Gateway Weekend Break

The deep south of Tamil Nadu gets sizzling hot in summer, so this is a good time, when temperatures are more moderate and pleasant, to explore this part of the country. Rameswaram is a temple town that most people aspire to visit at least once in their lifetime.

- Priya Bala

 RAMESWARAM A SACRED SPOT IN THE SOUTH

The deep south of Tamil Nadu gets sizzling hot in summer, so this is a good time, when temperatures are more moderate and pleasant, to explore this part of the country. Rameswaram is a temple town that most people aspire to visit at least once in their lifetime.

Considered among the holiest of places, it lies on the southern coast, separated by a small channel, Pamban, from the island country of Sri Lanka. In mythology, it is from Rameswaram that Lord Rama began to build the bridge across the ocean to Lanka, with the help of the vanar sena.

The Ramanathaswamy Temple is known for its impressive architecture, which includes a grand corridor of sculpted pillars and a majestic tower. The temple is in the centre of Rameswaram town and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

It is also sacred to Hindus because it is considered one of the 12 Jyotirlinga sites in the country where Shiva is worshipped as a pillar of light. Besides its religious significance, the temple is also an architectural and historical gem. Built during the 12th century by the Pandya Dynasty, it is known for its amazing pillars and the intricacy of the sculptures, created in the Nayak style, which you can also see in the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple. Later kings, including the rulers of Sri Lanka, contributed to the temple and enhanced its architectural legacy.

The sacred bathing spots or theerthas are another thing that draws pilgrims to this temple town. To bathe at them is considered a purifying ritual.

HATKOTI AN ODYSSEY IN STONE