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visit Rameshwaram. The population size of
Rameshwaram is 32,700. The serene beach and shallow water here are
ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Transportation & Communication :
Air link : Nearest airport Madurai (167 kms) is connected by
Indian Airlines flights with Bombay, Calicut and Madras.
Rail link : Rameshwaram is connected by rail directly to
Madras, Madurai, Trichy and Coimbatore where Madras is connected
with all the main places in India.
Road link : 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.
Rameshwaram is where Lord Rama rested and prayed after his victory
over the demon king Ravana. A sacred site for both Vaishnavites and
Shaivities. The island of Rameshwaram is one of the most revered
temple towns of India without a visit to which, the pilgrimage of a
devout Hindu is not considered accomplished.
The Marine Fauna : The benovolent sea inhabits the rare sea
species and coral reefs. Exotic variety of marine life-algae,
starfish, sea cucumber, crabs, sponges and the sea cow are found
here. The clean beach and shallow water here are an ideal
destination for swimming and sunbathing. This is the only place in
the region where one could swim in the sea day and night. An
enjoyable sight is frolic of dolphins in the water.
A leisurely drive along the Dhanushkodi road is a pleasant
experience. The clear sea, backwater edged with waving bulrushes,
surrounds the road. Stretches of virtually untouched beach sparkle
in the fading light and it is from here that you get a spectacular
view of the sunset. Towards the end of the road a few transient
settlements of fishermen can be seen in the fishing season.
The main attraction
The main attraction of the island, the Ramanathswamy temple is
spread over 151 acres and is a magnificent example of Dravidian art.
This temple took about 350 years to take its present form various
release having contributed to its construction at different times
from the 12th century onwards. Parakrama Bahu, the ruler of Ceylon
guilt the sanctum sanctorum. The corridors and other vast structures
of the temple and the Gopurams were built by the Sethupathis, rulers
of Ramanathapuram since 12th century. The temple has two Gopurams at
the eastern and western entrances, 130 feet and 80 feet high,
respectively. The sanctum sanctorum is built of polished granite
stone.
The presiding deity at the temple is Lord Ramanathaswamy and his
emblem, the Ramalinga, is said to have been installed and
consecrated by Lord Rama and Sita.
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