Rameshwaram
Rameshwaram is one of the foremost religious cities in Tamil Nadu. An important pilgrimage center for both Shaivites and Vaishnavaites, it was at Rameswaram where Lord Rama (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the Indian epic - The Ramayana) performed thanksgiving rituals to Lord Shiva after his triumph over the demon king Ravana in the battle at Sri Lanka. Rameswaram is located on eastern side of the island in the Gulf of Mannar.
Rameswaram is known for its theerthas( wells ) in and around the main temple. This place is equally sacred to both Vaishnavites and Saivites.
According to Hindu Mithology, if one will visit Rameswaram and pray Lord Shiva means, the whole sins will be relieved from the body.
The Ramanathaswamy temple is renowned for its magnificent corridors and massive sculptured pillars. The third corridor of Ramanathaswamy temple is the longest one in the world.
Located at the heart of the town, this historic temple is one of the most important temples in South India. This magnificent temple, famous for its 1200 massive granite columns, is a fine instance of late Dravidian architecture.
To absolve himself from the killing of Ravana, Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here at Agnitheertham, situated 100 meters away from the Ramanathaswamy Temple. The water at this place is considered scared and tourists throng here for a holy bath.
This temple is perched at the highest point on the island of Rameswaram, Gandamadana Parvatham, at a distance of 5 km from Rameswaram. The shrine preserves the imprint of Lord Rama's feet placed on a Chakra (wheel).
Named after Lord Rama's bow ('dhanush"), Dhanushkodi is 8 km away from Rameswaram. All but the Kothandaramaswamy Temple in Dhanushkodi were completely destroyed by the terrible cyclones of 1964. This temple houses graceful idols of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman and Vibhishana (brother of Ravana).
This is a chain of reefs, sandbanks and islets that almost connects Sri Lanka with India. It is believed that this is the series of stepping stones used by Hanuman to follow Ravana, in his attempt to rescue Sita.