We have visited Rameswaram, Dhanushkodi Thirupullani, Utharakosamangai and Devipattinam from 22-08-2008 to 25-08-2008 as our first stage to our Varanasi tour.
We have started our tour from Villupram by boarding Rameswaram Express train at 7.30 pm on 22-08-2008.We have got berth in three tier AC ( 3A ).We met our team members in the railway station. They have occupied their berths in various coaches.
We met a family who are returning from Varanasi tour and going to Rameswaram with holi Ganga theerthum brought from Allahabad. Sangam. They narrated their experiences , the places they have seen. They told they have stayed in Nattukkottai Satram and it is very convenient to stay there. They told that there is no problem about food as the tiffin available in the morning and night and meals available at noon are very good at Satram.
The train reached Rameswaram at 5.45 am the next day. i.e 23-08-2008.We get down the train and proceeded to Kasi Madam by auto. The Kasi madam is near to the temple and on the way to Agni Theertham. We got separate room for each family. The room for our family is a double bed room with attached bath room.
After some rest we proceeded to Agni Theertham and after sangalpam we took bath in the sea. We took sand from the sea and put it in a banana leaf. We made three portions and made three Gods with the sand. We performed pooja to the god with flowers. We took one portion in one bag and dissolved the other two portions in the sea. The sand we collected has to be brought to Varanasi and to be dissolved in the Ganges.
We went to Ramanathaswami temple to bath in all the 22 Theerthams. We have arranged a person to pour water in our head from each wells situated inside the temple compound. After the bath we went to room and changed to fresh dress.
We had our break fast in a near by hotel called Abbirami Hotel. The food Iddly and Dosai are very good .Then we went to temple.
The temple is very big and constructed over a period time by various Rajas. The main Lingam Rameshwar Lingam was believed to be made by Seetha and the other lingam called Kasiviswanathar was believed to be brought from Kasi by Hanuman. One more lingam brought by Hanuman is in Hanuman sannathi praharam.There is a Jothi lingam in the temple which one among twelve Jothi lingams in India. The Natarajar in Uthirasha mandapam is to be seen by every one.The third Praharam is the biggest in Asea.
After taking meals we proceed to various places by auto.First we went to Dhanushkodi. We visited the Kothandaramasamy Temple there.It is in a sea shore.There is clear water in the sea. Idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman and Vibhishana (brother of Ravana), surrendered to Rama, here.
Then we went to Dr Abdul Kalam’s house. His brother is residing here.We made some purchases in the store of Kalam’s relatives above his house. Then we went to Ramar Padam at Gandamadana Parvatham. The imprint of Lord Rama's feet placed on a Chakra (wheel) is found in this shrine which is at the highest point on the island at 2 km from Rameswaram.
We went to Satchi anjaneya temple where the Hanuman after return from Lanka told Rama that he has seen Seetha there.Then we went to Panjamuga Anjaneya temple. Floating stones which were said to be used to construct the Sethu bridge by Nalan are in display.We went Naganathan temple and Lakshmana Theertham near the temple.
Then we returned the room. After some rest we visited the sea at night and have enjoyed the cool breeze from the sea. After dinner we recollected the places we visited and then had a nice sleep in our room.
