Dhanushkodi Beach in Rameshwaram (History, Importance & Timings)
One of Rameshwaram’s distinctive attractions is Dhanuskodi, which is situated on the southeast tip of Pamban Island. It is roughly 20 kilometers from Rameshwaram. The name Dhanuskodi, which literally translates to “end of bow,” alludes to the Hindu sacred literature Ramayana and the myth of Lord Rama.
Dhanushkodi is the land boundary between India and Sri Lanka and is one of the world’s tiniest cities, measuring only 50 yards in length. About 15 kilometers separate it from Sri Lanka. This hamlet boasts a 15-kilometer stretch of beach. The Bay of Bengal on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other encircle the town of Dhanushkodi.
Devotees continue to travel to this spiritually significant town, which was designated a ghost town following the 1964 cyclone, to see the remains of a once-grand temple that miraculously survived the enormous destructive waves of the storm. Surrounded by a large expanse of ocean and dazzling beach, its picturesque splendor is equally mesmerizing. On a Rameshwaram trip, it has grown to be one of the most visited locations.
The cyclone of 1964
A major pilgrimage destination, the holy town of Dhanushkodi, was struck by a storm in 1964. Additionally, a passenger train carrying over 100 people from Pamban Bridge on the Dhanushkodi railway line was struck, killing every person on board. This cyclone claimed the lives of almost 1800 individuals in total. Only a few ruins remain of the entire town after it was completely wiped away. The settlement of Pambam was also damaged by the huge tidal waters. Following this natural disaster, the Madras government declared the town unfit for human habitation, leading to its designation as a ghost town. Only a small number of fishermen and their families still reside in this village.
Only the temple remained intact after the cyclone. There aren’t many remnants of the past visible at Dhanuskodi. In addition to the temple ruins, tourists can observe a chapel and the railway station’s water tank. Visitors come here to learn about the area’s history and to witness the sturdy temple building that may survive a destructive cyclone. In order to touch the area that has a rich legend surrounding it and to seek the blessings of the Lord, many devotees also travel to the sacred country of Dhanuskodi.
Legend / History of Dhanuskodi
Dhanuskodi is the location where Lord Rama, Lord Lakshman, Lord Hanuman, and the Vanara army constructed a bridge to Lanka in order to free Goddess Sita from the demon Ravana’s captivity, according to the traditions of the Ramayana, one of the holiest Hindu books. We call this bridge Ram Setu. Vibhishana, Ravana’s brother, was later proclaimed King of Lanka by Lord Rama following the victory in the war. Afterward, Vibhishana begged the Lord to demolish the Ram Setu. Lord Rama used the end of his bow to break the bridge at his request. Ad Dhanushkodi, which translates to “end of the bow,” is the place’s name because of this.
Some academics claim that the existence of a bridge that was submerged in the sea and connected India and Sri Lanka supports the narrative of Lord Rama and the Hindu epic Ramayana. In order to see the land where the Lord is said to have begun his journey to Lanka, many devotees travel here. This is also the location of the well-known Kodandarama Kovil temple, which marks the beginning of Lord Rama’s journey to Lanka in order to save Goddess Sita.
Reaching Dhanuskodi Beach
Buses and jeeps can take you from Rameshwaram to Dhanuskodi town. From Rameshwaram, numerous passenger jeeps travel to Dhanuskodi town. To reach Dhanuskodi beach, tourists are required to either travel by jeeps or vans. They must go along the sandy path since there is no road leading to the beach. Additionally, some visitors would rather stroll up to the beach.