman is said to have delivered the good news of Sita’s well – being to Lord Rama with an evidence of Choodamani (Jewel) of Sita. It is situated 3 kms from the temple.
Five-Face Hanuman Temple
Situated 2 kms from the main temple. Here the deity of Hanuman is dressed with senthooram. Idols of Rama, Sita and Hanuman brought from Dhanushkodi during 1964 cyclone are kept. Floating stone used to build Sethu Bandanam (Bridge between India and Sri Lanka) in this temple is worth seeing.