Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple
This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva constitutes the main attraction of the town of Rameswaram. Situated near the sea on the eastern part of the island, this temple is mostly known for its staggering structure, magnificent corridors and spectacular sculptures. It has been built under the patronage of a number of rulers from the 12th century. The most premier aspect of the temple is its corridor that is world’s longest one and stretches about 197 meters in East-West direction and 133 meters in the North-South direction.The temple is even more appealing to the devotees because of the legend associated with it. It is believed that Lord Rama, after having killed Ravana had decided to offer Lord Shiva a prayer of gratitude for having guaranteed his succeeded in the war. He instructed Hanuman to fetch the lingam from Kailasa within a certain time, but Hanuman was delayed and Sita had to prepare one of sand, before the auspicious hour. It is said that this is the same Lingam of Sri Ramanatha in the temple.
What acts as a supplementary to enhance this aura of myth and supernaturalism in the temple are the 22 wells, the water of which are believed to have medicinal properties. Also water from every well tastes different from the other. Special service providers are available who can make a bath in the waters from these wells possible for you and your family. They charge about Rs70 per person.
Agnitheertham
The sea in front of the temple of Ramanathaswamy is considered extremely sacred by the devotees. The shore is located about 100 meters from the main entrance of the temple and experiences a more or less calm and serene sea throughout the year, thus making it ideal for having a bath. This is given the name of Agniteertham and pilgrims also offer prayers for their ancestors here
Gandamadana Parvatham
This is a small hillock located about 3km from the temple of Ramanathaswamy. This constitutes the highest point in the island of Rameswaram. One can also view the footprints of Lord Rama on a charka on this island. It also houses a two storied Mandapam. The entire island of Rameswaram reveals itself in its full glory from this point of Gandamadana Parvatham.
Sugreevar temple
The Sugreevar temple is dedicated to Sugreeva, a mythological character from the Epic Ramayana. This can be peeped in when you are on your way to the Gandamadana Parvatham.
Satchi Hanuman Temple
Very near to the Sugreevar temple is the Satchi Hanuman Temple, which is located about 3km from the main temple of Lord Ramanathaswamy. Legend has it that this temple enshrines the very spot where Hanuman had given Rama the good news of the welfare of his wife Sita with a stchi or an evidence of the Choodamani, or a jewel that Sita possessed. This is also a favorite destination for the devotees.
Jada Theertham
Located about 3.5km from the temple of Ramanathaswamy, is this water body. Even this has a mystical legend associated with it. It is said that after defeating Ravana, Lord Rama had decided to worship Lord Ramalinga and hence had washed his hair(Jada) here to purify himself.
Dhanushkodi
Dhanushkodi is a strip of land in the easternmost side of the island of Rameswaram. The site is about 1km broad and is18km in length, resembling the shape of an arrowhead. On one side of the land lies the Indian Ocean and on the other side is the Bay of Bengal. They make a bow shaped figure with their confluence. Many devout Hindus prefer to perform religious rites and duties in this place that is also believed to be the site of the original bridge or Setu built by Rama. This place has been renovated and rebuilt by the Government of Maharashtra as it was completely washed away by the cyclone of 1964.
Nambu Nayagiamman Temple
It is greatly venerated by the people of Ramnad District. It is situated 8 km from the main temple in Rameswaram on the way to Dhanushkodi.
Kothandaramaswamy Temple
This is located 12 km away from Rameswaram. A popular belief is that Vibishana, brother of Ravana, surrendered before Rama here.
Laxmana Tirtham
The Laxmana Tirtham bestows an equally divine status to Laxmana, the brother to Lord Rama who has sacrificed all worldly pleasures just to accompany his brother and his consort Sita. Always worshipped in unison these trio constitute the famous Indian Epic of Ramayana
Villoondi Tirtham
The Villoondi Tirtham is located about 7km from the main temple of Rameswaram. This is believed to be the place where Lord Rama had buried his bow and arrow. It is visited by the pilgrims in large numbers.The Villoondi Tirtham falls on the way to another popular site known as Pamban, which houses the only spot where drinking water s available amidst vast expanses of salty sea. Legend has it that Sita was quenched her thirst by shooting an arrow in the ocean. Hundreds of devotees of Lord Rama visit this place to taste a relic from the past.
Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge
Located 22km from the main temple, the Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge marks the longest bridge in India that effectively connects Rameswaram with the main island. The bridge was constructed with sufficient elevation. The islands nearby and the parallel rail bridge below can be viewed from this bridge.
