Rameshwaram is called the ''Kasi of the South''. Thousands of people perform rituals in the sacred corridors of the Rameshwaram temple everyday. It is said that all the rivers of India had come down to Rameshwaram on Lord Ram''s request. Thus, the temple has over 100 wells having waters from all the rivers. Devotees take a bath from all these wells and then sit down, purified, for the rituals.
A traditional pujari performing the rituals for a couple. The rituals are mostly performed for the purificatiton of oneself and also of his or her ancestors.
Fresh flowers, tulsi leaves, incense sticks, holy water - the ritual package.
Built by the Pandya kings, the Ramanathaswamy Temple (Rameshwaram) is known for its magnificient structure, long corridors and aesthetically carved pillars lining it. The corridor is the longest one in Asia. It is 197 metres on East-West, 133 metres inlength on South-North.
A family getting a picture clicked in the famous temple corridors. Also visit Satchi Hanuman Temple, the place where Hanuman told Lord Rama about Sita''s well being with proof of Choodamani.
There are a total of 1212 pillars across the temple complex. They are known for their intricate stone carvings. Also see the 5 faced Hanuman Temple and Kothandaramaswamy Temple where Vibishana, Ravana''s brother surrendered to Lord Ram.
This is the south gate of the temple. Take note of the superior stone work on the side pillars. Also visit Gandhamathana Parvatham, a hillock ie 3kms north of the temple. It is where Lord Rama''s feet is found as an imprint on a Chakra.
Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram. The entrance to temple is adorned with a 38.4 metre high Gopuram (Tower).
Former President of India, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam hails from this small town of Rameshwaram. This is a picture of the entrance of his house
A closer shot of the entrance door, the letter say - ''House of Kalam''