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example of South Indian architecture, the temple
is renowned for its many pillared (and often painted) corridors,
about 1220 metres in length.
Rameshwaram is on an island in the Gulf of Mannar, connected to the
mainland at Mandapam by rail, and by one of India's engineering
wonders, the Indira Gandhi Bridge. 14 years to build and was opened
by Rajiv Gandhi late in 1988.
Rameshwaram is hallowed by the epic Ramayana. A devout Hindu who
visits Varanasi is expected to visit Rameshwaram also for the
culmination of his quest for salvation. Rama sanctified this place
by worshipping Lord Siva after the war against Ravana. Therefore, it
is held sacred by Saivites and Vaishnavites as well. It is one of
the major marine food centres in the south, much of its fish and
prawn catch being exported
According to the Hindu mythology i.e. the story of Ramayana Lord
Rama performed thanksgiving rituals to Lord Rama after the battle at
Sri Lanka and his triumph over the demon king Ravana. Owing to this
Rameshwaram attracts Vaishnavites (worshippers of Lord Vishnu) and
Saivites (worshippers of Lord Shiva) alike. Sri Lanka is at a
distance of 24 kilometers from Rameshwaram. In fact the entire area
of Rameshwaram is associated with various incidents from the
Ramayana. Rameshwaram happens to one of the most visited pilgrim
sites in India.
Nearest airport Madurai (167 kms) is connected by Indian Airlines
flights with Bombay, Calicut and Madras.
Rameshwaram is connected by rail directly to Madras, Madurai, Trichy
and Coimbatore where Madras is connected with all the main places in
India. Rameshwaram is connected by regular bus services with
Kanyakumari 320 kms, Karaikudi 149 kms, Madras 666 kms, Madurai 167
kms, Ramanathapuram 55 kms, Sivaganga 136 kms, Pudukottai 188 kms,
Tanjore 248 kms, Tuticorin 180 kms, Tiruchendur 209 kms etc.
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