Follow in Narendra Modi's footsteps, says Mayur Sanap, and embark on a pilgrimage to the Sri Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram, the Kashi of the South.
Legend has it that Lord Rama installed and worshipped a Shivling at this spot before embarking on the journey to Lanka to rescue his wife.
Glorious Exterior
The imposing temple structure, with a 38-metre gopuram, dates from around the 17th century, with parts that were built much, much earlier, maybe around the 5th century AD.
The shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
The Exquisite Temple Corridor
On display inside are intricately carved walls and pillars within the Third Pragaram or the third corridor of the mandir, one of the longest temple corridors in the world.
Awesome Pillars
The temple's massive corridor has a total of 1,212 pillars that stand tall, soaring to 30 feet, with frescoes on the ceiling.
Don't Miss The Aarti
The aarti every morning is called the Mani Darshan, during which a crystal Shivling is worshipped.
Take A Holy Dip
The temple houses 22 theerthams or sacred wells, where devotees can take a dip before entering the main prayer hall.
The water, it is believed, has the power to wash away one's sins.
Five-Faced Hanuman Temple
About 3 km from the Sri Ramanathaswamy temple is the Panchmukhi Hanuman mandir with its floating rocks.
The rocks are believed to have been used for the Ram Setu, a pathway from Rameswaram to Mannar island, built by Lord Rama's army to cross over to Lanka.
Pamban Bridge
A trip to Rameswaram is also about the thrill of whizzing across the Pamban Bridge, the 2.3 km overpass connecting the island town to mainland India, one of the most scenic train routes in the country.
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