Rameshwaram: A Perfect Getaway For Seniors To Enjoy Spirituality And Nature’s Bliss

People travel to Rameshwaram for various reasons. Some travel for faith and belief, as the place boasts of 64 tirthas, while some travel to soak in nature’s beauty, as it happens to be among India’s major island town off the coast of India, separated by a narrow 40 km channel in the Bay of Bengal.

Besides its mesmerising art and culture, beautiful and complex architectural significance, and other avenues for wellness and natural beauty, Rameshwaram also holds significant religious value as it is connected with Lord Ram. Rameshwaram is said to be the place where Lord Rama came to worship Lord Shiva before going on the battle against Ravana, the king of Lanka.  

Incidentally, Rameshwaram also boasts of several bathing wells, where pilgrims and tourists bathe as part of their pilgrimage rituals. The wells are believed to have healing power and said to cleanse people of their sins.

Why Is Rameshwaram Significant for Spiritual Cleansing?

Religious Significance: Rameshwaram is said to be one of the four major pilgrimage sites for Hindus.

The Ramanathaswamy Temple holds significant value for Hindu pilgrims as it is said to be the place where Lord Rama worshiped Lord Shiva before setting out to battle Ravana. It is also the place where the Ram Setu was built by Lord Rama to help his Vanar Sena cross the Palk Strait.

Apart from pilgrimage, it is also said to be a place where many people come to lay their loved ones to rest after their cremation. Many other rituals are also performed in Rameshwaram, such as Thithi Pooja and Pind Dan to gain blessing from their ancestors as well as help their souls find peace. These rituals are performed through havan and by offering food to the ancestors.  

Arts And Culture: Rameshwaram is widely known for its temples. Arts, culture, beliefs and mythology is depicted through art forms, such as paintings, carvings, sculptures, architecture and folk arts.

The Ramanathaswamy Temple is a fine example of Dravidian Architecture. The temples are formed with massive pillared corridors and adorned with carving of shikharas (spires) and ornate mandapas.

Sculptures of Lord Shiva are carved in metal, stone and wood, especially in the form of the Lingam and the cosmic dancer, Nataraja.  The artistic depictions also present the sculptures of Rama, Sita and other significant characters from the Ramayana.

Places To Visit For Senior Travellers

Ramanathaswamy Temple: This temple is one of the 12 Jyothirlinga temples where Lord Shiva is worshiped. The temple has is fully accessible to for senior citizens, except for a few portions.

Agni Theertham: Agni Theertham is a beach that is popular with pilgrims to take a dip before starting their religious rituals. The beach is calm and not too crowded by tourists. Benches and shaded areas are also provided for the visitors to relax.

Ram Setu: Rama Setu is a submerged rock formation made of corals that connects Rameshwaram to the island of Sri Lanka. The actual bridge is not visible as parts of it remain submerged, but it is supposed to be the bridge that was built by Lord Rama to help his Vanar Sena reach the island of Lanka for the war against Ravana, the king of Lanka. It is a popular tourist destination with both tourists and pilgrims alike.

Dhanushkodi: This ghost town is the place where Lord Rama’s Vanar Sena supposedly built the Ram Setu to reach Lanka. The place offers ample view of the large coastline along with ancient ruins of the old town.

Kothandaramaswamy Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is located on the way to Dhanushkodi. It is significant because it is believed to be the place where Lord Rama worshiped Lord Shiva after his victory in Lanka.