Rameswaram – A Historical Perspective And Its Significance.

Rameswaram – Origin of the Name

Rameswaram is named after Lord Rama, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, particularly revered by Vaishnavism followers. The name “Rameswaram” is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Rama” and “Ishwar” (another name for Shiva), meaning “Lord Rama’s lord” or “Lord of Rama.”

Rameswaram is associated with Ramayana, where Lord Rama is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva at this sacred site. Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and his loyal devotee Hanuman, stayed in Rameswaram during their quest to rescue Sita from the demon king Ravana.

History about the Rameswar

The establishment of the Shiva lingam by Lord Rama in Rameswaram occurred during his return journey to Ayodhya after the victory over the demon king Ravana. It is believed to have taken place shortly after the conclusion of the war with Ravana.

As Lord Rama, along with his brother Lakshmana, Sita, and their loyal Vanara allies, traversed the Indian subcontinent on their way back to Ayodhya from Lanka, they reached the shores of Rameswaram. It is said that upon reaching this sacred site, Lord Rama was overcome with a sense of duty and gratitude towards the divine, particularly Lord Shiva. Rameswaram’s tranquil and spiritually charged atmosphere prompted Lord Rama to pause and perform a significant act of devotion and penance.

Feeling the weight of his actions during the war, particularly the act of slaying Ravana, who despite his demonic nature was born as a Brahmin, Lord Ram sought to purify himself of any residual sin or impurity. In Hindu belief, the killing of a Brahmin, even one with evil tendencies like Ravana, was considered a grave transgression known as “Brahmahatya Dosha.” To atone for this perceived sin and to seek absolution, Lord Rama resolved to undertake a solemn penance and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva, the supreme deity revered as the destroyer of evil and the embodiment of benevolence.

Thus, in a deeply reverential and symbolic gesture, Lord Ram is believed to have established the Shiva lingam, a representation of Lord Shiva’s divine energy, in Rameswaram. This act of consecration was not merely a ritualistic offering but a profound expression of Lord Rama’s devotion, humility, and reverence towards Lord Shiva. It signified Lord Rama’s acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of seeking forgiveness and guidance from the divine.

HISTORY OF RAMANATHASWAMY TEMPLE

The history of the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram is rich and storied, with its origins dating back centuries.

1. Early Development: While the temple’s exact founding date is not known, historical records suggest that it underwent significant expansion and renovation during the reign of the Pandya dynasty in the 12th century. The temple complex, with its majestic gopurams (gateway towers) and intricate carvings, reflects the architectural brilliance of the Pandya period.
2. Contributions of Various Dynasties: Over the centuries, the Ramanathaswamy Temple received patronage and contributions from various ruling dynasties, including the Cholas, Pandyas, and the Vijayanagara Empire. Each dynasty made additions and renovations to the temple complex, further enhancing its grandeur and religious significance.
3. Islamic Invasions and Reconstructions: Like many Hindu temples in South India, the Ramanathaswamy Temple faced challenges during periods of Islamic invasions and rule. It is said that the temple suffered damage and destruction during these tumultuous times. However, subsequent rulers and devotees undertook extensive reconstruction efforts to restore the temple to its former glory.
4. Colonial Influence: During the colonial period, the Ramanathaswamy Temple came under the influence of European powers, particularly the British. The temple’s administration underwent changes, and efforts were made to preserve its architectural heritage.
5. Modern Era: In the 20th and 21st centuries, the Ramanathaswamy Temple has continued to be a major pilgrimage site and a center of Hindu religious activities. Renovation projects have been undertaken to maintain and restore the temple’s structures, ensuring that it remains a beacon of spiritual and cultural heritage.

SIGNIFICANT PLACES IN RAMESWARAM

Ramanathaswamy Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva located on Rameswaram Island in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples, which are believed to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. The temple is renowned for its architectural grandeur, spiritual significance, and historical importance.

1. History: The temple has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Rameswaram is the place where Lord Rama, an incarnation of the god Vishnu, built a bridge (referred to as “Ram Setu” or “Adam’s Bridge”) across the sea to Lanka (present-day Sri Lanka) to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. Rama worshiped Lord Shiva here to absolve himself of the sin of killing Ravana, who was a Brahmin.
2. Architecture: The temple’s architecture is a blend of Dravidian and Pandyan styles. It has towering gopurams (gateway towers), pillared corridors, and intricately carved sculptures depicting various mythological themes. The temple complex is quite vast and encompasses several mandapams (halls) and shrines dedicated to various deities.
3. Holy Water: One of the most significant features of the temple is its sacred water bodies, known as “teerthams.” There are 22 teerthams within the temple complex, and bathing in these teerthams is considered highly auspicious by devotees. The Agni Theertham, located just outside the temple, is particularly important, as it is believed that taking a dip here can cleanse one of sins.
4. Rituals and Festivals: The temple is a center for various rituals and festivals throughout the year. Maha Shivaratri, Arudra Darshanam, and Thirukalyanam (celebrating the divine marriage of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita) are some of the major festivals celebrated with great pomp and fervor.
5. Corridor with Pillars: The temple is famous for its 1,000-pillar corridor, which is renowned for its architectural beauty and intricate carvings. Each pillar is adorned with unique sculptures depicting scenes.

AGNI THEERTHAM

1. Religious Significance: According to Hinduism taking a dip in the waters of the Agni Theertham is believed to cleanse devotees of their sins and bestow blessings upon them. It is said that Lord Rama, after his victorious return from Lanka, worshiped Lord Shiva at this spot to seek forgiveness for the sin of killing Ravana, who was a Brahmin.
2. Auspicious Occasions: The Agni Teertham holds special significance during religious festivals and auspicious occasions. Devotees often gather here to take holy baths, offer prayers, and perform rituals as part of their pilgrimage to Rameswaram. Maha Shivaratri and other important festivals witness large crowds of devotees visiting the Agni Teertham.
3. Rituals: Devotees typically follow specific rituals before taking a dip in the Agni Theertham. This may include offering prayers to Lord Shiva and performing ablutions. It is believed that immersing oneself in the sacred waters with devotion can purify the soul and bring spiritual blessings.
4. Scenic Beauty: Apart from its religious significance, the Agni Teertham also offers a picturesque setting with its serene waters and panoramic views of the coastline. Visitors often come here not only for religious purposes but also to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.

VILLOONDI TIRTHAM

Vilundu Theertham is believed to have originated from a divine act performed by Lord Rama, an avatar of the god Vishnu, during his exile period. According to legend, when Sita, Rama’s wife, felt thirsty during their exile in the forests, Rama shot an arrow into the ground, and pure water gushed out, forming the Vilundu Theertham. This mythological event links the theertham to the epic of Ramayana, adding to its religious significance.

Vilundu Teertham is an integral part of the pilgrimage experience in Rameswaram. Devotees often include it in their itinerary along with visits to other sacred sites such as the Ramanathaswamy Temple and the Agni Theertham. The theertham holds a special place in the hearts of pilgrims who consider it a crucial aspect of their spiritual journey.

Lakshmana Theertham

• Lakshmana Theertham is named after Lakshmana, the younger brother of Lord Rama. According to Hindu mythology, Lakshmana was deeply devoted to his brother Rama and played a crucial role in the epic Ramayana. It is believed that Lakshmana created this theertham by shooting an arrow into the ground to quench Rama’s thirst during their exile in the forests.
• Like other theertham in Rameswaram, Lakshmana Theertham is considered sacred and purifying. Devotees believe that bathing in its waters can cleanse them of sins and bestow blessings upon them. Pilgrims often visit the theertham to seek spiritual solace and divine intervention in their lives.
• Pilgrimage Destination: Lakshmana Theertham is an integral part of the pilgrimage experience in Rameswaram. Devotees include it in their itinerary along with visits to other religious sites such as the Ramanathaswamy Temple, Agni Theertham, and other theertham in the region. It holds special significance for those who revere the bond between Rama and Lakshmana.

Ramar Padam

• Following the victory over Ravana, Lord Rama, along with Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman, and the monkey army, returned to the mainland from Lanka. The Ramar Padam marks the spot where Lord Rama’s footprints are believed to have been imprinted on a stone as he stepped onto the shores of Rameswaram, symbolizing his divine presence and the culmination of his epic journey.
• Symbol of Divine Grace: The Ramar Padam serves as a reminder of Lord Rama’s divine grace and his role as a righteous king and embodiment of dharma (righteousness). Devotees visit the Ramar Padam to pay homage to Lord Rama, seek his blessings, and reflect on the virtues exemplified by him in the Ramayana.

Kothandara ramaswamy Temple

Holy place where Lord Rama conducted pattabhisekam (made him king of Lanka ) of vibheesh who was the smaller brother of ravana.

Jada Theertham

Located at a distance of 3.5 km from the main temple, this is a large pond considered to be highly sacred. The legend behind this theertham is associated with the war between Lord Rama and demon Ravana, who had abducted Goddess Sita. According to the legend, after the war and killing demon Ravana, who was also a Brahmin, Lord Rama decided to atone for his sin by offering prayers to Lord Shiva by creating a lingam. Before worshipping lingam of Lord Shiva, Lord Rama washed his hair in this pond. Hence it is called as Jada Theertham as the word Jada means hair.

To seek absolution for this deed, Lord Rama decided to perform penance and offer prayers to Lord Shiva, the supreme deity. Before commencing his prayers, it is said that Lord Rama cleansed himself by washing his hair (referred to as “jada” in Sanskrit) in the waters of a nearby pond, which came to be known as Jada Theertham. This act symbolized purification and humility, as Lord Rama prepared himself for the sacred rituals ahead.

Jada Theertham thus holds immense significance as a symbol of purification and penance. Devotees believe that bathing in its holy waters can cleanse one’s sins and pave the way for spiritual elevation.

Ram-Satu

Ram Satu is constructed by Lord Rama, with the help of an army of monkeys, to reach Lanka and rescue his wife Sita, who was abducted by the demon king Ravana. This event is described in the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana. The bridge’s name, “Ram Satu,” translates to Rama’s Bridge in Sanskrit.

Historical and Cultural Significance:

• Archaeological Interest: Studies have suggested that some of the shoals were formed by limestone shoals, and there is a debate among scientists about whether the formation is natural or man-made. The structure has been surveyed extensively to understand its origins and the age of the materials comprising it.
• Cultural Impact: Ram-Satu is a critical element of Hindu folklore and has significant spiritual implications for many devotees who believe in its divine construction by Lord Rama.

Dhanushkoti

Dhanushkoti is a town at the southeastern tip of Pamban Island of the Tamil Nadu state of India. It is situated about 29 kilometers west of Talaimannar in Sri Lanka. The town was completely destroyed during the Rameswaram cyclone in 1964 and has since been uninhabited in its entirety as a result of the severe damage.

1. Historical Background: Dhanushkoti was once a flourishing town with homes, schools, a railway station, and a post office. However, on December 22, 1964, it was hit by a devastating cyclone that killed over 1800 people and destroyed almost the entire town including a passenger train carrying over 100 passengers.
2. Mythological Significance: According to Hindu mythology, Dhanushkoti is a place of great significance. It is believed to be the place where Lord Rama, along with his army of monkeys, built a floating stone bridge (Ram Satu) across the sea to Lanka to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana, as described in the epic Ramayana. The name ‘Dhanushkoti’ means ‘end of the bow’, referring to an event where Lord Rama marked this point by breaking the celestial bow to gain the allegiance of the monkey army.

Shree Panchmukhi Hanuman temple

The Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple in Rameswaram is a significant Hindu shrine that attracts devotees and tourists alike. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this temple is famous for housing the idol of Hanuman with five faces, known as Panchmukhi Hanuman.

1. Unique Deity: The primary deity of the temple, Panchmukhi Hanuman, represents a special form of Lord Hanuman. Each of the five faces (Pancha means five and Mukhi means faces in Sanskrit) of Hanuman has its significance and is said to represent different forms of Hanuman — Hanuman (facing the east), Narasimha (facing the south), Garuda (facing the west), Varaha (facing the north), and Hayagriva (facing the sky).
2. Significance: Hanuman assumed this form to save Lord Rama and Lakshmana from the life-threatening sorcery and mantras cast by the demon king Ravana’s son Ahiravana. The five faces were necessary to control the five directions to weaken Ahiravana’s powers.
3. Location and Features: Located on the way to the famous Ramanathaswamy Temple, this small but spiritually significant temple is a must-visit for pilgrims heading to Rameswaram. The idol of Hanuman is covered with a layer of sindoor (vermilion) and worshipped with great devotion.

Jatayu Theertham

Jatayu Tirtham is one of the sacred theertham (holy water bodies) located in Rameswaram, an island considered highly significant , particularly in the Ramayana. This theertham, like many others around Rameswaram, has its roots deeply embedded in the legends of the Ramayana and plays a vital role in the pilgrimage rituals performed in the area.

Significance of Jatayu Theertham:

• Connection to the Ramayana: Jatayu Tirtham is named after Jatayu, the noble vulture king who, according to the Ramayana, tried to rescue Sita from Ravana when the demon king was abducting her. Jatayu fought valiantly but was mortally wounded. According to legend, Jatayu fell on the ground at this spot after his wings were cut by Ravana.
• Lord Rama’s Tribute: The site is also significant because it is believed that Lord Rama performed the last rites of Jatayu here as a mark of respect for his effort and valor. Performing these rites for Jatayu, Lord Rama accepted him as a father figure, since Jatayu had tried to save his wife at the cost of his own life.
• Pilgrimage Site: Jatayu Theertham is one of the several theertham that pilgrims visit for the Parihara Puja (atonement prayers), a ritual that forms a part of the broader set of rituals undertaken by devotees in Rameswaram. The water of this theertham is considered sacred and is believed to have cleansing properties, both spiritually and physically.

Gandhamadana Parvatham

1. Associated with the Ramayana: Gandhamadana Parvatham is believed to be the place where Hanuman began his flight to Lanka to find Sita, who had been abducted by Ravana. The hill is thus directly linked to the events of the Ramayana and serves as a key point in the narrative involving Lord Hanuman’s devotion and bravery.
2. Footprint of Lord Rama: Atop the hillock is a two-story hall, where devotees can see a pair of footprints, which are believed to belong to Lord Rama. This further enhances the site’s importance as a pilgrimage destination, attracting thousands of devotees who come to venerate and reflect on Rama’s journey and trials.

House of Dr APJ Abdul kalam

1. Historical Background: The house where Dr. Kalam was born and grew up is a simple, traditional Tamil Nadu-style home located in the temple town of Rameswaram. It has been preserved and maintained to honor his legacy.
2. Memorial and Museum: The house has been partly turned into a museum that showcases memorabilia from Dr. Kalam’s life, including photos, his writings, and some personal belongings. It serves as an inspirational site, particularly highlighting his journey from a newspaper boy in Rameswaram to the President of India.
3. Cultural and Educational Importance: The House of Kalam is not just a museum; it also serves as a place of inspiration for students and young individuals. It illustrates the power of education and perseverance and encourages visitors to follow their dreams despite obstacles.

CONCLUSION

Rameswaram stands as a multifaceted gem, blending myth, history, and natural beauty into a captivating tapestry of cultural heritage. From the sacred waters of its theertham to the majestic temples steeped in mythology, Rameswaram offers pilgrims and tourists alike a journey of spiritual enrichment and awe-inspiring exploration.

The island’s significance as a pivotal setting in the Ramayana adds layers of depth to its allure, drawing devotees from far and wide to walk in the footsteps of Lord Rama and other revered figures of Hindu mythology. Beyond its religious significance, Rameswaram’s stunning beaches, historical landmarks, and architectural marvels provide a rich tapestry of experiences for visitors to immerse themselves in.

As a testament to the enduring legacy of faith and tradition, Rameswaram continues to enchant and inspire, offering a timeless journey of discovery and reverence amidst the tranquil beauty of its shores. Whether seeking spiritual solace, historical insight, or simply the joy of exploration