Shores of Legends: Exploring Rameshwaram
A Journey Beyond Time
A long weekend, a spontaneous decision, and we hit the road for a long drive to Rameshwaram. Now, let me tell you, the hype surrounding it was off the charts—like, 'Is this for real?' levels of excitement. We’d been thinking of a trip to Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi for a while now, but it somehow it never worked out. So this was just too exciting. But, truth be told, we didn't quite grasp the magnitude of it until our car hit the road, and suddenly, we found ourselves stuck in traffic for what felt like an eternity. All of south India seemed to be driving towards Rameshwaram! Yet, when we finally arrived at our destination, all that struggle transformed into a distant memory. It was like stepping into a dream, and suddenly, every inconvenience was worth it.Â
Rameshwaram, a timeless gem, has recently shimmered even brighter, drawing increased attention following a visit by our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. The journey into Rameshwaram is nothing short of enchanting, cruising along the illustrious Pamban Bridge. The breeze, the kaleidoscopic hues of the water below, and the captivating sight of the Rameshwaram island on the horizon compose a breathtaking scene. The Pamban bridge is truely an iconic one - it is India's inaugural seabridge constructed in 1914. Initially a railway bridge, it later evolved into a road bridge as well.
The Ramanathaswamy Temple, a sacred pilgrimage site steeped in Indian mythology, holds historical significance. Legend has it that Lord Rama worshipped Shiva here before embarking on his journey to present-day Sri Lanka. Situated just a few hundred meters from the beach, the temple is a marvel. Its exterior is a sight to behold, each of its entrances (east-west-north-south gates) adorned with remarkable carvings and sculptures, creating an enchanting visual spectacle - the East gate serving as the primary entrance.
Noteworthy are the holy theerthams, or water tanks, now further celebrated due to the PM's recent visit in January 2024. Bathing in the waters of these 22 tanks is considered a sacred part of the pilgrimage, representing the 22 arrows of Lord Rama. The Agni theerthams, the first of these theerthams, is the sea itself, symbolizing the Bay of Bengal. Devotees often commence their pilgrimage by taking a dip in the waters of Rameshwaram Agni theerthams before proceeding to the temple, a short way.
The interiors boasts of an extensive corridor, the longest among Hindu temples in India. It showcases intricate sculptures and carvings, presenting a visual feast of architectural splendor. Venturing through the expansive corridors, felt nothing short of extraordinary. Despite the queues, there was a sense of contentment in having ample time to soak in the beauty of the sculptures gracing the corridors, doors, and panels—a moment of personal joy amidst the hustle and bustle.
As dusk descended, the temple came alive in a radiant glow, illuminated by diyas, casting a spellbinding aura around it. After getting the blessings of the Gods inside the temple, we took the opportunity to do parikrama around the temple from outside, to explore the intricate carvings on the temple. Taking a leisurely stroll around the temple during sunset feels like stepping into a scene from a dream, as the vibrant hues of the sky blend seamlessly with the majestic temple structure, offering the perfect backdrop for those Insta-worthy moments
Outside, the temple premises were multiple shops offering an array of temple artifacts and souvenirs. It was heartwarming to see many of them named after the revered Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, adding a touch of personal connection to the bustling ambiance. (Rameshwaram is the town where Dr. Kalam spent his formative years).
Day 1 was a hectic day after the long drive and the temple darshan (but an awesome day nevertheless)! We took a room at a hotel very near the temple (i.e. also meaning it was right by the bay - yayy). Rameshwaram is known for its spectacular sunrise, sunsets and moon-rise and we were super lucky to be here for the blood-moon rise. But what this also meant was that I was super looking forward to a waking up early for a sunrise walk too.
So, after a restful night, we welcomed the dawn in Rameshwaram with a serene morning stroll. The ethereal beauty of the sunrise painted the sky in hues of gold and blue, casting a peaceful spell over the surroundings. In my mind, I had pictured a sunrise stroll with just I-me-the beach-the sunrise! BUT, there were at least 10000 devotees who had the same plan and were in the beach waters for a holy dip (the Agni theerthams, as referred above, is just there!). Hahaha, however, it was a magical experience.
Our adventure in Rameshwaram was like a delightful chapter in a storybook, filled with scenic drives, charming temples, and even a bit of beachside creativity. Despite the occasional hiccup at the Fortune Hotel1 (the hotel we stayed in - amazing location, but let's not talk about the service, haha), our taste buds found solace at the Ahaan restaurant in Daiwik Hotel2—an absolute gem serving up deliciousness.
Although we regrettably didn't have the opportunity to visit the APJ Kalam memorial during our time in Rameshwaram, our curiosity led us to delve into its architectural marvels and tributes online. From what we discovered, the memorial is meticulously planned and thoughtfully incorporated elements that resonate with Dr. Kalam's passions and interests. The grand entrance, reminiscent of the iconic India Gate, bears a touch of the Chettinad style, echoing the majestic doors of the Brihadeeswar Temple in Thanjavur. As for the main dome, it stands as a striking replica of the Rashtrapathi Bhavan. A highlight of the memorial is the bronze statue depicting Dr. Kalam immersed in the melodious strains of the veena, a nod to his multifaceted persona.
From his pivotal role in the Pokhran atomic test to his contributions to India's space and defense endeavors, the museum boasts replicas of rockets, missiles, and captivating paintings, serving as poignant reminders of his indelible legacy. Though we missed the chance this time, we vowed to prioritize a visit to this inspiring tribute on our next journey to Rameshwaram.
& like almost EVERY tourist who visits Rameshwaram, we also went to Dhanushkodi and spent lots of time there. But more of that in our next Substack newsletter. Subscribe to the newsletter so that it reaches your inbox directly and you get to know about all the things our sneakers are upto 👟
(Giving you a little sneak peak of the Dhanushkodi trip through this pic below)
The journey to this magical town was a breeze—flying into Madurai and then a three-hour road trip to Rameshwaram (that costs around 3000 bucks one way via a cab). Easy peasy, right? But its going to get easier. Excitingly, by mid-2024, the railway track will stretch all the way to Rameshwaram, promising a scenic rail adventure. Currently, the rail services halt at Mandapam station, just before the Pamban Bridge starts. So, if you're the choo-choo train type, keep an eye out for that future railway journey.
Until next time, Rameshwaram, you adorable little wonder!Â
Fortune Hotel, Rameshwaram
Daiwik hotel and resort, Rameshwaram
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Rameshwaram
As you enter Rameshwaram, you will cross the Pamban bridge.
Stop your car either before or after the bridge and walk across the bridge for some distance. this is an iconic bridge and the views from here are spectacular.
Pro-tip: If you stop on the bridge, you will most likely by fined by a traffic-cop.
Walk along the Agni theerthams beach area
Walk around the temple’s exterior and see all the gate-entrances
Day 2:
If enthusiastic, wake up at 4/5AM for the morning aarti at the Ramanathaswamy temple. (please check with the locals for the exact time)
Visit the Ramanathaswamy temple
Spend time visiting all the 22 theerthams (all are located in/around the temple)
Visit some of the beaches in Rameshwaram
Visit the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial
Day 3:
Wake up early and reach Dhanushkodi.
This day is dedicated to Dhanushkodi. Look out for our next blog, giving you all the deets about Dhanushkodi.