In the early 15th Century the present territories of Ramanathapuram district comprising of Taluks Tiruvadanai, Paramakudi, Kamuthi, Mudukulathur, Ramanathapuram and Rameshwaram were included in Pandiyan Kingdom. For a short period, this area was under the Chola Kings when Rajendra Chola brought it under his territory in 1063 AD. In 1520 AD., the Nayaks of Vijayanagar took over this area under their control from the Pandiyan dynasty for about two centuries, Marava chieftains – Sethupathis who were Lords under Pandiyan Kings and reigned over this part (17th century).This district was named as Ramanathapuram. During the British period this district was called ‘’Ramnad’’.The name continued after independence. Later the district was renamed as Ramanathapuram to be in conformity with the Tamil Name for this region.
Agnitheertham: The calm, shallow water – spread of the sea, present hardly 100 meters in front of the magnificent temple Gopuram is reverentially held sacred. A dip in the Agnitheertham is supposed to remove the sins of the pilgrims. The other Theerthams (holy springs) in and around the temple are also important for pilgrims.
Annai Indira Gandhi Bridge: The 2.2 km.length bridge connecting the Rameswaram Island and the mainland is the longest bridge in India constructed over a bay. It is also called as Pamban Bridge. Similarly the railway bridge connecting the island is noted for its unique opening to pass the ships through the sea.
Badrakaliamman Temple: Temple for Devi Durga is situated 1 km from the main temple on the way to Gandhamatha parvatham.
Devi Patinam: This coastal village is also known as Navashabashanam. It is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Navagraha here. The temple nearby here is dedicated to Devi, who is said to have killed the demon Mahishasura at this spot. Hindus perform religious rites for their forefathers here.
Dhanushkodi: The southernmost tip of the island is called Dhanushkodi. It was completely washed away by a cyclone in 1964. But the Kothandaramasamy Temple here remains intact.It is 18 Kms away from Rameshwaram can be reached by road. A popular belief is that, it is where Vibishana a brother of Ravana surrendered before Rama. Dhanushkodi has a fine beach, where sea surfing is possible.
Erwadi: The tomb of Sultan Ibrahim Syed Aulia, who came from Arabia via Cannanore is about 800 years old.Pilgrims from far off countries like Srilanka, Malaysia and Singapore are visiting this tomb.Santhanakoodu Festival is celebrated in February – March attracts thousands of pilgrims. Ph: 04576 – 263807
Five Faced Hanuman Temple: Hanuman is adorned with senthooram here. The stone said to have used to construct the floating bridge Sethu Bandanam could be seen here.
Gandhamathana Parvatham: A hillock situated 3 KMs to the north of the temple is the highest point in the island. There is a two storeyed Mandapam. Where Rama’s feet (Padam) is found as an imprint on a chakra. Pilgrims throng in thousands to worship Gandhamathana Parvatham. Sukreevar Temple and Theertham are situated on the way to Gandhamadana Parvatham.
Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve: Gulf of Mannar is the first Marine Biosphere Reserve not only in India, but also in south and Southeast Asia. The IUCN Commission on National Parks and WWF, identified the Reserve as being an area of ‘’Particulars concern’’ given its diversity and special multiple – use management status. In addition, as the first marine biosphere reserve declared in India, this area has long been a national priority. The Gulf of Mannar and its 3,600 Species of flora and fauna is one of the biologically richest coastal regions in all of mainland of India.
Jadayu Theertham: Jadayu, King of Birds, fought in vain with Ravana to Save Sita, is said to have fallen down here as his wings severed. Sand dunes are around the temple and the pond. The waters of the pond is as sweet as tender coconut water.
Jyotirlinga Shrines of Shiva: One of the Jyotirlinga Shrines of Shiva in India, Ramanatheshwara temple at Rameswaram in Tamilnadu.
Kanjirankulam & Chitrangudi Birds Sancturay: The Kanjirankulam and Chitrangudi bird’s sanctuary are the natural habitat of winter migratory birds and provide safe place for roosting, breeding and feeling for birds with considerable diversity in nesting and feeding behaviour. Also many species of birds visit coastal areas of Ramanathapuram, which are attracted towards these in-land and wetlands. Season: November to March. Most Commonly available birds: Contact Officer: The Wildlife Warden, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Ramanathapuram – 623 503.
Konthaadaramaswamy Temple: Kothandaramaswamy temple is located 12 kms away from Rameshwaram.A popular belief is that vibishma, brother of Ravana, surrendered before Rama.
Kurusadai Island :This Island lies to the west of the Pamban Bridge between the mainland and the island. It is a Marine Biosphere, a paradise for the Marine Biologists and nature lovers. Marine wealth is abounding here which attract many a scholars and researchers to this Island. It is about 4 Kms from Mandapam. One should approach fishers department for permission to visit this island. Off Kurusadai Island one could see plenty of coral-reef, fish. Dolphins and sea-cows (Dugong) are also often witnessed.
Mandapam & Pamban: Lying on the Ramanathapuram – Rameswaram National Highway and just 19 kms before Rameshwaram lies this sleepy coastal village of Mandapam, Prior to the 1914 train service linking the mainland with Rameswaram, boats were the only mode of transport to ship the pilgrims on their journey to Rameswaram. It is possible to take a boat for a cruise through the mangrove marshes to Kurusadai Island.
Oriyur: Oriyur is one of the most revered pilgrim centers for Christians the world over as it is home to the martyrdom of St.John De Britto, a Portugese Jesuit better known as ‘Arul Anandar’. It was in this place that the saint was beheaded in 1693 and the sand dune is said to have turned red, believed to be stained by the blood of the saint. Here, one can see a magnificent shrine with its Portugese facade that contains a captivating statue of Arul Anandar offering his neck in humble submission to the executioner.
Rameswaram
The Holy abode of the Hindu God, Shri Ram (addressed so with all respect & humility) is a virtual paradise for the devout. No Hindu’s journey is complete without a pilgrimage to both Varanasi and Rameswaram for the culmination of his quest for salvation and is hallowed by the epic ‘Ramayana’. Folklore mentions about God Ram’s presence in this land, after his 14-year exile.
Local legend has it that Shri Ram was helped back into Rameswaram and into India by his brother Lakshman and Hanuman along with his band of thousands of monkeys, after finally emerging victorious against the demon – Ravana. They helped build a bridge with rocks from the sea and shores to cross the ‘Sethu canal’ and reach Lanka. Lord Rama is also believed to have sanctified this place by worshipping and glorifying Lord Shiva and hence marks the confluence of Shaivism and Vaishnavism and is thus revered by both Shaivites and Vaishnavites alike and thus there is a strong belief that bathing in the 22 ‘Theerthams’ or natural springs is a step forward in enlightenment. Therefore, Rameswaram has rightly been declared as one of the National Pilgrim Centres in the count.
The Ramanathaswamy temple by itself is a delight for every tourist. With its magnificent, imposing structure, long corridors, aesthetically carved pillars, the temple is adorned with a towering 38-metre ‘Gopuram’. The temple itself was built by rulers since the 12th century with Sethupathy Maravar beginning the construction of the grand Ramanathaswamy temple that boasts of the ‘Third Corridor’, completed by his successor, Maravar – the longest one in Asia with a 197-metre span from East to West and a 133-metre span from South to North, the third largest in the world! It is said that Swamy Vivekananda offered prayers at this temple in 1897. It is also one of the twelve Jyothirlinga temples, where Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Jyotirlingam
Ramanathaswamy Temple
The legend says that Hunuman was sent by Lord Rama to bring a Lingam to worship at an appointed auspicious hour. As Human’s arrival was delayed, Sita moulded a lingam for Rama’s timely worship. It is the main being worshiped as Ramanathaswamy. Disappointed Hunuman was later consoled by Rama by installing the Lingam which was brought by him a little north of Ramanatha, and decreed that the Hunuman’s lingam should have precedence over the Ramanatha in all honours.
Satchi Hanuman Temple
This is where Hanuman said to have delivered the good news of sita’s well being to Rama with an evidence choodamani(Jewel) of Sita.
Five Faced Hanuman Temple
Hanuman is adorned with senthooram here. The stone said to have used to construct the floating bridge Sethu Bandanam could be seen here.
Agni Theertham
The calm shallow water-spread of the sea, present hardly 100 meters in front of the temple gopuram is considered as sacred. A dip in the Agnitheertham is considered to remove the sins of the pilgrims. The other theerthams (holy water tanks) in and around the temple are also important for Pilgrims.
Jatayu Theertham
Jatayu is an eagle who helped lord Rama and Lakshmana during their desperate search for Sita had been taken by Ravana. Jatayu tried to rescue Sita and was defeated and severely injured in the fight with Ravana. Jataya who was dying, informed them that Ravana was flying away with the crying Sita towards SriLanka. Jatayu died in Lord Rama’s arms and Lord Rama was overwhelmed with the love for Jatayu and it was buried and a temple was made at the place of burial.
Pamban Bridge
The 2.2 km. length bridge connecting the Rameswaram Island and the mainland is the longest bridge in India constructed over a bay. It is also called as Pamban Bridge. Similarly the railway SCISSORS bridge connecting the island is noted for its unique opening to pass the ships through the sea.
Dhanushkodi
Devipattinam (Nava Bashanam)
A coastal village is also known as Navashabashanam.It is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Navagraha here. The temple near by here, is dedicated to Devi, who is said to have killed the demon Mahishasura at this spot. Hindus perform religious rites for their forefathers here.
Thiruppullani
Thiruppullani: Also called Dharbasayanam, the Vishnu Temple here, is dedicated to Lord Adi Jaganathaperumal. It is 10.2 KM from Ramanathapuram. Lord Rama prayed to the Samudraraja (God of Ocean) to seek way to reach Lanka. He did a penance (thavam) lying in Kusa grass (tharuppai), and this act is described Dharbasayanam in Sanskrit.
Thiru Uthirakosamangai
18 KMs from Ramanathapuram is Uthirakosamangai. There is an ancient Siva temple, where the presiding deity is carved in Emerald. Annual Arudhra festival in December attracts a large number of devotees.
Erwadi
The tomb of Sultan Ibrahim Syed Aulia, who came from Arabia via Cannanore about 800 years ago. Pilgrims from far off countries like Srilanka, Malaysia and Singapore are visiting this tomb. Santhanakoodu Festival is celebrated in February-March attracts thousands of pilgrims.
