Kothandaramaswamy Temple

Kothandaramaswamy temple located on an island in the Bay of Bengal at the southern most point of India. Being on an island, it is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal Ocean on all four sides and the amazing part is that it has weathered and survived even the most violent storms and cyclones that have battered the island. The temple historical importance lies in being a part of Ramayana. It is here where Ravan's younger brother Vibhishana joined Lord Rama in the war against King Ravana. Hence, Vibhishana is also revered here. The walls are adorned with the marvelous and superb paintings that portray the story of the Ramayana. You can enjoy the temple and its vicinity along with a guide who shall narrate the story all through the trip.

Though much was lost in the cyclone that hit Rameswaram in 1964 the temple of Kothandaramaswamy was undamaged. The spot has a history of its won. The Kothandaramaswamy temple has images of Lord Rama, brother Lakshmana, wife Sita, Hanuman and a remorseful Vibhishana.

There is a Tree in this temple namely Athi Maram, which is believed to be as old as the temple itself. and there is also a temple tank named after Sage Bhringhi. Another Mystery about this temple is its gopuram(towers), this temple tower has Dakshinamoorthi curved init. It is odd that Saivite god curved in a Vaishnavite temple tower.

The Ancient story is like this, A Sage namely Bhringhi - an ardent devotee of Lord Rama requested him to stay in his ashram. Accepting his devotee wishes Rama decided to Stay in a place nearby called Nandavanam. As days goes by Nandavanam later became Nandambakkam. Places Next to Nandambakkam are still called by names like Ramapuram and Sitapuram. There are many places to stay and visit this ancient place.