Rameshwaram: The Most Mystical and Spiritual Land in South India

Located at the peak of South India is the sacred town of Rameshwaram, part of Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu. This town is situated on the Pamban Island, in the Gulf of Mannar, at the tip of India and is closest to the Mannar Island of Sri Lanka. It is popular for its divine atmosphere and is held sacred by Hindus all over India. A part of the Char Dham pilgrimage, it is the most famous religious destination in South India. It is connected to the mainland through the Pamban Bridge.   

Steeped in cultural heritage, Rameshwaram witnesses thousands of devout Hindus who visit the place every year for its popular destinations like the Ramanathaswamy Temple, Theerthas or the holy water bodies in and around the town, Dhanushkodi and the GandhamathanaParvatham. Its strategic location at the confluence of three massive water bodies or the trivenisangam of the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, makes it one of the holiest spots in India. This is why most tourists and pilgrims take a dip near the Rameshwaram shore and perform religious rituals.

The divinity of this coastal town dates back to ancient Hindu mythology, according to which Rama built a bridge, from Rameshwaram to Lanka, across the sea to rescue his wife, Sita from the demonic Ravana. Rameshwaram is closely associated with Rama, who had prayed to Lord Shiva to forgive him for any sins committed during his war against Ravana.

Lord Shiva is the foremost deity of the Ramanathaswamy Temple, located in the heart of the town. Built exquisitely by the Pandya Dynasty in the 12th century, it is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines which means “pillar of light”.Lord shiva is worshipped in these. It is also interesting to note that the temple is well known for its corridor of 1000 pillars, each of them strong and majestic, sculpted in the Nayak style.

Other temples of the town include the Ramarpatham Temple on the GandhamathanaParvatham. The imprint of Rama’s feet is seen on the chakra or the wheel, fitting appropriately to the name.  Kothandaramaswamy Temple is located on the Dhanushkodiisland and is dedicated to Lord Rama.

Fishing, boating and sightseeing are common activities in this spiritual town. Sightseeing is especially common during winters, from November to February where as pilgrims prefer summers to visit temples, between March and June. Madurai flights connect Rameshwaram to Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kochi etc. It is less than 200 kilometers from Rameshwaram and is the most popular means of contact with the mainland.

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Madurai Calling!!!!

One of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world is the pride of Tamil Nadu, Madurai. With a rich history that dates back to the third century, Madurai has been ruled by many dynasties in the past. It’s no wonder that Madurai is called the Athens of the east. 

Madurai is an important educational and industrial hub of Tamil Nadu and is very prominent in industries including automobile, rubber, granite and chemical manufacturing. The Madurai Law college, Madurai Medical college and Homeopathic Medical college are some of the well known educational institutions in Madurai.

Meenakshi Amman temple (Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

However, as a tourist in Madurai, you will have the best time sightseeing as there are many ancient monuments as well as religious structures here. Make sure to visit: 

1. The Meenakshi Amman temple, one of the landmarks of the city, is dedicated to Parvati (or Meenakshi).

2. The Koodal Azhagar temple is a unique Vishnu temple. It has idols of Navagraham, or nine planet deities, which can only be found in Shiva temples. 

Koodal Azhar Temple, Madurai (Photo Courtesy: opennetworks)

3. Kazimar big mosque is one of the oldest Islamic monuments in Madurai. Kazi Syed Tajuddin, who was thought to be the descendant of Prophet Mohammed, was the one supervising the construction of the mosque. 

4. The Goripalayam mosque has been derived from the Persian word ‘Gor’ or ‘grave’.

You should take a look at and explore all of these religious structures. Besides these religious monuments, you can also visit:

Thirumalai Nayak Palace (Photo Courtesy: benedante.blogspot.com)

1. The Thirumalai Nayak Palace, which was constructed in 1636 CE and now maintained by the Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department. 

2. The palace of Rani Mangamma, which has now been renovated to house one of the five Gandhi Memorial museums in the country. It even includes a part of the blood-stained garment worn by Gandhi when he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse.

3. The Eco Park in Tallakulam boasts of fountains and lighting in trees using optical fibres.

A treat to the eyes, the ancient city of Madurai has lots to offer. Jump on to any of the Madurai flights and take a tour of one of the oldest cities of the world.

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Madurai: The Athens of the East

If you've ever wondered about the oldest cities in the world, it may come as a shock to realise that one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world is Madurai. Its history dates back to the 3rd century when it was ruled by many dynasties; the Pandyas, the Cholas, the Madurai Sultanate, the Vijaynagar Empire, Madurai Nayaks, Chanda Sahib, the Carnatic kingdom and the British, until finally coming under the Indian government.

Closer View of Meenakshi Amman temple (Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

 Madurai is the third largest city in the state of Tamil Nadu and it is also the current administrative headquarters of the state. Currently, Madurai remains an integral city in South India as it has many automobile, rubber, chemical and granite manufacturing industries. Some of the well known government educational institutions such as Madurai Medical College and Madurai Law College are also housed here.

Koodal Azhagar Temple (Photo Courtesy: WikiMedia Commons)

However, if you’re a tourist in Madurai, you will likely be lured by the ancient monuments and religious structures here. Some of the places  of worship you should pay a visit to are the Meenakshi Amman temple, the Koodal Azhagar Temple, Kazimar Big Mosque and the Goripalayam Mosque. Other sights to see include the Thirumalai Nayak Palace and the palace of Rani Mangamma, which has been renovated to house one of the five Gandhi Memorial Museums in the country.

Kazimar Big Mosque, Madurai (Photo Courtesy:muslimblog.)

 These are some of the many reasons why you should get on a flight to Madurai and pay a visit.

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